Shelbyville, IN – March 20th, 2025 – Dr. Naga Sirikonda, a pulmonologist at MHP Pulmonology, is celebrating a big milestone: performing the 100th case using the Ion Robotic bronchoscopy procedure, an innovative technology that helps to biopsy lung nodules, detect lung cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. 

“Reaching our 100th case with the robotic bronchoscope procedure is a truly exciting moment,” says Dr. Sirikonda. “Having this advanced technology available locally means our patients don’t need to travel far to receive specialized respiratory care, and they benefit from quicker, more precise diagnoses right here in our own community.” 

Since its introduction in 2023, the robotic bronchoscopy has transformed the way we diagnose and treat patients with lung nodules especially with high risk or lung cancer. It improved both the speed and accuracy of diagnosis by enabling to biopsy of small, difficult to reach peripheral lung nodules, allowing for earlier detection of lung cancer where it can be treated and cured, leading to better patient outcomes.   

"The robotic bronchoscope is a true testament to MHP mission of providing exceptional healthcare right here in Shelbyville," said Dr. Sirikonda. 

The Ion system, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is manufactured by Intuitive Surgical, a California-based company specializing in minimally invasive robotic surgery platforms. Designed for safe and simple tissue sampling when nodules are small and located in the peripheral lung, the Ion system is crucial in diagnosing lung cancer early. More than 70% of lung cancer tumors are located in difficult-to-reach areas which are tough to biopsy by conventional bronchoscope. The robotic bronchoscope system we have is state of art and most current advanced technology that is available to biopsy lung nodules.   “The system is minimally-invasive, and as a result, patients experience minimal recovery time and it is typically a same day procedure.  So far, more than 100 cases of robotic bronchoscopy has been performed by Dr. Sirikonda and the diagnostic yield has been 95.2%.  

MHP offers CT scan of chest for Lung cancer screening for eligible patients and covered by Medicare. Screening criteria includes people who smoked 20 pack-year of cigarettes and aged between 50-77 years of age and who are still smoking or quit within 15 years. Lung cancer screening CT chest helps to find the cancer nodules when they are small and early stage. 

“As someone who saw the vision for this advanced diagnostic service come to life, I am incredibly proud of this milestone,” said Ryan Claxton, President & CEO of Major Health Partners. “When Dr. Sirikonda advocated for this technology, we knew it was a game-changer. The fact that we've reached 100 patients so quickly speaks to the real need for this service in our area. It’s a true reflection of our mission to provide top-notch healthcare right here at home.” 

This milestone is another example of Major Health Partners’ commitment to bringing the best in preventive healthcare and cancer detection to our community in Shelbyville. We’re excited to continue providing cutting-edge care that keeps our patients healthy and close to home! 

“As someone who saw the vision for this advanced diagnostic service come to life, I am incredibly proud of this milestone,” said Ryan Claxton, President & CEO of Major Health Partners. “When Dr. Sirikonda advocated for this technology, we knew it was a game-changer. The fact that we've reached 100 patients so quickly speaks to the real need for this service in our area. It’s a true reflection of our mission to provide top-notch healthcare right here at home.” 

This milestone is another example of Major Health Partners’ commitment to bringing the best in preventive healthcare and cancer detection to our community in Shelbyville. We’re excited to continue providing cutting-edge care that keeps our patients healthy and close to home!