Doctors perform 100th procedure with Intuitive Surgical Ion robotic-assisted system for lung care

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The 100th procedure with the Intuitive Surgical Ion robotic-assisted system for advanced lung care was conducted on July 11 at Saint Francis Medical Center.

The Intuitive Ion endoluminal system is designed to address a challenging aspect of lung biopsy by enabling physicians to obtain tissue samples from deep within the lung.

Robotic-assisted surgery has helped enhance minimally invasive care across dozens of procedures. The Intuitive Ion innovative robotic-assisted platform aims to enable minimally invasive biopsies that could become a key part of early diagnosis.

“The earlier it is detected, the more options you have,” said Hussein Asad, MD, interventional pulmonologist at Saint Francis Healthcare System.

The median time for lung cancer diagnosis is 23 days, according to Dr. Asad.

“The innovative state of art technology coupled with the expertise of Dr. Asad’s interventional pulmonology skills are having a great impact in the lives and legacy of the communities we are privileged to serve,” added Lisa Newcomer, RRT, MBA, FACHE, Vice President of Regional Operations for Saint Francis. “This achievement reflects our dedication to expanding access to top-tier services and is a testament to our ongoing efforts to deliver exceptional care to every patient we serve.”

Lung cancer is the third-most common type of cancer affecting people. It is the number one cancer killer in the U.S. and worldwide.

Medical professionals say it is difficult to detect in the early stages, which underscores the importance of early diagnosis.