Global leader in minimally invasive care, Intuitive, and Device Technologies, a leading provider of innovative medical solutions, have achieved a significant milestone. Intuitive’s groundbreaking Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy platform has been included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) (ARTG 473548), marking its official launch in Australia. Ion is a robotic bronchoscopy system designed to support lung biopsy, even in the hard-to-reach nodules in the peripheral lung.

With this new regulatory milestone, Ion is now available to physicians across Australia, offering unprecedented precision, reach, and stability for navigating the lung’s intricate airways. The system aims to accelerate the early detection and potential diagnosis of lung conditions, helping improve patient outcomes through minimally invasive care.

Ion’s ultra-thin, ultra maneuverable catheter enables clinicians to access all 18 segments of the lung and reach small and hard-to-access lesions with greater precision and stability.

With significant interest already in place, this inclusion on the ARTG marks a major step forward in advancing lung care across the country. The development aligns well with the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP), providing timely availability and integration of this technology to support early detection and treatment efforts nationwide. Set to be a critical part of downstream success of the NLCSP in July 2025, Ion is shaping the future of lung health in Australia.

The platform has been in clinical use at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for the past five years as part of global clinical trials, including the world’s first human use of the technology.

Lisa Kirsch, Director of Sales - Surgical & Hospital at Device Technologies, said: “We have been working with Intuitive for over 20 years and have seen the impact of its minimally invasive technology in this time, such as the da Vinci surgical robot. This key milestone for Ion in Australia is a huge step forward and we are proud to be supporting the rollout of this technology to benefit as many Australians as possible.”

THIS PRODUCT IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.