Milestone highlights hospital’s commitment to advanced technology for the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease

Delray Medical Center is celebrating a significant milestone in advanced lung care as more than 800 procedures using the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system have been completed. The milestone procedure was completed by the advanced bronchoscopy team at Delray medical center led by Dr. Stephen Milan, director of the program, and his colleagues Drs. Carlos Guiterriez and Joshua Lung.

The Ion robotic bronchoscopy platform is designed to help physicians reach small and difficult-to-access nodules deep within the lung. Using an ultra-thin, highly maneuverable catheter and advanced navigation technology, physicians can obtain tissue samples from suspicious lung nodules that may be challenging to reach using traditional bronchoscopy.

Reaching 800 procedures reflects the experience Dr. Milan and the Delray Medical Center team have developed with the technology and the growing role robotic bronchoscopy plays in evaluating patients with suspicious lung nodules.

“Completing 800 Ion procedures is an incredible milestone for Dr. Milan and our entire team at Delray Medical Center,” said Heather Havericak, chief executive officer of Delray Medical Center. “Experience matters when patients are facing the possibility of a lung cancer diagnosis. By investing in advanced technology and supporting highly skilled physicians like Dr. Milan, we are helping provide our community with access to sophisticated diagnostic capabilities close to home.”

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy can play an important role in the early detection of lung cancer by allowing physicians to biopsy suspicious nodules, including smaller nodules located in peripheral areas of the lung. Earlier and more accurate diagnosis can help physicians determine an appropriate treatment plan sooner.

“Every procedure represents a patient who came to us looking for answers, and reaching 800 is a meaningful reminder of why access to this technology is so important,” said Dr. Stephen Milan. “The Ion platform gives us the ability to navigate deep into the lung with a high level of precision and evaluate nodules that historically could be difficult to reach. Our goal is to provide patients with an accurate diagnosis as efficiently as possible so, when treatment is needed, we can begin planning the next step in their care.”

At Delray Medical Center, Ion robotic bronchoscopy can also be incorporated into a coordinated approach to lung cancer care. For appropriate patients, physicians can use advanced technology to identify and biopsy suspicious lung nodules and help guide subsequent treatment, and if the patient is the right fit, it can all be done same-day.

The 800-procedure milestone is part of Delray Medical Center’s broader commitment to expanding access to advanced minimally invasive and robotic technology across multiple specialties.

About Delray Medical Center

Delray Medical Center, part of the Palm Beach Health Network, is a 536-bed acute care hospital, spanning 30 acres, employing over 1,700 employees, 700 physicians, serving southern Palm Beach County for over 40 years. As both a community hospital and state-designated Level I Trauma Center Delray Medical Center offers several specialized services including state-of-the art cardiac and vascular facilities, orthopedics, neurosciences, emergency care, and weight-loss surgery.

Pinecrest Rehabilitation and Outpatient Hospital at Delray Medical Center is the only state designated brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation program in the county by the State of Florida. Delray Medical Center is also home to Fair Oaks Pavilion, a 53-bed adult psychiatry unit. For more information about our services, visit our website at www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com.