Covenant Health’s Lung Nodule Program Reaches Major Milestone
- 4 minute read.
- Last Updated: 5/14/2026
Early answers save lives. For patients with lung nodules, getting those quick answers matters. Four years ago, Covenant Health’s Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center launched Knoxville’s first Lung Nodule Program. Today, the program is celebrating two major achievements: its four-year anniversary and the completion of 2,000 robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedures.
Bringing Advanced Lung Care to East Tennessee
Covenant Health’s Lung Nodule Program, launched on Feb. 11, 2022, became the first dedicated lung nodule program in Knoxville. It was created to ensure patients receive quick answers and timely follow ups. Prior to Covenant Health’s investment in the program, patients in East Tennessee faced long periods of uncertainty, waiting to know if they had lung cancer.
“Lung cancer is most treatable when it’s found early, but many patients don’t have symptoms in the earliest stages,” said Varun Shah, MD, interventional pulmonologist and medical director of the Lung Nodule Program at Covenant Health. “By using advanced robotic technology and a coordinated team approach, we’re able to identify concerning nodules sooner and help patients get answers when timing matters most.”
What is a Lung Nodule?
A lung nodule is a small, round spot or growth found in the lung. They are most often discovered during imaging, such as a CT scan. While many lung nodules are benign and caused by infection, inflammation or scarring, some can represent early-stage lung cancer. Because imaging alone often cannot determine whether a nodule is cancerous, timely evaluation and follow up are critical.
The program provides rapid appointments and coordinates care among imaging, pulmonology, surgery and oncology teams. A dedicated lung nodule navigator helps guide patients through each step of the process.
This approach reduces anxiety, shortens wait times and ensures patients feel supported.
Pictured left to right: Fort Sanders Regional Chief Support Officer Chris Hall along with interventional pulmonologists Spencer Pugh, MD; Varun Shah, MD; Shannon Byrd, MD; and Ronald Estes, MD.
Leading the Region with Robotic Technology
A major part of the program’s success is the robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system. This minimally invasive technology allows physicians to examine and biopsy lung nodules that are traditionally hard to reach by navigating deep into the smallest airways with precision.
This advanced approach allows physicians to diagnose lung nodules more accurately, and in many cases, under a single anesthesia event. Patients often receive answers and proceed with treatment planning within days or less.
Benefits of Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy
- Minimally invasive evaluation with no incisions
- Improved accuracy with hard-to-access nodules
- Less blood loss and discomfort
- Outpatient procedure with same-day discharge
This technology improves early, accurate diagnosis, which is a critical need in East Tennessee, where lung cancer rates remain higher than the national average.
Through continued investment in advanced robotics, Covenant Health offers specialized care that rivals major academic centers, without patients needing to leave their community.
2,000 Procedures Completed
Together, Covenant Health’s Fort Sanders Regional and Parkwest Medical Center recently reached an important achievement: completing 2,000 robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedures since the program began.
The growth of the Lung Nodule Program over the past four years reflects the expertise and dedication of the teams behind it. Through close collaboration at every stage of care, physicians, clinicians and support staff help ensure patients receive timely answers and coordinated follow-up.
Their teamwork has been key to reaching important milestones and will continue to move the program forward.
A Strong Future for Lung Care
Our program continues to expand and innovate. Covenant Health is shaping the future of lung cancer detection in East Tennessee.
The next 2,000 procedures will bring more early diagnoses, more access to advanced care and more lives impacted.
