This GPS-like technology combines advanced imaging techniques with electromagnetic navigation to detect tumors deep inside the lungs or in areas that are hard to reach. Performed in an operating room setting, ENB enables minimally invasive access to distant tumors by advancing a scope or catheter through the mouth, down the natural airway and into the some of the most outer regions of the lung and smaller bronchi that may be blocked by a tumor.
With access to these hard-to-reach areas by using ENB, pulmonologists can biopsy lesions, stage lymph nodes and insert markers to guide future treatment, providing early diagnosis and more comprehensive information to plan a course of treatment.
The ENB is typically an outpatient procedure and many patients are able to go home the same day with minimal discomfort. Its unique approach may increase the chances that patients will receive a timely and accurate diagnosis enabling them to begin immediate treatment, if needed.
ENB has the ability to detect lung disease and lung cancer in its early stages, even before symptoms are evident, enhancing treatment options for patients.
Historically, patients with a spot or lesion on their lung had the option of major surgery to remove a section of the lung, bronchoscopy (which does not reach lesions deep in the lung), needle biopsy, or watchful waiting. Many of the surgical options today can be used only in patients who meet certain criteria. However, ENB can be used with a broad group of patients, even those who are not suitable for other surgical techniques.
There are two stages to the completion of an ENB procedure:
- During the Planning Phase, CT scans are taken of the patient's chest and loaded into software that creates 3-dimensional images of the lung. The physician will utilize these images to mark areas of concern and plan an approach to the area of concern.
- During the Navigation Phase, a physician uses the images in real-time to navigate a steerable navigation catheter and an extended working channel to the target location. Once the location is reached, the working channel is locked in place and navigation catheter is removed. The working channel provides access to this location for bronchoscopic tools and catheters to perform biopsies.
Chester County Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the area to provide the superDimension® i-Logic™ ENB System.
To learn more about lung disease, detection, and options for diagnosing a lesion in the lung visit: The American Cancer Society or www.superdimension.com.