Nebraska Hospital Launches State's First Lung Robot

Patients in Nebraska now have access to technology that could catch lung disease years earlier than ever before.

CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney just launched the state's first robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system on January 13. The Galaxy platform represents a massive leap forward in how doctors can explore and diagnose problems deep inside the lungs.

Traditional bronchoscopy tools can only reach about 20 to 30% of lung tissue. The new robotic system navigates more than 90% of the lung, allowing doctors to find and diagnose tiny nodules that would have gone undetected with older technology.

Dr. Michael Talalaev, a board-certified critical care pulmonologist, led the first procedures. He and his team performed multiple lung nodule screenings throughout the launch day, using precision robotics to reach areas that were previously inaccessible.

The benefits extend beyond just better reach. Patients recover faster because the robotic procedure requires less anesthesia and exposes them to less radiation than conventional CT scans. The minimally invasive approach also lowers infection risk significantly.

For lung cancer patients, timing is everything. Traditional methods often struggled to definitively diagnose nodules, forcing patients to undergo multiple procedures while precious time ticked away. The robotic precision eliminates much of that uncertainty and delay.

Dr. Talalaev, a decorated Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, brings extensive expertise in treating lung and respiratory diseases. He recently joined the Good Samaritan team alongside Dr. Meenakshi Ghosh and acute care nurse practitioner Melissa Hoferer.

The Ripple Effect

This technology arriving in Kearney means rural Nebraska patients no longer need to travel to major metropolitan areas for cutting-edge lung care. Families can stay close to home during diagnosis and treatment, reducing the emotional and financial burden of medical travel.

The earlier detection capability could save countless lives across the state. Catching lung nodules when they're smaller and more treatable dramatically improves survival rates and quality of life for patients.

Good Samaritan's investment signals a broader shift toward bringing advanced medical robotics to community hospitals, not just big city medical centers. Other Nebraska hospitals will likely follow this lead, expanding access to lifesaving technology statewide.

One innovation in Kearney just gave thousands of Nebraskans a better shot at catching lung disease early enough to beat it.