Rancho Mirage, Calif.-based Eisenhower Health will deploy a robotic platform this month to support earlier and more accurate diagnoses of lung cancer.
The technology, powered by Auris Health, integrates robotics, software, data science and endoscopy technology to view the inside of a patient's lungs and extract a tissue sample for biopsy. With the platform, physicians can reach smaller nodules on the outer limits of the lung to biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis.
The computer-assisted navigation based on 3D models of the patient's own lung anatomy allows physicians to maintain continuous bronoschope vision throughout the procedure.
"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, in part because it has no symptoms in its early stages," said Justin Thomas, MD, director of Eisenhower Health's bronchoscopy laboratory, according to the news release. "Because [the platform] provides improved reach, vision and control for bronchoscopic procedures, it holds potential to help us to make a diagnosis earlier."