Leading the Way: 1000 Robot-Assisted Bronchoscopy Procedures
By Katie Butler, Public Affairs Specialist
The North Florida/South Georgia Veteran Health System's (NF/SGVHS) Interventional Pulmonary (IP) program has achieved a remarkable milestone, successfully performing over 1,000 robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedures for Veterans in the area.
This achievement sets it apart, as no other Veterans Affairs (VA) facility in the country has reached or even approached this significant number.
This innovative procedure represents a major advancement in navigational bronchoscopy; a vital method used to biopsy lung nodules for the detection of lung cancer and other pulmonary diseases.
Given that lung cancer ranks as the third most common type of cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, the VA's ability to offer this diagnostic procedure to Veterans is truly transformative.
“We're on a mission to tackle lung cancer head-on and every day we’re chipping away at those numbers. It’s all about making a positive impact in the Veteran community," Said Dr. Bianka Eperjesiova, Director of Interventional Pulmonology.
Robot-assisted bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that allows physicians to biopsy smaller lung nodules located deeper in the edges of the lungs, a feat that was previously unachievable without robotic assistance. The enhanced precision of this diagnostic tool allows for earlier initiation of treatment, which can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall prognosis.
The NF/SGVHS IP team is at the forefront of innovative healthcare, steadfast in their mission to provide exceptional care to Veterans. Their dedication to excellence guarantees that each Veteran who steps through their doors comes out feeling better than before. This commitment to quality not only enhances the lives of those they serve but also sets a standard that inspires others.