People in South Hall, Gwinnett, Jackson and Barrow Counties now have local access to an innovative technology in the fight against cancer. Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton recently completed its first Ion robotic bronchoscopy, a groundbreaking procedure that significantly advances lung cancer detection and enhances patient care.
Kimtuyen Nguyen, MD, a highly skilled pulmonologist with Pulmonary and Sleep Specialists of Northeast Georgia, led the team in performing the hospital’s first two Ion robotic bronchoscopies on January 8.
“This system represents a transformative leap in our ability to diagnose lung cancer early,” said Dr. Nguyen. “Catching lung cancer early has a tremendous positive impact on treatment options and prognosis, and I’m proud to be a part of the NGMC Braselton team to offer this to our patients and community.”
Physicians use the Ion robot to navigate deep into the lungs to reach and biopsy small, hard-to-access nodules. They are able to insert a thin, flexible tube through the patient’s windpipe, eliminating the need to make any incisions – which also reduces pain, speeds up recovery and doesn’t leave any scars.
“Teams at NGMC Gainesville performed their first Ion robotic bronchoscopy 18 months ago, and now we’re excited to bring the latest medical innovations to the community surrounding our hospital in Braselton,” said Kevin Matson, vice president of Regional Hospitals, Southern Market, for Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). “It’s just one more way we’re committed to providing life-saving care, and the full range of services to beat cancer, close to home.”
For more information about cancer care at NGHS, visit nghs.com/cancer.