Snellville, Ga. (January 21, 2025) – Piedmont Eastside Medical Center is proud to announce the implementation of the ION Robot and Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS), enhancing the capability for early detection of lung cancer in Gwinnett County. These advanced technologies are currently being used by the physicians at Pulmonary and Sleep Specialists of Piedmont Northeast, who recently added a clinic on the Piedmont Eastside campus. Bringing more than 15 years of established expertise in pulmonary and sleep medicine to the Snellville community, this practice features five board-certified physicians: Rami Arfoosh, M.D., Rachel Nisbet, M.D, Kimtuyen Nguyen, M.D., Malik Malik, M.D., and Nadia Yimer, M.D., along with several advanced practice providers.
Due to the complexity of early detection, lung cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage. With the integration of the Ion Robot and EBUS, Piedmont Eastside is now able to offer patients a greater chance at early detection, leading to better outcomes and more successful treatment.
The state-of-the-art ION robot platform enables early lung cancer detection by using a precision-guided catheter to access small lesions throughout all 18 segments of the lung. The robot helps doctors access areas deep inside the lungs, where it was traditionally difficult to go before, take samples of concerning nodules, and diagnose and treat respiratory conditions with accuracy.
The EBUS procedure employs a flexible telescope with an ultrasound-guided needle to obtain tissue samples from within the chest cavity through the airway. This advanced diagnostic tool helps determine cancer staging by precisely measuring the extent of cancer growth and spread, enabling the care team to develop optimal treatment plans.
"We're proud to bring expert lung care closer to home for Gwinnett County residents," said Piedmont Eastside's chief executive officer, Larry Ebert. "The investment in these technologies demonstrates our commitment to providing accessible, advanced pulmonary care to our community."