UPMC Experts Utilize Robotic Bronchoscopy for Early Lung Cancer Detection
July 20, 2026
Thoracic surgeons are often tasked with assessing small lung nodules found either through computed-tomography (CT) lung cancer screening programs or incidentally on imaging. Nodules located in the mid-lung to peripheral area, or smaller nodules, can be particularly challenging to biopsy. To address these limitations, UPMC has integrated robotic bronchoscopy as a key tool for the evaluation of pulmonary nodules and early-stage lung cancer.
Robotic bronchoscopy represents a significant advancement in minimally invasive pulmonary diagnostics. With the introduction of the Ion® by Intuitive robotic bronchoscopy system, our physicians are able to safely and efficiently obtain tissue samples from small, difficult-to-reach nodules deep within the lungs.
Using a pre-planned pathway, physicians navigate to target lesions with a handheld controller. The system’s fiber-optic shape-sensing technology provides continuous, real-time feedback on the catheter’s position and configuration, enabling precise localization throughout the procedure. A vision probe delivers allows for clear visualization of airway anatomy during navigation. Once the target lesion is reached, the catheter can be locked in place to maintain a stable position during sampling.
At UPMC Passavant and UPMC Presbyterian, this technology is also combined with intraoperative cone beam CT scan imaging to enhance accuracy.
UPMC Expertise in Robotic Bronchoscopy
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, in collaboration with the Division of Pulmonary Medicine and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, has developed one of the nation's largest robotic bronchoscopy programs.
In addition to diagnostic applications, UPMC physicians are leveraging robotic bronchoscopy for advanced interventions such as targeted lesion localization and preoperative marking to guide minimally invasive surgical resection.
Robotic bronchoscopy helps facilitate earlier and more definitive diagnosis of lung cancer, allowing patients to begin treatment when it may be most effective. As the technology has expanded throughout the UPMC network, patients can access advanced diagnostic evaluation closer to home while benefiting from the expertise and multidisciplinary resources of a nationally recognized lung cancer program.
Robotic bronchoscopy is available at multiple UPMC hospitals throughout Pennsylvania, including:
Why Choose UPMC
UPMC is a national leader in thoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine, and lung cancer care. UPMC physicians perform more than 700 robotic bronchoscopy procedures annually, combining advanced technology with extensive clinical experience to improve access to minimally invasive treatment. UPMC Hamot was the first hospital in the nation to adopt robotic bronchoscopy, helping establish new standards for the early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer.
Supported by multidisciplinary collaboration across the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, patients have access to advanced thoracic services throughout the UPMC footprint. While highly complex procedures may be performed at specialized centers, robotic bronchoscopy and many other advanced diagnostic services are close to home, ensuring patients receive expert care with greater convenience and reduced travel times.
