Independence Health System Expands Use of Innovative Technology to Improve Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Robotic Bronchoscopy Aims to Help Enable Earlier Access to Lung Nodules
 

Butler, Pa, May 27, 2025 - For lung cancer patients, early diagnosis is crucial for accelerating treatment discussions. Independence Health System’s Butler Memorial Hospital is now utilizing Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s MONARCH™ Platform, a robotically assisted bronchoscopy system, to help physicians obtain tissue samples for the biopsy of lung nodules. 

According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women. In the United States, a new lung cancer diagnosis is made every two minutes, and more than 360 people die from the disease each day. Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that helps physicians diagnose breathing problems, examine abnormal areas detected on imaging tests, and used to treat certain lung problems. 

The MONARCH™ Platform integrates bronchoscopes, instruments, navigation, and robotics into one user-friendly system. The technology provides physicians with a comprehensive suite of endoscopic intervention capabilities. The bronchoscope, a flexible tube equipped with a small camera, offers continuous vision of air passages throughout the procedure. It is designed to navigate deep into the lungs and precisely guide a biopsy instrument to even the most challenging nodules, maintaining clear vision during the critical biopsy phase.

“By integrating the MONARCH™ Platform into our bronchoscopy capabilities, we are significantly enhancing our ability to diagnose lung cancer at its earliest stages, along with future potential endobronchial therapies for the treatment of lung cancer as they develop without a surgical incision,” said Michael Apostolis, MD, a pulmonary specialist who specializes in advanced bronchoscopy at Butler Memorial Hospital. “This advanced technology not only improves our diagnostic accuracy but ensures our patients can receive state-of-the-art expert care close to home.”

During the procedure, the physician uses a controller to maneuver the tube to different areas of the lung that are more difficult to reach with traditional methods. A 3-D map of the patient’s lungs is displayed on a computer screen, allowing the physician to navigate to the lung nodule with precision, similar to GPS technology in a car.

In May 2022, the thoracic surgical team at Independence Health System’s Latrobe Hospital became one of the first in the country to implement the MONARCH™ platform. Earlier this year, the hospital's thoracic group at Latrobe Hospital was once again awarded the prestigious three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for their exceptional patient care and outcomes in lung cancer resection. This top honor from the STS ranks them among the elite in general thoracic surgery across the United States and Canada.

“Independence Health System’s thoracic surgery group at Latrobe Hospital is honored to have earned this distinction and thanks STS for its commitment to patient care. This accolade recognizes IHS in the same category as major area healthcare competitors,” said Michael Szwerc, MD, medical director of the ALC and chairman, Committee on Cancer, IHS. “Lung cancer is a terrible disease to have. But through early detection, we have saved thousands of lives, and we are proud to serve our community through thorough, comprehensive care and positive surgical outcomes.”

The MONARCH platform provides physicians with another tool to help diagnose cancer early. Annually, more than 500,000 bronchoscopies are performed in the United States. The addition of this advanced technology to Butler Memorial Hospital further strengthens the system’s regional approach to innovative lung cancer care.

“Expanding the use of the MONARCH™ Platform to Butler Memorial Hospital underscores our commitment to providing our patients with the highest level of care,” said George Davliakos, MD, Director of the Advanced Lung Center at Butler Memorial & Clarion Hospitals “This technology further enhances our ability to collect tissue samples for biopsy and diagnose lung cancer early, improving patient outcomes and survival rates.”

For more information about the expert services and procedures offered at Independence Health System, visit www.independence.health. Expert Care. Here.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics, and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health