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SARANAC LAKE – The arrival of Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy at Adirondack Medical Center means surgeons can detect lung cancers in earlier, potentially more treatable stages.
Patients may also recover more quickly from an Ion procedure than a traditional bronchoscopy and are often able to return to their normal activities the next day.
Dr. Michael Hill began performing Ion-assisted bronchoscopies in February.
The Ion-assisted bronchoscopy is performed as an outpatient procedure and takes between 45 minutes and an hour. It utilizes a robotic camera, or bronchoscope, which is inserted into the patient’s throat and lungs.
The Ion’s small telescoping bronchoscope -- approximately one-eighth of an inch in size -- is able to travel much further into the branches of the lungs than a traditional bronchoscope. The Ion allows surgeons to access all 18 segments of the lung with speed and precision and collect biopsies from previously hard to reach places in the lung. It also extends the surgeon’s reach -- meaning faster, more accurate biopsies. A quicker diagnosis means patients can start receiving treatment sooner. Since the cancer is more likely to be found in an earlier stage, patients can be connected to Adirondack Health’s Merrill Center for Oncology to discuss a more diverse range of treatment options.
“With this system, we have the ability to offer a diagnosis sooner,” Dr. Hill said. “It simplifies and stabilizes the procedure for the surgeon. It’s also simpler for anesthesia because there are fewer moving parts in the airway, so there’s less risk.”
With lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer – by far -- in the United States, catching it early can make all the difference. Lung cancer accounts for one of every five cancer deaths. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that there will be about 226,650 new cases of lung cancer in the U.S. in 2025 and about 124,730 deaths from lung cancer.
“Lung cancer kills more people – especially women – than the next top four cancers combined,” Dr. Hill said. “Adding the Ion to our services means we can catch these cancers sooner and treat them sooner.”
On a positive note, the ACS said the number of new lung cancer cases continues to decline, partly due to more people quitting smoking or not starting, and advances in early detection and treatment – like the Ion Bronchoscopy.
OR Director Megan Guay called the Ion technology “phenomenal.” She highlighted Adirondack Health’s operating room and central sterile processing teams, who went through in-depth training and coordination in anticipation of the Ion system’s launch.
The arrival of the Ion in December coincided with the arrival of the da Vinci Surgical System. Both robotic systems are created by Intuitive Surgical. The da Vinci increases the range and scope of procedures Adirondack Health’s surgeons can perform laparoscopically. Its robotic arms, which allow the surgeon more precision and control, are controlled by a console operated by the surgeon.
Dr. Hill said Adirondack Health has always been good at tracking new technologies to move the health system forward and keep it ahead.
“We have a lot of services that most rural hospitals do not have, and it’s a real crown jewel to have all of those,” Dr. Hill said. “It’s great to be part of an organization that’s always been striving to move forward with the best and the brightest technology, so we can keep on providing the best care possible and stay independent.”
“Adirondack Health is committed not only to providing the best care for our patients today but also investing in the future of their care,” said Adirondack Health CEO Aaron Kramer. “The arrival of the Ion and da Vinci surgical systems advances our technology, improving outcomes and ensuring our patients have access to the most innovative treatments available.”
