Carbondale Reporter

SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale has introduced the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system, becoming the first healthcare provider in the southernmost 16 counties of Illinois to offer this technology. The new system allows doctors to reach and biopsy small, hard-to-access lung nodules with greater accuracy, aiming to improve early detection rates for lung cancer.

Dr. Gurpreet Bambra, a pulmonologist at SIH, performed the first procedures using the Ion system at the hospital. He emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, "Early detection means early survival. When lung cancer is found at stage 1, the five-year survival rate is about 85 percent. By stage 3 or 4, that number drops to single digits. Ion helps us find and diagnose disease much sooner, when treatment is most effective."

Lung cancer often does not show symptoms until it is advanced, making early diagnosis challenging. SIH has previously used a combination of low-dose CT screening and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for assessing lymph nodes as part of its approach to earlier diagnosis. The addition of the Ion system enhances this process by enabling specialists to navigate deep into the lung to biopsy nodules that would otherwise require more invasive procedures.

Dr. Bambra explained the technology's benefits: "The Ion’s articulating catheter and shape-sensing technology give us a 3D map of the lung in real time. It bends almost 180 degrees, tracks subtle breathing movements and lets us guide a needle within millimeters of the target. That accuracy means better samples, safer procedures and far less anxiety for patients."

The Ion procedure is minimally invasive, performed under anesthesia, and allows most patients to go home the same day. Dr. Bambra added, "It’s done entirely inside the airway, which greatly reduces the risk of bleeding or lung collapse. And importantly, the physician—not the robot—is always in control."

Craig Jesiolowski, administrator of SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, commented on the significance for local residents: "Introducing the Ion system represents another defining step in our commitment to innovation and access. Our community deserves the same level of advanced care found in major metropolitan centers. By investing in robotic technology like Ion, we’re ensuring patients across Southern Illinois can receive precise, life-saving diagnostics right here at home—without the added stress, distance or delay of traveling outside the region."

Southern Illinois has higher rates of smoking and lung cancer compared to state and national averages. Previously, patients often needed to travel long distances for advanced diagnostic care; now they can receive these services locally.

Dr. Bambra noted that having access to this technology close to home eliminates burdens for patients: “Until now, patients often had to travel to St. Louis or beyond for this level of diagnostic care,” he said. “Having the Ion here eliminates that burden. It keeps patients close to home, near their support systems, while giving them access to state-of-the-art technology."

He also highlighted SIH's broader commitment: “Being in rural America doesn’t mean being behind the curve,” Dr. Bambra said. “SIH is committed to delivering the best care possible—head-to-head with the nation’s top centers.”