Since earning its CE mark in 2023, Intuitive’s Ion endoluminal system (Ion) has enabled surgeons across Europe to perform more than 10,000 robotic-assisted bronchoscopies.
The company believes the technology’s growing adoption could support earlier diagnosis and treatment for patients with suspected lung cancer.
Patients with suspected lung cancer may undergo prolonged imaging surveillance of lung nodules without a definitive biopsy diagnosis. This watchful waiting can cause anxiety and delay access to treatment.
Ion has an ultra-thin, shape-sensing catheter designed to navigate deep into the lung, enabling clinicians to access small, complex nodules and precisely position biopsy tools to sample potentially cancerous tissue with stability not available with manual bronchoscopy techniques.
Dr Oliver Wagner, Vice President and Medical Officer, Endoluminal Division at Intuitive, said: ‘Behind every procedure is someone seeking answers about a potentially life-changing diagnosis. Through Ion, our aim is to help clinicians replace that uncertainty with a clear answer earlier, ultimately leading to better clinical outcomes for patients. Reaching 10,000 Ion procedures across Europe is an important milestone, reflecting the dedication of pioneering clinical teams who have adopted and integrated robotic-assisted bronchoscopy into their lung cancer pathways.’
In 2025, a Europe-first multi-centre clinical study demonstrated that Ion enables clinicians to safely and effectively reach and biopsy small nodules in difficult-to-access areas of the lung, with a high rate of diagnostic accuracy provided to patients.
Dirk Barten, Intuitive commercial president for Europe, said: ‘As lung screening programmes expand across Europe, more potential lung cancers are being detected. With Ion, we remain focused on helping clinicians give patients a clear diagnosis at the earliest possible stage, so they can access the right treatment sooner.
‘Through our portfolio of Ion and da Vinci surgical systems and integrated Intuitive Ecosystem, our aim is to improve access to minimally invasive care. We’re working with healthcare systems across Europe to transform their lung cancer pathways, and help ensure more patients can access early diagnosis and improved clinical outcomes.’
Ion is part of Intuitive’s connected ecosystem and full portfolio of robotic-assisted systems, each designed to help clinicians and care teams improve patient outcomes, enhance patient and care team experiences, lower the total cost of care, and expand access to minimally invasive care.
There are more than 1,000 Ion systems installed in hospitals worldwide,10 which were used by surgeons to perform more than 140,000 lung biopsies in 2025.
References available here.
Published: 24.10.2026
