Lung navigation system acts like GPS
Mercy surgeons are using state-of-the-art electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) to help detect lung disease earlier and improve survival rates for patients with suspected lung disease. The navigation system reaches far into the lung to diagnose suspicious lesions (spots) quickly and safely without open surgery.
What is traditional bronchoscopy and what are its limitations? Bronchoscopy is a procedure that enables a surgeon to examine the major air passages of the lungs through a thin lighted tube called a bronchoscope. This allows the doctor to evaluate the lungs and collect small tissue samples (biopsy) to diagnose lung disease and lung cancer. Traditional bronchoscopy, however, cannot reach the distant regions of the lung and often more invasive surgical procedures are needed to make a diagnosis. This increases the risk of complications for patients.
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy
An abnormal lesion in the distant part of the lung that has been found on an X-ray, CT scan or PET CT scan may be caused by infection, inflammation or cancer. The superDimension® inReach® system offers a minimally invasive technology that allows the surgeon to take tissue samples from the lung earlier and potentially more safely than traditional needle biopsy. It is also an option for patients who suffer from poor lung function and are not candidates for other more invasive surgical diagnostic procedures.
What are the benefits of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy?
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy provides the ability to detect lung cancer and lung disease earlier, even before symptoms are evident, enhancing treatment options for patients. Similar to GPS (Global Positioning System) technology, ENB creates a three-dimensional virtual “road map” of the lungs from the patient’s CT scan that enables the surgeon to steer a unique set of catheters through the lungs to reach the targeted lesion in a minimally invasive manner. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy can be used with a wide range of patients, even those who suffer from poor lung function or have had cancer surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Recovery and risk
After an electromagnetic navigation procedure, patients are observed until they are awake enough to return home. The most common risk is pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which occurs in 2-3% of patients. This is comparable to a traditional bronchoscopy.
