Health Clips

ST. LUKE’S FIRST TO OFFER ROBOT-ASSISTED LUNG BIOPSY

St. Luke’s Hospital is now offering patients a new, minimally invasive option for lung biopsies using a robot-assisted surgical tool. It allows physicians to obtain tissue samples from deep within the lung and potentially diagnose lung cancer earlier. St. Luke’s is the first hospital in Cedar Rapids with this robotic technology. The Ion Endoluminal Robotic Bronchoscopy System features an ultra-thin, maneuverable catheter that allows navigation far into the peripheral lung, and provides stability and precision needed for biopsy compared to manual techniques. Ion is equipped with a small camera, which gives doctors real-time video of the lungs. Once the suspicious lung nodule is reached, the catheter locks in place. A flexible biopsy needle then passes through the catheter to collect tissue. “The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance of survival,” said Hamad Azam, MD, UnityPoint Clinic® – Multi-Specialty pulmonologist. “We are proud to offer this potentially lifesaving technology, which will help us offer the best possible patient care.” The Ion system is designed to fit easily into a bronchoscopy suite and integrate with existing technologies in St. Luke’s operating rooms.

NEW TOOL TO FIGHT PROSTATE CANCER

A new PET/CT imaging agent aids clinicians in determining extent of disease in men with prostate cancer. The prostate cancer imaging agent is called Illuccix injection and it’s available at St. Luke’s.

“We’re very excited to be able to offer this highly anticipated PET agent,” said Sarah Pauley, MD, PhD, medical director and radiation safety officer, Radiology Consultants of Iowa, PLC. “It is expected to transform imaging of, and ultimately treatment for, prostate cancer.” Illuccix is used for PET/CT imaging of prostatespecific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive lesions in patients who have prostate cancer with suspected metastasis, are candidates for initial therapy and there is suspected recurrence based on elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. It is anticipated that PSMA PET/CT imaging will replace body CT and bone scans. PSMA PET/CT imaging has been included in the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for prostate cancer. The imaging product received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in December 2021.

NEW UNITYPOINT CLINIC IN MARION NOW OPEN

Our newest UnityPoint Clinic is now open, and providers are welcoming new patients. UnityPoint Clinic – Tower Terrace, located at 3731 Irish Drive in Marion, across from the YMCA opened Aug 1. Tower Terrace family medicine providers at the new clinic include Olivia Rowland, ARNP, Cassi Zimmerman, DNP, and Erica Craw, PA. Pediatric providers are Dinah Conti, MD, and Andrea Childs, DNP. The new 11,500-square-foot facility offers family medicine and pediatric services. Patients can be seen for routine visits such as wellness exams and vaccinations as well as for non-emergent, acute illnesses. UnityPoint Health is committed to improving the health of the people and communities we serve by making it easier for them to keep their health on point. The new clinic in Marion is the 17th primary care location in the UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids region. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Appointments at UnityPoint Clinic – Tower Terrace can be scheduled by calling (319) 206-7370.