Venice Regional Introduces Innovative Technology to Diagnose, Treat Lung Cancer
6/21/2019
Over two-thirds of potentially cancerous lung masses are located in the periphery of the lungs where bronchi are too narrow to allow a typical diagnostic tool to pass. At Venice Regional Bayfront Health, doctors now have an innovative technology that allows them to target, biopsy and treat tumors in the periphery of the lungs.
Called “navigational bronchoscopy,” the system combines sensor technology with real-time, three-dimensional CT images. The system provides targeted access for diagnostic biopsy and robotic surgery to remove tumors, while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible.
“Navigational bronchoscopy is the new standard of care for diagnosing lung masses that can’t be reached with standard bronchoscopes,” said Yousuf Dawoodjee, M.D., a board-certified pulmonologist with Gulf Coast Pulmonology Associates. “We are excited to offer this approach to patients who are at higher risk of lung cancer, particularly those who smoke or have a history of heavy smoking.”
“Seventy-five percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer are at an incurable stage, and if the person has progressed to symptoms, surgery for a cure may not be an option. Combined with a surgical robot, the new tool of navigational bronchoscopy allows us to be more precise in both diagnosis and surgery to head off lung cancer at an early stage, giving patients a much better chance of survival and longevity,” said Bryan L. Smith, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified surgeon with Surgical Associates of Venice & Englewood.
Should You Be Screened for Lung Cancer?
Researchers from the American Cancer Society have found that screening all former and current smokers who fall within guideline recommendations could prevent up to 12,000 lung cancer deaths a year in the United States. The American Cancer Society recommends that doctors talk to their patients about having a low-dose CT scan to check for lung cancer if they meet all of these criteria:
- 55 to 74 years old
- In fairly good health (healthy enough to withstand treatment)
- Have at least a 30 pack-year smoking history (equal to smoking a pack a day for 30 years or 2 packs a day for 15 years)
- Are either still smoking or have quit smoking within the last 15 years
The screening should be done at facilities that have the right type of CT scanner, a lot of experience using the scanners for lung cancer screening, and a team of specialists who can provide appropriate follow-up care for people whose results indicate a possible problem.
How It Works
Lung lesions may originally be detected with a standard chest x-ray, leading to a low-dose CT scan. For heavy smokers that meet other criteria, the CT scan may be the first step to locate potential tumors in the lung.
The CT images are entered into a computer and used to create a three-dimensional, virtual road map of the lung. The doctor marks where the target lesions are located on the virtual map and plans how to navigate through the airway and lung or through the chest wall to reach the lesions.
For the navigational bronchoscopy, the doctor applies sensor pads to the skin of the patient’s chest. A special bronchoscope that includes a locatable guide is inserted into the patient’s airway, down the trachea and into the bronchi of the lung. The sensors allow the doctor to target the lesion even as the patient’s lungs move with each breath.
Once the target lesion is reached, the locatable guide is removed and a surgical tool is inserted into the bronchoscope tube to collect a biopsy for testing. If the tumor is cancerous, the same technology allows the doctor to direct a surgical robot to remove the tumor while preserving healthy lung tissue. Depending on the tumor’s location, the system allows the doctor to go through the airway or through the chest wall without scheduling another procedure.
“In addition to being very precise for diagnosis and surgery, a great benefit of this system is how efficient it is for the patient. No one likes to schedule procedure after procedure. We can effectively diagnose and treat in a single visit in many cases,” Dr. Smith said.
For more information on lung cancer screening and navigational bronchoscopy, call (941) 483-7978.
Bryan L. Smith, M.D., FACS, is a board-certified surgeon with Surgical Associates of Venice & Englewood. He performs robotic surgery at Venice Regional Bayfront Health.
Yousuf Dawoodjee, M.D., is a board-certified pulmonologist with Gulf Coast Pulmonology Associates.
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