St. Peter’s Health Partners (SPHP), a national leader in robotic surgery, is expanding its minimally invasive screening options for early-stage lung cancer with the acquisition of a robotic catheter-based system that allows for earlier detection and diagnosis, both of which are critical in treating lung cancer.
SPHP’s director of advanced bronchoscopy Joseph Seguel, MD, along with Hau Chieng, DO, of Pulmonary & Critical Care Services, and Tracey Weigel, MD, of Albany Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery, performed the health system’s first robotic bronchoscopies at Samaritan Hospital on June 12.
“Early-stage lung cancers are small and difficult to reach,” explained Dr. Seguel. “That’s because more than 70% of cancerous lung nodules are found in the peripheral lung. This area is full of tight spaces and narrow airways that are hard to reliably access through conventional methods. This system changes that. It allows us to reach every segment of the lung with superior precision.”
That reach and accuracy are made possible by the system’s unique planning software and shape-sensing technology. The system works with CT scans to generate a detailed 3D map of the patient’s lungs, down to the branches and nodules. The physician then guides an ultrathin catheter, which is embedded with a fiber optic sensor that provides hundreds of measurements per second, through the pre-planned path to the nodule.
“The catheter and probe give us a real-time view of the airways, delivering precise location, shape, and
orientation information throughout the entire navigation and biopsy process,” explained Dr. Weigel.
“Compared to traditional CT-guided lung biopsies, this technology is faster, less invasive, and leads to significantly fewer side effects — supporting a better quality of life for our patients.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally. The main reason is the absence of noticeable symptoms in early stages.
“When it comes to detecting and treating lung cancer, time matters,” said Nicholas Montalto, MD, chief medical officer for SPHP Acute Care. “At St. Peter’s Health Partners, our Mission calls us to be a transforming healing presence in the communities we serve. By introducing advanced robotic bronchoscopy technology, we’re expanding access to leading-edge diagnostics, helping patients receive answers sooner, begin treatment sooner, and doing it closer to home.”
SPHP has a longstanding commitment to excellence in cancer care. Since 1985, SPHP’s Cancer Care Center has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer® as an accredited Comprehensive, Community-based Cancer Care Program. It is also affiliated with the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, a nationally recognized leader in cancer care.
With locations at St. Peter’s and Samaritan hospitals, SPHP’s Cancer Care Center offers a comprehensive, integrated program dedicated to whole-person healing. The multidisciplinary team includes cancer specialists, fellowship-trained surgeons, pathologists, and radiologists who work seamlessly to optimize treatment plans and provide accurate and timely diagnosis through the latest imaging procedures, comprehensive lab services, genetic testing, and advanced endoscopic procedures. In addition to lung cancer, the program also covers breast, colorectal, blood, and gastrointestinal cancers.
For more information on the spectrum of care available for cancer patients, visit sphp.com/cancer.
