Intuitive's Ion system passes 10,000 robotic bronchoscopies in Europe
European clinicians have performed more than 10,000 Ion procedures since the system’s 2023 CE mark.
Intuitive has reported more than 10,000 robotic-assisted bronchoscopies in Europe using its Ion endoluminal system since CE marking in 2023. The 19 October 2026 disclosure also reports a worldwide installed base exceeding 1,000 systems as of the second quarter and more than 140,000 lung biopsies performed globally during 2025.
Ion uses a shape-sensing robotic catheter to navigate peripheral airways and position biopsy instruments near suspicious lung nodules. The catheter can articulate 180 degrees in all directions, allowing clinicians to steer through branching passages and stabilise the instrument for sampling. Fibre-optic sensing tracks catheter shape as the physician controls its movement.
European clinical development includes a 2025 multicentre study of shape-sensing robotic bronchoscopy with cone-beam CT verification. The study cited in Intuitive’s announcement examined small and difficult-to-access nodules, including targets close to the pleura, fissures and critical structures. Median nodule size was 13 mm, providing context for the anatomical access being evaluated.
Ion is part of Intuitive’s wider robotic-assisted care portfolio alongside da Vinci surgical systems. Its use in lung-cancer pathways centres on obtaining tissue for diagnosis after imaging identifies a suspicious nodule. The European procedure milestone follows approximately three years of adoption, while Intuitive continues supporting clinical programmes and training as robotic bronchoscopy enters more hospitals.