NHS clinicians at the Royal Brompton Hospital and St Bartholomew's Hospital have carried out robotic-assisted lung biopsies for the first time in the UK, as part of a clinical study exploring how the system could benefit patients. The Ion Endoluminal System (Ion) from Intuitive is a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system that has the potential to improve precision when taking tissue biopsies of lung nodules, helping to transform early diagnosis of suspected lung cancer. It is able to navigate to and sample small, early-stage nodules in areas of the lung that would otherwise be unreachable. By using unique shape-sensing technology and robotic-assistance it enables clinicians to access hard-to-reach areas and remove tissue with greater precision and accuracy. Not only can it lead to an earlier diagnosis for patients – which means a better chance of survival – but the minimally invasive approach means less risk for patients compared to some existing biopsy techniques. Royal Brompto