MercyOne completes 1,000th minimally invasive robotic procedure to diagnose lung disease

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center unveiled the Ion Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy system in 2020, and this month it conducted its 1,000^th procedure.

MercyOne was the first medical center in Iowa to utilize this technology, which enables providers to access hard-to-reach lung nodules to detect lung cancer and other diseases much sooner than other methods, with minimal discomfort and side effects. MercyOne is also the first medical center in Iowa to have reached the 1,000-case milestone.

This technology generates precise 3D maps of a patient’s lungs using CT imaging. These maps help providers guide a thin, lighted catheter through the throat and into the patient’s lungs to assess their condition and observe any nodules or abnormalities. The catheter is fitted with a biopsy needle to collect samples to be studied for cancer. 

“The robotic technology allows us to see deeper into the lungs and biopsy even the smallest nodules to look for cancer and catch it before it grows and potentially spreads to other parts of the body,” said Shrey Velani, MD, a pulmonologist and critical care specialist at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.

“Being able to diagnose cancer in its earliest stages offers the best possible treatment options and provides for the best patient outcomes,” Dr. Velani added.

During the same procedure, providers can also biopsy lymph glands in and around the lungs. Studying the lymph glands enables providers to determine the stage of the cancer, which shows the extent to which it has grown or spread throughout the body.

“Reaching our 1,000th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is a significant milestone that reflects both the precision of this advanced technology and our commitment to innovation in care,” said Hijinio Carreon, DO, Chief Medical Executive for MercyOne. “Early detection remains one of the most critical factors in treating lung cancer successfully, and having this robotic technology available to our patients greatly enhances both their experience and their health outcomes.”

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and lasts about an hour. Patients usually require about 45 minutes to recover before they can resume their normal activities. Compared to other lung biopsy methods, the risk of complications is very low, at approximately 3%. Other lung biopsy techniques, which involve inserting a needle through the chest into the lungs, carry a 20% to 40% risk of serious complications.

The system can also help detect additional lung diseases, such as fungal infections, vasculitis and inflammation, alongside screening for cancer. 

For more information about MercyOne’s robot-assisted bronchoscopy program, visit Ion Navigational Bronchoscopy.