Spectrum Health Completes 200th Procedure to Diagnose Difficult Lung Conditions, Improves Patient Outcomes

First in the Midwest to use combined application of Monarch Platform with Philips 3D real-time imaging to biopsy suspicious lung nodules

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., – Oct. 12. 2020 – Physicians at Spectrum Health recently completed their 200th procedure using a robotic bronchoscopy platform resulting in the diagnosis of 20% more early-stage lung cancers. This gives patients access to earlier treatment options with higher levels of accuracy.

Two years ago, Spectrum Health introduced Auris Health’s Monarch™. More recently, physicians have combined this technology with Philips’ Cone Beam CT technology and augmented fluoroscopy to help diagnose lung disease with high precision.

By using these combined technologies, physicians can analyze a 360 degree and 3D image of a nodule’s size and characteristics to help provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Of the 200 patients to have undergone this procedure, doctors are seeing excellent outcomes with new treatment options that previously weren’t a possibility, demonstrating how effective, accurate and safe it is.

“We are equipped with the two leading technologies in the market. By combining these two highly innovative technologies it will allow us to reach any area of concern with unprecedented accuracy. Soon we will have the ability not only diagnose a suspicious lesion, but also treat these lung nodules during the same procedure,” said Dr. Gustavo Cumbo-Nacheli, MD, FCCP, DAABIP, Director, Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology, Spectrum Health. “This revolutionary technology is designed to allow physicians to diagnose small peripheral lung nodules with high accuracy, using advanced imaging with a less invasive approach, offering a better experience for our patients.”

Currently, there are a variety of diagnostic options available for lung conditions, but what sets this new platform apart is the ability to improve accuracy and safety, in addition to being less invasive. The robot allows a degree of precision that no other technology has, allowing access into the lungs that was previously not possible.

The platform navigates a flexible robotic endoscope deep into the lungs, precisely guiding an instrument into even the most difficult nodules, while maintaining vision during the most critical segment of the procedure, the biopsy.

“In order to beat lung cancer, we need outside-the-box thinking and bringing these two technologies together is just that. Our robot is the only one in West Michigan that allows us to maintain vision during the entire procedure while Cone Beam CT allows for precision placement of our instruments. This technology, in combination with lung cancer screening and better smoking cessation programs, will help us continue to turn the tide against the nation’s most deadly cancer,” said Dr. John P Egan III, MD, interventional pulmonologist, Spectrum Health.

Drs. Cumbo-Nacheli and Egan’s experience with the combined technologies has established them as national leaders, helping to mentor other health systems, form high-level partnerships to improve technology and attract patients from throughout Michigan.

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