Baptist Health, on April 9, performed its first procedure utilizing the new Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system, aimed to improve early detection and provide faster access to life-saving treatments.
Physicians at Baptist Health’s hospitals in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Fort Smith use the Ion technology.
“Early detection is crucial for better survival rates,” said Kelley Hamby, chief nursing officer at Baptist Health. “With the latest advancements in imaging, genetic testing, and targeted therapies, we can now identify and treat lung cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. As a leading healthcare provider in Arkansas, Baptist Health remains dedicated to enhancing the lives of their patients.”
Lung cancer diagnosis often requires biopsies of lung nodules, which can be located in difficult-to-reach areas of the lungs. As a result, many patients face the challenge of "watchful waiting" – undergoing prolonged monitoring with imaging but without definitive diagnosis, leading to increased anxiety and potential delays in treatment.
The Ion system, however, enables precise, minimally invasive biopsies even for small and hard-to-reach nodules, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
According to the American Lung Association, Arkansas has one of the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in the nation, ranking among the states with the worst lung cancer survival rates. The introduction of the Ion system is a critical step in addressing this urgent public health issue.