Kern County’s First Robotic Bronchoscopy Now Available

Kern County and surrounding areas now have access to a next-generation, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform as part of Adventist Health Bakersfield’s fight against lung cancer. The hospital announced it is the first in Kern County to provide an enhanced lung nodule service line with the innovative Galaxy™ System from Noah Medical for the earlier diagnosis of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States and the leading cause of cancer deaths in the country. Survival depends heavily on how early the disease is found. Yet today, it can be challenging for physicians to reach and biopsy small lung nodules, which in turn, delays diagnosis and complicates treatment.

Improving accuracy and diagnostic confidence

Designed in collaboration with physicians, Noah Medical’s Galaxy System is built to improve lung cancer diagnosis. It provides physicians with a clear, real-time view throughout the procedure, so they can confirm they are in the correct place before taking a sample. That added confidence supports more successful biopsies and faster answers for patients.

Clinical results highlight strong performance

In a recent multicenter clinical study, the Galaxy System achieved a 96.7 percent diagnostic yield, one of the highest reported in robotic-assisted bronchoscopy.1 More than 15,000 procedures have now been performed with the Galaxy System at more than 60 hospitals across the United States.

With the Galaxy System, physicians can diagnose and treat lung nodules sooner. The system also uses a single-use, disposable bronchoscope, which reduces the potential for cross-contamination. It optimizes imaging throughout the procedure so patients receive less radiation. The new system is being used by lung specialists at Adventist Health Bakersfield, including Rajan Goyal, MD, and Kaiser Permanente physicians Amy Mehta, MD; Aung Htoo, MD; and Thu Yein, MD.

Expanding access to advanced lung care in Kern County

“Lung cancer is a devastating disease that impacts far too many individuals and families in our community,” said Ghassan Jamaleddine, MD, pulmonologist and medical officer at Adventist Health Central California Network. “Previous technology often made it difficult to accurately detect and locate small lesions in the lungs, but with the Galaxy System, we can streamline the entire process and offer a more precise and efficient approach to diagnosis and treatment. This advancement brings new hope to patients across our region.”

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with the Galaxy System is now available at Adventist Health Bakersfield. Patients and referring physicians can learn more by calling 661-750-5864 (LUNG).