Piedmont HealthCare and Iredell Health System Unveil Revolutionary System for Early Lung Cancer Detection

Piedmont HealthCare and Iredell Health System are thrilled to jointly announce the utilization of the Ion Endoluminal System, a robotic-assisted technology that provides significant aid in the early detection of lung cancer. This cutting-edge system marks a significant leap forward in respiratory care in the community.

This new piece of equipment, located within Iredell Memorial Hospital, will be used by Dr. Enrique Ordaz and Dr. Vishal Patel from Piedmont HealthCare Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine.

“Studies show that an estimated 1.5 million people each year in the U.S. may have a lung nodule identified. While some of those are benign, others are, unfortunately, cancerous. This new technology will allow physicians to biopsy nodules they couldn’t reach before and provide patients with a more accurate diagnosis, more quickly,” said John Green, President & CEO of Iredell Health System. “We are pleased to be able to bring this technology to Iredell Memorial Hospital. We are always looking for ways to expand our services so patients don’t have to travel to get the care they need and deserve. This robot is one of the many ways we are continuing to further our mission to inspire wellbeing for all.”

The Ion Endoluminal System is a state-of-the-art medical device that helps doctors perform bronchoscopic procedures more easily. Utilizing a very thin, flexible tube called a catheter, Dr. Ordaz and Dr. Patel can access deep inside the lungs, where it was traditionally difficult to go

before, take samples of concerning nodules, and diagnose and treat respiratory conditions with unprecedented accuracy.

“Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and the introduction of Ion is a game-changer for the respiratory care we provide in this community,” says Dr. Ordaz. “Using the Ion, we can now provide early detection and precise treatment of lung cancer without the need for external referrals. This means empowering our patients with the best possible care, closer to home.”

The Ion Endoluminal System represents a significant collaboration between Piedmont HealthCare and Iredell Health System, exemplifying a shared commitment to delivering the highest level of care for the community.

For more information regarding Dr. Ordaz and Dr. Patel and their services, visit or contact Piedmont HealthCare Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine at www.PiedmontHealthCare.com or call 704-838-8240. For information on the facility hosting the Ion Endoluminal System visit https://www.iredellhealth.org. For details on the specifics regarding the Ion Endoluminal System visit www.intuitive.com/ion.

About Piedmont HealthCare Piedmont HealthCare is one of the largest physician-owned multi-specialty groups in North Carolina and the 5th largest healthcare organization in the Charlotte Metro market. We are committed to providing excellent care for the whole family. We have more than 70 convenient locations and over 215 physicians and providers across multiple specialties to provide our community with the most innovative medical care. www.piedmonthealthcare.com.

About Iredell Health System Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; two urgent care centers; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare facility has 247 beds; more than 1,800 employees; and has 260 physicians representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The Health System’s second campus, Iredell Mooresville, is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.