(LONGVIEW, Texas) – CHRISTUS Good Shepherd has successfully performed its first Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, marking another milestone in the health system’s continued investment in advanced, reliable and integrated cancer care. The procedure was performed Aug. 6 by pulmonologist Dr. Venkatesh Donty using the Ion robotic bronchoscopy platform to biopsy a suspicious lung nodule. “The Ion platform represents a significant advancement in the way we diagnose lung cancer,” Donty said. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer screenings are recommended for people aged 50 to 80, who currently or used to smoke and have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking. The addition of Ion bronchoscopy further strengthens CHRISTUS Good Shepherd’s growing oncology program as the health system prepares to open its new CHRISTUS Cancer Center this fall.