Piedmont HealthCare and Iredell Health System have reached an important milestone with the 200th ION robotic bronchoscopy performed at Iredell Memorial Hospital. This achievement marks a meaningful step forward for lung cancer diagnosis in our community and supports our shared goal of giving patients access to advanced care close to home.
Dr. Vishal Patel and Dr. Enrique Ordaz of PHC Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine were the first in Iredell County to bring ION robotic bronchoscopy to local patients. Iredell Memorial Hospital remains the only site in the county offering this technology. Thanks to this collaboration, patients can stay close to their families while receiving a high level of diagnostic precision.
The ION platform helps physicians reach small, difficult-to-access areas of the lung with remarkable accuracy. It also has a significantly lower complication rate compared to traditional lung biopsy methods. This leads to safer procedures, quicker recovery, and greater confidence during a stressful time.
“Reaching our 200th ION robotic bronchoscopy is truly a milestone for our lung cancer program and for the patients we serve. This technology allows us to diagnose cancer earlier, more safely, and with remarkable precision, often long before symptoms appear. We’re proud to bring this level of innovation to our community and give patients access to cutting-edge care close to home,” said Dr. Vishal Patel.
Collaboration between Piedmont HealthCare and Iredell Health System has allowed this program to grow quickly and serve more patients each year. Completing 200 cases reflects the strength of that partnership and the dedication of our pulmonology team as we continue to expand innovative, patient-centered care in Iredell County.
Enrique Ordaz, MD Vishal Patel, MD
