Press Release
Ellis Opens New Suite Advancing Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
$500,000 Philanthropic Investment Brings Advanced Interventional Technology to Ellis Hospital’s Bruggeman Center
Officials cut ribbon on the Nan and Hugh Murphy Interventional Procedures Suite
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Ellis Medicine today announced the opening of the Nan and Hugh Murphy Interventional Procedures Suite, a new addition to the Bruggeman Center for Diagnostics and Treatment at Ellis Hospital, made possible through extraordinary philanthropic support from the Murphy family and community donors. The centerpiece of the new suite combines advanced Cone Beam CT imaging with the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy platform. The opening of the suite represents a $500,000 investment that expands Ellis’ capabilities in minimally invasive pulmonary and oncology care.
Ellis hosted a ribbon-cutting and media tour today, offering a first look at how this advanced technology will enhance patient care for residents across the Capital Region.
A NEW ERA FOR PULMONARY AND ONCOLOGY CARE
The Ion was developed by Intuitive, the company behind the da Vinci surgical system and a worldwide leader in minimally invasive robotic technology. It allows for a minimally invasive yet highly accurate lung biopsy by enabling the pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon to reach farther into the lungs with an ultra-thin catheter capable of maneuvering through the bends and curves of narrow airways. It creates a real-time, three-dimensional image that makes even grain-sized nodules on the peripheral of the lungs easier to see and biopsy. This means safer and more accurate biopsies beyond traditional bronchoscopy or CT guided external biopsies done by radiology, lesion localization, device placement, and other interventional procedures critical to diagnosing and treating lung disease, including cancer.
“Some of these nodules are so small and so deep in the lung that, until now, we often had to wait for them to grow before we could safely reach them,” said Dr. Ahmed Khan, Interventional Pulmonologist at Ellis Medicine. “By then, the surgery could be far more complex and invasive for the patient. With the Ion, we can biopsy these areas earlier, more accurately, and with far less risk.”
The addition of this suite also strengthens Ellis Medicine’s comprehensive oncology program, which includes the collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, launched in 2021. By integrating cutting-edge imaging technology with multidisciplinary care, Ellis is further positioning itself as a regional leader in early diagnosis, advanced treatment, and whole-patient support.
PHILANTHROPY POWERING CARE CLOSE TO HOME
The new suite is named in honor of Nan and Hugh Murphy, prominent Ellis supporters whose generosity has advanced numerous initiatives across the health system. Their commitment—along with contributions from many community donors—made it possible for Ellis to acquire this lifesaving technology without delay.
“This is philanthropy at its very best,” said Paul Milton, President & CEO of Ellis Medicine. “The Murphys and our community of donors continue to invest in care close to home. Their generosity ensures that patients in the Capital Region have access to leading-edge technology and comprehensive oncology services right here at Ellis.”
“But this isn’t just about technology. It’s the people behind the technology that drives care forward,” Milton added. “It is our expert care team—physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and interventional specialists—who bring this technology to life every day. Their skill, compassion, and collaboration transform these investments into hope and healing for our patients.”
ENHANCING ACCESS, IMPROVING OUTCOMES
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the second most common cancer and in our region. Earlier diagnosis and intervention makes the difference between ability to cure a patient of cancer vs. treatment aimed to achieve remission.
The integration of this cutting-edge Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy technology, paired with Ellis’ advanced screening processes for earlier lung cancer detection, will dramatically elevate our ability to diagnose and treat disease with greater precision and speed. Early diagnosis expands treatment options, improves outcomes, and enhances quality of life for our patients.
“This technology is a game-changer for our patients,” said Dr. Khan. “The Ion platform with Cone beam CT integration gives us real-time, high-resolution imaging that allows us to diagnose and treat lung disease with greater accuracy, less invasiveness and better outcomes. For patients, that means quicker answers, safer procedures, and a smoother path to timely cancer care and cure.”
Located within the Bruggeman Center at Ellis Hospital, the new interventional suite brings advanced technology, procedural space, and collaborative clinical teams together in one place. This streamlined approach supports faster diagnoses, more precise treatments, and shorter recovery times—key elements of Ellis’ ongoing transformation to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
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