AdventHealth Waterman introduces robotic-assisted procedure for early lung cancer detection

TAVARES, Fla. – AdventHealth Waterman is the first in Lake County to provide a new minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery to help diagnose lung cancer.

The Ion Endoluminal System by Intuitive enables physicians at AdventHealth Waterman to locate and remove tissue samples from deep within the lung, where they are often challenging to pinpoint.

“This new technology is a great improvement for biopsies in the lung, a critical step in diagnosing lung cancer,” said Dr. J. Ryan Schroeder, a pulmonologist at AdventHealth Waterman. “With Ion and our advanced imaging capabilities, we can go after smaller lung nodules than ever before, leading to an earlier diagnosis of lung cancer, which leads to better outcomes.”

Using an ultra-thin, highly maneuverable catheter, the Ion system provides physicians with a remarkable 180° range of movement, giving them access to hard-to-reach airways and lung segments. Additionally, patients undergoing procedures with the Ion system experience faster recovery times than traditional methods, with most patients returning home the same day.

This state-of-the-art technology represents a $1 million investment in the community’s cancer care and adds to AdventHealth Waterman’s portfolio of robotic-assisted surgical technologies, including the da Vinci surgical system and MAKO.

“Robotic-assisted procedures mean better precision for our surgeons, smaller incisions, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays, all of which contribute to a better experience and overall outcome for our patients,” said Dr. Jason Smith, general surgeon and AdventHealth Waterman chief of surgery.

The Ion technology is particularly important in Lake County because the community has elevated rates of lung cancer and higher rates of late-stage diagnoses than the rest of Florida.

Designated as a Lung Cancer Screening of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, AdventHealth Waterman also offers a fast-track program for patients with lung masses or nodules, which gives expedited diagnosis and treatment options.

AdventHealth Waterman delivers cancer treatment locally as part of AdventHealth’s nationally recognized network of care. The AdventHealth Cancer Institute is ranked among the top 50 programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and is recognized for excellence by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the American College of Radiology, among other respected organizations.

Within Florida, the Ion technology is also available at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, AdventHealth Orlando and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.