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Fort Smith
Mercy Hospital Fort Smith is expanding its lung‑care capabilities with the introduction of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, which offers patients a safer, more precise way to evaluate and diagnose suspicious lung nodules. This advanced technology – utilizing the Ion system – enhances early detection for lung disease while reducing the need for invasive procedures.
In late January, Dr. Daphne MacBruce and Dr. Michael Winterton performed the first robotic bronchoscopy procedures at Mercy Fort Smith. Robotic bronchoscopy combines the skill of Mercy’s highly trained surgeons with state-of-the-art navigation software to provide exceptional accuracy. While the system uses advanced robotics, the procedure’s success ultimately depends on the expertise of the physician guiding it. Mercy’s certified surgeons undergo extensive, specialized training and must demonstrate mastery of robotic techniques before performing these procedures.
“Having robotic-assisted bronchoscopy at Mercy allows patients to avoid more invasive procedures and unnecessary surgeries,” said Dr. Paul Bean, chief medical officer at Mercy Fort Smith. “This technology brings a new level of precision to lung diagnostics.”
Robotic bronchoscopy is recommended for patients with suspicious lung nodules. Like traditional bronchoscopy, it is a non-surgical procedure requiring no incisions and no overnight hospital stay. Using an ultrathin, highly maneuverable instrument, the surgeon navigates the airways to closely examine the lungs. If needed, a bronchoscopy biopsy can be performed during the same procedure to collect tissue for diagnosis. (See a video demonstration here.)
Mercy Fort Smith’s new system uses the Ion robotic bronchoscopy platform, which is especially effective in reaching small or hard-to-access lung nodules. The software generates a detailed map of the patient’s airways using CT scans, displaying precise pathways that guide the surgeon directly to the target area. This level of accuracy can eliminate the need for more complex or surgical diagnostic procedures.
Robotic bronchoscopy typically takes less than an hour, and because it is minimally invasive, patients experience a faster recovery and fewer complications than with traditional surgical approaches.
Mercy previously introduced the Ion procedure in other communities, including Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas in late 2024.
The addition of robotic bronchoscopy reflects Mercy Fort Smith’s ongoing investment in expanding access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options, said Ryan Gehrig, president of Mercy Fort Smith Communities.
“Bringing robotic bronchoscopy to Mercy Fort Smith expands the level of care we can offer right here in the River Valley,” he said. “This technology gives our patients more precise diagnostics, faster answers and access to innovative treatment options close to home — which is exactly the kind of compassionate, high-quality care our community deserves.”
