Crouse Health Expands Robotic Surgery Program with Ion System to Advance Lung Cancer Care

Crouse Health has announced the addition of the Ion robotic system from Intuitive, a groundbreaking technology designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

The Ion system enables minimally invasive biopsy of lung nodules deep within the lung tissue, offering unprecedented precision and reach. This technology will directly support Crouse’s thoracic oncology service line, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of lung cancer and other pulmonary conditions.

This marks the 13th robotic system in Crouse’s surgical suite, which already includes 11 da Vinci surgical robots, further solidifying the hospital’s position as the regional leader in robotic-assisted surgery. Crouse’s robotics program also includes the Mazor system for spinal surgery and the Mako system for total joint replacement.

“The addition of the Ion system represents a major step forward in Crouse’s commitment to providing leading-edge care for patients with thoracic diseases,” said Viren Kaul, MD, FACP, FCCP, Chief of Medicine and Division Chief for Pulmonary Medicine. “This technology allows us to reach areas of the lung that were previously inaccessible, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.”

Developed by Intuitive, the makers of the da Vinci robotic surgical systems, the Ion platform uses a flexible robotic catheter and advanced navigation to access small, hard-to-reach nodules. Its integration into Crouse’s robotic program reflects the hospital’s ongoing investment in innovation and excellence in patient care.

“Crouse Health continues to lead the way in robotic surgery,” said Seth Kronenberg, MD, Crouse President and CEO. “With the Ion system, we’re not just adding another robot—we’re expanding early lung cancer detection and treatment.”

Crouse Health’s robotic surgery program is the most comprehensive in the region, offering patients access to advanced procedures across multiple specialties, including urology, gynecology, general surgery, neurosurgery, GYN oncology, urology, bariatrics, ENT, colorectal and now thoracic oncology.

For more information about Crouse Health’s robotic surgery program visit crouse.org/robotics.