Frye Regional Completes 200th Robotic Bronchoscopy Procedure

Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital, has completed its 200th robotic bronchoscopy procedure using the Ion™ Endoluminal System, marking an important milestone during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The achievement reinforces Frye Regional’s role as a regional leader in thoracic oncology and underscores the hospital’s continued commitment to expanding access to advanced lung cancer diagnostics, supporting earlier detection and improving outcomes for patients throughout the region.

Since introducing robotic bronchoscopy in February 2025, Frye Regional has used the minimally invasive technology to evaluate suspicious lung nodules. The Ion system uses a thin, maneuverable catheter and shape-sensing technology to help physicians reach small, difficult-to-access nodules for biopsy, supporting earlier diagnosis and timely treatment planning.

This technology is an important component of Frye Regional’s Thoracic Oncology Program, led by pulmonologist Lakshmi Kallur, MD, and cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon Brett Starr, MD, FACS. The program brings together specialists in pulmonology, thoracic surgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology to provide coordinated care from evaluation and diagnosis through treatment.

Dr. Kallur, a board-certified pulmonary and critical care medicine physician, evaluates patients with lung nodules and performs advanced diagnostic procedures, including robotic-assisted bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound, to evaluate lung nodules and help determine appropriate next steps.

“Completing 200 robotic bronchoscopy procedures reflects the growing number of patients who have gained access to advanced diagnostic care in our region,” said Dr. Kallur. “Many lung cancers are highly treatable when detected early. The ability to safely reach small, difficult-to-access lung nodules allows us to provide answers sooner and help patients move more efficiently from evaluation to a personalized treatment plan.”

For patients who may benefit from surgery, Dr. Starr provides specialized evaluation and treatment, including minimally invasive thoracoscopic procedures and pulmonary resections such as wedge resection, segmentectomy and lobectomy.

“Robotic bronchoscopy is not an isolated procedure. It is an important step within a coordinated continuum of care,” said Dr. Starr. “By bringing pulmonary diagnostics, multidisciplinary review and surgical expertise together, we can reduce delays and help patients receive the right care at the right time without routinely traveling to larger metropolitan centers.”

Frye Regional’s Thoracic Oncology Program offers a range of services including low-dose CT lung cancer screening, advanced diagnostic procedures, multidisciplinary tumor board review, thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, smoking cessation support and care coordination.

“Reaching this milestone during Lung Cancer Awareness Month highlights the important role early detection plays in improving outcomes for patients with lung cancer,” said Lindy White, MBA, FABC, chief executive officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “Every robotic bronchoscopy represents an opportunity to provide answers sooner and connect patients with the care they need. I’m proud of our physicians and care teams for continuing to expand access to advanced lung cancer services close to home.”

For more information, to complete a self-guided lung health assessment or to request a consultation with FryeCare Thoracic Oncology Clinic, visit FryeMedCtr.com/lung-care or call 828.315.4TOC (4862).

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