Memphis VA uses new robotic arm to diagnose lung cancer in veterans [Video]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The leading cause of cancer deaths among U.S. veterans is lung cancer. But thanks to a new million-dollar robotic system at the Memphis VA, Mid-South veterans are getting diagnosed faster now, which leads to earlier treatment and better survival rates.

Interventional pulmonologist Dr. Arjan Flora performed the first robotic-assisted bronchoscopy at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis three weeks ago.

This is a procedure where a tube with a tiny camera and light is passed through your nose or mouth, down into your lungs to look for cancer.

”This is absolutely amazing,” Dr. Flora told Action News 5, “This is a big deal, because now we can finally diagnose lung nodules that are potentially suspicious for cancer at a very early stage. If you’re able to treat that early, there’s a 97% chance of survival within two years, 95% at five years.”

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