Stamford Health Announces Advancement in Lung Cancer Biopsy

Stamford, CT / April 14, 2025 – Today, Stamford Health announced it is the first hospital in Fairfield County, Connecticut to offer a minimally invasive, robotic bronchoscopy lung biopsy procedure to help diagnose lung cancer earlier and improve treatment outcomes. The tool, called the Ion Endoluminal System by Intuitive, represents an advancement in the existing approaches to lung biopsy by enabling physicians to obtain tissue samples from deep within the lung, addressing a challenging aspect of lung biopsy. Last month, a team of pulmonary and thoracic specialists performed several procedures using the new system.

While lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths; when diagnosed at the earliest stage, the average 5-year survival rate is 92%. In just the first five patients treated using the Ion system, Stamford Health physicians diagnosed several instances of malignancy that had undergone prior unsuccessful biopsies or may not have even been attempted with prior technology. In addition to the robotic bronchoscopy system, Stamford acquired the Siemens Cios Spin system, enabling three-dimensional imaging in the procedural room to confirm the needle is directly within the tumor. Stamford is only the second hospital in Connecticut to combine these technologies. After diagnosis, these patients were offered comprehensive treatment plans, providing them with the opportunity to cure their disease after discovery at the earliest stages.

“The combination of robotic bronchoscopy and 3D intraoperative imaging solidifies Stamford Health’s position as a preeminent center for lung cancer treatment in the New York metropolitan area and Connecticut,” remarked Michael Ebright, M.D., Director of Thoracic Surgery. “The services Stamford Health provides patients for the detection, early diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer, through our partnership with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, are second to none. While a cancer diagnosis is always scary, I want my patients to know that lung cancer is treatable and even curable in many cases.”

“I am so proud of our multidisciplinary approach to patient care and the advances we are making to our lung cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment programs,” said Michael Bernstein, M.D., Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Stamford Health. “This new technology is a testament to our commitment to offer the most sophisticated care for our patients, close to home,” added Bernstein.

Stamford Health is designated by the American College of Radiology as a Screening Center of Excellence and recognized by the Lung Cancer Alliance. They offer lung screening services at Stamford Hospital on the Bennett Medical Center Campus, the Darien Imaging Center at 6 Thorndal Circle and at Stamford Health’s Tully Health Center at 32 Strawberry Hill Ct. Learn more about Stamford Health’s lung cancer screening services and smoking cessation program.

ABOUT STAMFORD HEALTH

Stamford Health is a non-profit independent healthcare system with over 3,900 employees committed to caring for the community through a wide range of high-quality health and wellness services. Patients and their families receive expert, compassionate care through the system's 305-bed Stamford Hospital; Stamford Health Medical Group, with more than 40 offices in lower Fairfield County offering primary and specialty care; a growing number of ambulatory locations across the region; and support through the Stamford Hospital Foundation.

Stamford Health is known for its expert, person-centered care through its many recognitions and partnerships. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Stamford Hospital as a High-Performing Hospital. The Leapfrog Group awarded Stamford Hospital an "A" for patient safety. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has granted Stamford Hospital Magnet Status, recognizing superior patient care with the highest safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. Stamford Health is Planetree Gold-Certified for Excellence in Person-Centered Care and is a Certified™ Great Place to Work. Stamford Health is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. It offers treatment and expertise from Columbia University Irving Medical Center's nationally recognized heart and neurosurgeons. Stamford Health and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have created a premier center for specialty orthopedic care in Stamford, Connecticut. Stamford Health's Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center has a robust collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Dedicated to being the community’s most trusted health care partner, Stamford Health puts patients first to build long-lasting relationships. For more information, visit StamfordHealth.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.

PRESS CONTACT

Andie Jodko, Communications Director
Stamford Health
[email protected]
203.276.5511