UPMC is expanding access to advanced lung cancer diagnostic technology across Pennsylvania.

To accomplish this, the Pittsburgh-based healthcare provider is adding Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy at UPMC Passavant, UPMC East, UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC Washington and UPMC Altoona.

According to the provider, this platform uses minimally invasive technology and enables physicians to navigate deep into the lungs with more precision than traditional bronchoscopy, allowing biopsy of small and difficult-to-reach lung nodules.

Robotic bronchoscopy provides a detailed 3D view of the lungs’ airway passages, which allows the physician to navigate the bronchoscope precisely to the target nodule using a handheld controller.