St. Vincent’s Riverside now offers new technology that targets lung tumors through a minimally invasive procedure that improves patient outcomes while reducing discomfort and recovery time.
The Galvanize Aliya System delivers high-voltage, short-duration electrical energy to destroy lung tumors while preserving healthy tissue in the surrounding area. Preclinical and early clinical trial data indicate that the non-thermal cell death triggered by PEF might release proteins (antigens) that could activate the body’s immune response, potentially preventing the formation of future tumors.
“We are committed to investing in innovative technology that increases access to life-saving care our community deserves,” said Scott Kashman, president and CEO of St. Vincent’s Riverside. “This system will help them battle lung cancer more effectively while also allowing them to breathe easier and get back to their lives more quickly.”
“This new ablation technology improves our ability to remove tumors from the lungs,” said Dr. Akram Shibani, pulmonologist at St. Vincent’s Riverside. “Providing this treatment in a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure is a game-changer for our patients.”
This treatment can replace the need to surgically remove part of the lung (lobectomy). PEF treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure and patients are often able to return home on the same day. A lobectomy typically requires several days of recovery in the hospital and weeks more at home.
St. Vincent’s Riverside was recognized as a Best Regional Hospital by the U.S. News and World Report for 2024-25. The hospital also received a Patient Safety Excellence Award for 2025 from Healthgrades.
For more information about lung care at St. Vincent’s Riverside, go to healthcare.ascension.org/locations/florida/fljac/jacksonville-ascension-st-vincents-riverside/departments/dillon-building/lung-institute.
