Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital

Modernizing Veteran care through technology.

On Feb. 24, 2021, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital became the first medical facility within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as the state of Missouri, to offer Veteran patients a new robotic assisted, minimally invasive intervention for acquiring diagnostic biopsies of the lung. The new Ion robotic system features an ultra-thin, extremely maneuverable catheter that allows pulmonologists to navigate farther into the lungs than ever before for extremely precise respiratory biopsies.

“We are very excited and proud to be able to offer this level of care to our Veterans,” said Satish Kalanjeri, MD, Chief of Interventional Pulmonology at Truman VA. “We’ve been very active in modernizing our facilities and services. With this technology, we are able to provide a level of pulmonary care that is second to none.”

The new robotic system features a vision probe that directs the pulmonologist in real-time through airways in the lungs to specific target areas. A fiber optic sensor measures the patient’s breathing tubes hundreds of times per second to provide additional placement information. A fully articulating catheter and flexible needle also make it possible for the device to move 180 degrees in all directions for precise biopsies and other diagnostic interventions.

“Minimally invasive techniques often are preferred because they usually result in fewer complications and quicker recoveries,” said Jeremy Johnson, MD, Chief of Specialty Care at Truman VA. “However, even with endoscopic technology, we as pulmonologists have been limited as to how far into the airways of the lungs we can go for diagnostic purposes. This new robotic platform allows us greater access to the airways of the lungs and provides stability while sampling target lesions.”

“This is a huge leap forward in pulmonary care,” said Patricia Hall, PhD, FACHE, Medical Center Director of Truman VA. “With this technology, we will be able to diagnose cancerous lesions earlier and with greater accuracy. I view the acquisition of this new system as just one example of our commitment to bringing innovative and advanced technologies to mid-Missouri for the benefit of our nation’s heroes.”