Health · Medical Research · 1 hr ago
San Martino hospital adds robot-assisted system to detect lung cancer earlier
San Martino hospital in Genoa has introduced the Ion robotic bronchoscopy system to help detect lung cancer earlier.
The system uses a patient's CT images to guide specialists through the airways to small nodules near the edges of the lung.
Under general anaesthesia, doctors can take targeted biopsies, with a higher diagnostic yield than conventional techniques.
Lung cancer is Italy's third most frequent cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women.
More precise and secure procedures could reduce delays and avoid more invasive tests, including for more vulnerable patients.
The Ion system is the first part of a 12-million-euro technology investment that is set to bring two more robotic platforms to San Martino.
In future, the technology could combine diagnosis and targeted, minimally invasive treatment in the same procedure.
San Martino hospital in Genoa has introduced the Ion robot-assisted bronchoscopy system to help detect lung cancer earlier.
The platform uses CT images to guide specialists to small nodules in peripheral areas of the lung.
It enables targeted biopsies under general anaesthesia and is described as having higher diagnostic yield than conventional techniques.
Officials say the system may reduce delays and avoid more invasive procedures, including for more fragile patients.
The Ion system is the first part of a €12 million technology programme that is expected to bring two more robotic platforms to San Martino.
- Who
- San Martino hospital in Genoa and the specialists who use the Ion platform.
- What
- The hospital has introduced a robot-assisted system for diagnosing lung lesions.
- When
- The system’s arrival was reported on 10 November 2026.
- Where
- San Martino hospital, Genoa, Italy.
- Why
- To reach small, peripheral lung nodules more precisely and support earlier, more certain diagnosis.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
- System
- Ion robot-assisted bronchoscopy platform
- Hospital
- San Martino, Genoa
- Programme
- €12 million technology innovation programme
- Additional platforms
- Two more robotic platforms planned for San Martino
- Procedure
- Performed under general anaesthesia
What people are saying
The arrival of the Ion robot is a fundamental investment for Liguria’s health service and the first step in a €12 million technology innovation programme that will bring two more robotic platforms to San Martino.
Being able to reach very small and peripheral nodules precisely means reaching a certain diagnosis sooner, often at the first examination, avoiding long waits and more invasive procedures.