500th Robotic Bronchoscopy Procedure Performed at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital
FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida (April 24, 2025)- HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital (FWDH) announced that it performed it’s 500th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure. The robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system is a minimally invasive method used to biopsy lung nodules so that lung cancer can be caught in earlier stages and more successfully treated.
“In using robotic bronchoscopy, we've been able to diagnose patients’ lung cancer much earlier than what we would've have been able to in the past. We've also been able to provide other patients reassurance that they don't have cancer much earlier than before,” said Dr. Luke Yuhico, interventional pulmonologist at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. “The success rate of this procedure has been impressive. It's been just incredible to be able to offer this service to our community.”
Dr. Yuhico adds that the hospital interventional pulmonology team’s success rate for these outpatient procedures---which take about 30-45 minutes to complete--- is around 90%. Additionally, the rate of complications for this procedure is extremely low, around 2-3%. He encourages patients to seek care at high volume centers like FWDH because of the team’s experience and ability to effectively and efficiently perform such an advanced procedure.
“Reaching 500 robotic-assisted bronchoscopies is an incredible achievement because it highlights the advanced level of care our hospital provides,” said Dr. Yuhico. “This milestone demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to embracing innovative technologies that lead to better patient outcomes, such as more precise and less invasive procedures. It reflects the high level of expertise and dedication of your medical team, who have mastered this technology to provide top-notch care. This accomplishment is a testament to the fact that even smaller hospitals can achieve significant medical milestones. It shows that with the right vision, skilled professionals, and a commitment to innovation, smaller institutions can play a vital role in advancing healthcare on a national scale.”
Most lung nodules are small and harmless. Some nodules, however, can be cancerous and will grow over time. Suspicious nodules larger than 8 millimeters may need to be biopsied. Previously, there were few options available for the biopsy of a lung nodule. Nodules at the outer edges of the lungs are hard to reach with traditional bronchoscopy methods and there is a risk of lung collapse with a needle biopsy through the chest. These obstacles and concerns are virtually eliminated with the robotic-assisted approach.
To learn more about HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital’s interventional pulmonary program or to schedule an appointment with a specialist, visit www.HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
From L to R: Dewayne Gillis, Cytologist, Crystal Cravey, Registered Respiratory Therapist, John Nelson, MD, Pathologist , Aaron DeAngelis, Director of Respiratory Therapy, Luke Yuhico, MD, Pulmonologist , Carlee Williams Manager of Respiratory Therapy, Emma Wegher, Vice President, Operations, Patrick McVey, Chief Operations Officer
