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Respiratory Services

Empowering every breath with a respiratory care team who is focused on evaluating and treating breathing disorders.

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Advanced diagnosis and compassionate care for respiratory needs 


Diagnosis 

At HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, we are dedicated to diagnosing respiratory conditions by using advanced techniques and thorough assessments to ensure accurate results for each patient.  

  • Collect and analyze sputum (aka mucus) samples to diagnose infections, chronic diseases or abnormalities. 
  • Perform Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) to determine lung function/impairment. 
  • Robotic-assisted lung cancer biopsy.

Sleep disorder studies are performed at our sister hospital in Green Bay, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital. Learn more.  


Treatment 

In order to provide expert care and support recovery for patients with respiratory issues, our hospital employs a comprehensive range of treatment options involving technology, education and compassion. 

  • Utilizing various types of highly sophisticated equipment to administer oxygen or to assist with breathing.
  • Employing mechanical ventilation in treating patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own. 
  • Monitoring and managing therapy that will help a patient recover lung function. 
  • Administering medications in aerosol form to help alleviate breathing problems and to help prevent respiratory infections. 
  • Maintaining a patient’s artificial airway, one that may be in place to help the patient who can’t breathe through normal means. 
  • Educating the patient about their disease process and treatments their physician has prescribed. 

Care team

Our respiratory care team includes dedicated respiratory therapists, nurses and other medical professionals who provide advanced care for patients facing respiratory challenges. Partnering with Prevea Health, we collaborate with pulmonologists to facilitate timely diagnoses, effective treatment plans and follow up care after leaving the hospital. Together, we aim to enhance patient outcomes and support your lung health. Learn more about Prevea Pulmonology or find a Prevea Pulmonologist


Lung cancer biopsy with the Ion robot

Early detection of lung cancer is critical.  

At HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, we’re breathing new life into the way we test for lung cancer. Patients who have been diagnosed with a suspicious lung nodule or lung mass have access to state-of-the-art technology for lung cancer detection with the Ion robot. This advanced robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system allows Prevea Pulmonologists the ability to perform precise lung biopsies, providing patients with a shortened journey to diagnosis with more accurate biopsy sampling and earlier detection of cancer. 

person using ion robot to examine bronchial tubes

How does the Ion robot work?

  • The Ion robot has an ultra-thin, flexible catheter that allows pulmonologists to reach all areas of the lung, including areas that are otherwise difficult to access.  
  • The Ion robot technology provides enhanced stability during the biopsy, helping the pulmonologist collect accurate samples with more control.  
  • The cells of the sample are then examined under a microscope to determine if cancer or another disease is present. 
  • Watch this video from the American Lung Association to learn more.  

Ion Robot Frequently Asked Questions

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a robot to take a sample – or a biopsy – of tissue from inside the lung to determine if it’s benign or cancerous.  

The Ion robot’s technology provides a level of precision and control that makes lung biopsies more accurate and effective than traditional methods – and this less invasive way to obtain lung tissue samples can lead to quicker recovery for patients. 

As the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for both men and women in the U.S., lung cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages. With the Ion robotic-assisted lung cancer biopsy, we can detect and diagnose lung cancer earlier, providing faster results and more treatment options for patients.

  • Accuracy and precision  
  • Quick recovery 
  • Fast results  
  • Early detection 
  • More treatment options

If you’ve been diagnosed with a spot on your lung, call Prevea Pulmonology today to find out if robotic assisted bronchoscopy is right for you. In partnership with Prevea Health, our expert pulmonologists are specially trained to use the Ion robot, ensuring you receive the highest level of care during your lung cancer biopsy. Breathe easier knowing you have access to advanced technology, compassionate care and an experienced respiratory care team.  

Call (920) 272-1240

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Cancer nurse navigation

If you are worried you have lung cancer or if you have been recently diagnosed with lung cancer, a conversation with a Prevea cancer nurse navigator will help answer any questions that you may have.