System News

Roper St. Francis Healthcare highlighted its leadership in minimally invasive lung cancer care during a Nov. 20 event featuring an immersive experience with cutting-edge robotic technology.

Held during Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Intuitive’s Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience gave physicians, donors and community partners a hands-on look at the company’s Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy system.

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, which hosted the event, already uses the technology. Roper Hospital recently received the equipment and plans to begin using it by the end of 2025. Berkeley Hospital will add Ion next year, expanding access to high-quality, comprehensive care that can lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for the deadliest cancer in the U.S.

“The Ion platform gives our physicians remarkable precision in navigating and biopsying areas of the lung that were once extremely difficult to reach,” Roper St. Francis Healthcare President and CEO Joseph DeLeon said. “Earlier detection leads to faster answers and better outcomes for the patients who depend on us.”

The 1,000-square-foot mobile unit showcased interactive demonstrations focused on early detection, diagnosis and surgical innovation. Guests participated in education sessions and learned how Ion’s flexible robotic scope reaches deep areas of the lung, guides physicians to small nodules before symptoms appear and, in some cases, supports diagnosis and treatment in the same procedure.

Roper St. Francis Healthcare physicians have performed more Ion surgeries than any team in the Charleston area. The health system’s cancer care program has received commendation for superior lung-resection quality from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.

These advancements support Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s 2030 Strategic Plan, which includes modernizing technology, addressing future clinical needs and expanding access to advanced care across the Lowcountry. Through continued investment in innovation and collaboration, Roper St. Francis Healthcare is strengthening its efforts to provide the right care at the right place at the right time.

Statistics related to the use of the technology at Roper St. Francis Healthcare show:

• A 0.05 percent mortality rate for lung resection, compared with the national average of 1.1 percent
• Median 2-day length of stay following the procedure (national average of 4.8 days)
• Twice the national average of lung cancer resections annually

“Collaboration among specialties and innovators is improving how quickly and accurately we can diagnose lung cancer,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kline, cardiothoracic surgeon with Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “That translates to better outcomes for our community.”