Baptist Health-Fort Smith adds new lung treatment tech

Baptist Health-Fort Smith is using new technology to diagnose and treat lung cancer. The new Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system aims to improve early detection and provide faster access to life-saving treatments.

According to the American Lung Association’s, “State of Lung Cancer,” Arkansas ranks 45th among the 47 states with survival data, placing it in the bottom tier. The percent of people alive five years after being diagnosed with lung cancer – the survival rate – in Arkansas is 22.6%. The national rate is 28.4%. However, the survival rate in Arkansas has improved by 15% over the last five years.

The rate of new lung cancer cases in the state is 68.2, significantly higher than the national rate of 53.6, the report states. Arkansas ranks 46th among all states, placing it in the below average tier, but again the rate has improved over the last five years. This time by 9%.

Lung cancer diagnosis often requires biopsies of lung nodules, which can be located in difficult-to-reach areas of the lungs, according to Baptist Health.

“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,” noted a news release from Baptist.

Baptist Health-Fort Smith is the first hospital in the Fort Smith area to offer this advanced technology. The Ion system enables precise, minimally invasive biopsies even for small and hard-to-reach nodules, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnoses.

“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.”

In Arkansas, 14.3% of those at high risk were screened, not much lower than the national rate of 16%. However, the smoking rate – the percentage of adults in the state who smoke – in Arkansas is 18.7%, significantly higher than the national rate of 12.9%, according to the 2024 American Lung Association report. Arkansas is in the bottom tier of states with smokers, the only state ranking lower is West Virginia.

The Ion system is 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. The system is also used in North Little Rock and Little Rock.

The first procedure has not been performed in Fort Smith yet.

“With the Ion robotic platform, we’re ushering in a new era of precision in lung care. This technology allows us to navigate the most complex airways with extraordinary accuracy – offering patients earlier answers, fewer complications and a higher standard of care. As an interventional pulmonologist, incorporating Ion into my practice reflects my commitment to combining innovation with compassion to deliver the best possible outcomes,” Radhakrishnan said in a statement.

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