FALL RIVER, Mass. – Southcoast Health announced today the arrival of the Ion endoluminal system,
at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. This Intuitive robotic-assisted system resolves a
challenging aspect of lung biopsies providing surgeons the ability to obtain tissue samples deep within
the lung.

“We are thrilled to add this advanced technology to our robotic surgery offerings across the system,”
said Dr. LaRock, Physician-in-Chief of Surgical Care for Southcoast Health. “Expanding the availability
of robotic surgery across specialties is not only beneficial for our patients, but enables our providers to
perform complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than with conventional surgical
techniques. I am proud to bring this resource to Charlton Memorial, further demonstrating our
commitment to our patients and advanced cardiothoracic care.”

Dr. Desiree Steimer, a thoracic surgeon, will lead the Southcoast Health team with the use of the Ion
surgical system. “What makes this robot special is that it is one of the first to make it possible to deliver
diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as lung cancer, in the same surgical procedure,” said Dr.
Steimer. “If real-time confirmation of a representative tissue sample is available, we eliminate the need
for a second procedure, saving the patient time, worry, and delivering treatment on the spot. This
technology gives us the opportunity to reimagine our approach to treating lung disease.”

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the
United States, currently accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. The Ion surgical system is a tool
that can help detect this disease at earlier stages. The robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform features an
ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable catheter that allows navigation far into the peripheral lung with a
minimally invasive approach.

Bringing the Ion Surgical System to Southcoast Health was made possible, in part, through a generous
donation by the Thomas A. Rodgers Jr. Family Foundation.

“We are delighted to be able to help bring this innovative and minimally invasive surgical system to the
region,” said Foundation President Sarah Rodgers McNeill. “Southcoast Health is home to world-class
physicians who provide care for our families, friends, and neighbors and the Rodgers Family Foundation
is proud to support them in this work. Together we are excited to see the advancements in lung disease
treatment.”

To learn more about Ion technology at Southcoast Health, please visit Ion Robotic-Assisted Endoluminal
System | Southcoast Health.