Sanford Bismarck introduces technology to detect cancer

Media Contact:
Erin Horn
Senior Media Relations Specialist
701-516-4903 / erin.horn@sanfordhealth.org

BISMARCK, N.D. (May 23, 2024)— Sanford Bismarck now offers Ion technology, a robotic-assisted platform for minimally invasive peripheral lung biopsy, which will enhance the detection of lung cancer.

The Ion technology provides oncologists the ability to navigate to distant regions of the lungs to locate and test areas that could be cancerous.

“The Ion robotic system enhances our ability to diagnose lung cancer at any stage, which can significantly improve the survival rate for patients,” said Anthony Tello, M.D., pulmonary/critical care department chair. “The advanced 2D and 3D imaging capabilities and the robotic-assisted precision allow for more accurate biopsy procedures, ultimately leading to earlier detection and intervention.”

“Early detection is key to improving the outcomes for patients with lung cancer,” said Brittney Mueller, vice president of operations. “Sanford Health is committed to bringing new technologies like Ion to the residents of western North Dakota in an effort to keep care close to home and advance the fight against lung cancer.”

Sanford Health Primary Care providers will be screening their patients at risk for lung cancer and referring those found to have lung nodules to the Sanford Lung Nodule Clinic, located inside the Bismarck Medical Center at 222. N Seventh St. in Bismarck. Patients will then be evaluated and tested.

For more information, visit sanfordhealth.org and search keyword “pulmonology”.

The Sanford Bismarck region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 25 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.


About Sanford Health
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves 1.4 million patients and nearly 200,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 45 hospitals, 211 clinic locations, more than 160 Good Samaritan Society senior living centers, 2,900 Sanford physicians and advanced practice providers, 540 active clinical trials, and nine world clinic locations around the globe. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural health care across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

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