Baptist Health-Fort Smith has launched a groundbreaking technology aimed at transforming the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in the River Valley. The new tool, the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system, aims to improve early detection and provide faster access to life-saving treatments.
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. Baptist Health-Fort Smith is proud to be the first hospital in the River Valley to offer this advanced technology.
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.
“As a leading health care provider in western Arkansas, we are committed to enhancing the lives of our patients, especially in the fight against lung cancer,” said Jeff Carrier, region president of Baptist Health-Fort Smith and Van Buren. “Early detection is paramount in improving survival outcomes. With the latest advances in imaging, genetic testing and targeted therapies, we now have the tools to identify and treat lung cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.”
The Ion system will be operated by Dr. Arturo Meade and Dr. Muthukumar Radhakrishnan, both of whom practice at Baptist Health Lung Center-Fort Smith, a service of Baptist Health-Fort Smith. Together, they will use this advanced technology to offer the highest standard of care for lung cancer patients in the region.
To learn more about the physicians or schedule an appointment, visit Baptist-Health.com or call (479) 709-7433.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 250 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app.
