Adirondack Health has expanded its vascular care capabilities through the addition of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) technology, a state-of-the-art imaging modality that enhances the diagnosis and treatment of complex vascular disease for patients in the North Country. The equipment has been operational since mid-December and is already contributing to improved patient care.
The acquisition of the IVUS system was made possible through donor support from the 2025 Adirondack Health Foundation Summer Gala. Philanthropy played a critical role in bringing this technology to the region, reflecting the ongoing reality that charitable investment is essential—not optional—for sustaining high-quality rural health care. Donor generosity enables Adirondack Health to implement advanced tools and procedures that may not otherwise be accessible in rural settings.
Claude Roland, MD, vascular specialist at Adirondack Health, noted that IVUS represents a substantial advancement for patients who may otherwise be required to travel long distances to receive comparable care. IVUS technology provides a detailed, 360-degree intraluminal view of the artery, allowing clinicians to assess blockages, evaluate stent placement, and tailor interventions in real time. These capabilities contribute to improved procedural safety, reduced need for repeat interventions, and stronger long-term outcomes.
Unlike traditional angiography, which depends predominantly on contrast dye and X-ray imaging, IVUS incorporates a miniature ultrasound probe mounted on a catheter to generate high-resolution intravascular images. This technology allows for:
- More precise evaluation of blockages, assisting clinicians in distinguishing soft plaque from calcified disease and determining severity.
- Improved stent placement and sizing, reducing complications related to under-expanded or malpositioned stents.
- Enhanced safety, including the potential reduction of contrast exposure and radiation dosage for patients at increased risk, such as those with chronic kidney disease.
For patients living throughout the North Country, many of whom are located far from major metropolitan medical centers, the availability of IVUS-guided care at Adirondack Health offers significant benefits. These include reduced travel, improved continuity of care, and access to advanced vascular interventions within their local community.
“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our 2025 Summer Gala donors, Adirondack Health can now offer advanced vascular technology right here in the Adirondack Park,” said Heather Bumsted, board chair of the Adirondack Health Foundation. “Their vision ensures that patients across our region have access to the highest level of care close to home, and this new equipment will make a meaningful difference for years to come.”
The IVUS system will support a range of vascular procedures, including the management of peripheral arterial disease, complex stenting, and minimally invasive interventions intended to restore blood flow and prevent conditions such as limb loss, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
The implementation of intravascular ultrasound reflects Adirondack Health’s ongoing commitment to improving access to care, enhancing patient outcomes, and strengthening the delivery of high-quality health services across the Adirondack region.
For additional information about Adirondack Health’s vascular services or to learn more about how philanthropy supports clinical advancements, please contact the Adirondack Health Foundation at (518) 897-2370,
Foundation@adirondackhealth.org
or AdirondackHealthFoundation.org
