500th robotic bronchoscopy procedure performed at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital

HCA Florida North Florida Hospital (NFH) announced that it performed it’s 500th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure. The robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system is a minimally invasive method used to biopsy lung nodules so that lung cancer can be caught in earlier stages and more successfully treated.

 “In using robotic bronchoscopy, we've been able to diagnose patients’ lung cancer much earlier than what we would've have been able to in the past. We've also been able to provide other patients reassurance that they don't have cancer much earlier than before,” said Dr. Michael Jantz, interventional pulmonologist at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. “The success rate of this procedure has been impressive. It's been just incredible to be able to offer this service to our community.”

 Dr. Jantz adds that the hospital interventional pulmonology team’s success rate for these outpatient procedures---which take about 30-45 minutes to complete--- is around 90%. Additionally, the rate of complications for this procedure is extremely low, around 1%. He encourages patients to seek care at high volume centers like NFH because of the team’s experience and ability to effectively and efficiently perform such an advanced procedure.

“With the robotic platform, it's similar to flying a fighter jet with fly by wire technology,” said Dr. Jantz. “I'm able to control a very small scope that extends far out into the lung and the robot has a computer GPS navigation system built-in. The technology is highly accurate in being able to help me direct my scope through all of the branches of the airways of the lung to the target nodule. The other great advantage about this approach is that it's not just a person holding the scope, it's the robot. It’s completely stable and doesn't move, so I can make millimeter adjustments once I have navigated to the nodule. These fine adjustments facilitate being able access the lung nodule with biopsy instruments to successfully perform the biopsy. Overall, this results in better clinical outcomes, more accurate biopsy results and a better experience for patients.”

Most lung nodules are small and harmless. Some nodules, however, can be cancerous and will grow over time. Suspicious nodules larger than 10 millimeters may need to be biopsied. Previously, there were few options available for the biopsy of a lung nodule. Nodules at the outer edges of the lungs are hard to reach with traditional bronchoscopy methods and there is a risk of lung collapse with a needle biopsy through the chest. These obstacles and concerns are virtually eliminated with the robotic-assisted approach.

HCA Florida North Florida Hospital was awarded with America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care Award from Healthgrades in 2024. To learn more about our interventional pulmonary program or to schedule an appointment with a specialist, visit www.HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.