Early lung cancer detection with robotics at Meritus

State-of-the-art robotic technology enables physicians to safely reach small, hard-to-access lung nodules, providing earlier and more precise diagnoses.

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world, and early detection gives patients the best chance of survival, said Dr. Mohammad Jafferji.

The thoracic surgeon with Meritus Surgical Specialists uses the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy system to examine the smallest, most difficult-to-reach areas of the lung, helping physicians diagnose potentially cancerous nodules earlier than may be possible with traditional approaches.

Traditionally, when a small lung nodule is discovered, physicians may monitor it over time with follow-up imaging because obtaining a biopsy can be challenging. The Ion system allows specialists to navigate deep into the lung and biopsy small nodules that may otherwise be difficult to reach, providing answers sooner and helping physicians make treatment decisions earlier.

The Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy is minimally invasive, meaning patients usually go home the same day, Dr. Jafferji said.

“The Ion allows us to find very small nodules and biopsy them accurately,” he said. “We can get to almost everywhere in the lung safely.”

In addition to improving access to small nodules, the technology offers a safer alternative to traditional biopsy techniques. Conventional lung biopsies can carry a higher risk of complications, while robotic bronchoscopy significantly reduces that risk.

Dr. Jafferji has performed more than 15 procedures with the Ion since it arrived in the spring. He works closely with Dr. Mudusar Raza and Dr. Imtiaz Khurshid at Meritus Pulmonary Consultants, providing patients with coordinated care from diagnosis through treatment.

“A multidisciplinary team works together so the patient is getting the most optimal treatment possible,” he said. “Our goal is to diagnose and treat quickly.”

Meritus Health is powered by nearly 5,000 people — more than 4,400 employees, 230 medical students and over 250 volunteers — to be the best community-based academic health system, working together to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve in Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. As an anchor organization for the community, Meritus serves more than 200,000 residents of the tristate region through Meritus Medical Center, Brook Lane Health Services, Meritus Medical Group, Meritus Home Health, Meritus Equipped for Life, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com or visit our Facebook page or LinkedIn page.