A suspicious spot on a lung scan can leave patients with plenty of questions. New technology at Huntsville Hospital Lung Center is helping doctors reach small nodules deep within the lungs and collect the tissue samples needed to find answers.
The center recently added Ion, a robotic-assisted system designed to help physicians biopsy nodules that can be difficult to reach with traditional bronchoscopy. Pulmonologist Dr. Jason Smith performed the first four procedures using the system Oct. 8, according to Huntsville Hospital.
“Early detection can make all the difference for someone facing lung cancer,” said Smith. “One of our biggest challenges has been reaching small, suspicious nodules deep within the lungs. This technology allows us to access areas that have traditionally been difficult to reach and obtain tissue samples that can help us determine a diagnosis and the best next steps for our patients.”
The process starts with CT scans that create a detailed, three-dimensional map of a patient’s lungs. During the minimally invasive procedure, the physician guides a thin, flexible robotic catheter through the airways to reach a nodule and collect tissue for testing.
The system’s shape-sensing technology helps the doctor navigate and keep the catheter steady, including in areas that are harder to reach. The tissue samples help physicians determine a diagnosis and decide what care a patient needs next.
Huntsville Hospital said lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. When it is detected early, patients often have more treatment options and a greater chance of successful outcomes.
The new equipment is part of the Lung Center’s broader work caring for patients with conditions ranging from chronic respiratory diseases to lung cancer. Its five locations across Huntsville, Madison and Decatur bring together specialists in pulmonary, sleep and critical care medicine.
“This is about much more than a new piece of equipment,” said Sam Brunson, director of the Huntsville Hospital Lung Center. “We are focused on making it easier for patients to get the right care at the right time, from identifying a concern to reaching a diagnosis and determining next steps. Ion is another important tool in our ongoing efforts to improve lung care and outcomes for patients across our region.”
The first procedures involved collaboration among the hospital’s pulmonology and anesthesia teams and a specially trained endoscopy team.
More information about the center and its services is available on the Huntsville Hospital Lung Center website.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
Got a tip for OTR? Send your tip to [email protected] with related photo/video, your name, phone number, and e-mail address.
