Newsworthy

Stormont Vail Health is excited to announce the completion of its 100^th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy using Ion technology, marking a major milestone for advanced lung care in northeast Kansas.

The 100^th procedure was performed at the end of October, just six months after Stormont Vail became the first health system in Topeka to offer the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform from Intuitive. The system enables physicians to reach and biopsy small, hard-to-access lung nodules with greater precision and stability than traditional methods.

“Reaching 100 cases in such a short time reflects our team’s commitment to innovation and patient-centered care,” said Dr. Hassan Taha, Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care physician at Stormont Vail. “Ion helps us detect lung cancer earlier, which means patients can begin treatment sooner and improve their chances for better outcomes.”

A New Standard for Lung Biopsy

Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is minimally invasive, does not require a needle to be inserted through the chest wall – as previously necessary, and instead, accesses nodules through the airways with a lower risk of lung collapse (pneumothorax). If cancer is detected, staging can often be completed during the same procedure to determine whether it has spread.

The Ion system uses a thin, flexible catheter guided by a 3D map created from the patient’s CT scan. This allows physicians to navigate the complex structure of the lungs with accuracy and stability. Most procedures take less than an hour, and patients typically go home the same day.

Keeping Advanced Care Local

By continuing to invest in advancing technologies, Stormont Vail maintains its goal to expand access to advanced diagnostic tools for patients in Topeka and surrounding communities. Offering robotic-assisted bronchoscopies locally allows patients to receive state-of-the-art care close to home, because Stormont Vail patients deserve the best care.

Ask your doctor if Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is right for you. Already have a referral? We’ll get you scheduled quickly – give us a call at (785) 270-0195.