Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital now offers a new procedure called Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB) that offers patients a minimally-invasive option to locate, enable biopsy and plan treatment for a lesion detected deep in the lung.

Phoebe is one of the first in South Georgia to provide the superDimension iLogic System as an option for patients who have learned they have a hard-to-reach lesion on their lung. The ENB procedure combines GPS-like technology with a catheter-based system that uses the patient’s natural airways to access lesions that were previously hard to reach. Typically, a patient with a spot on his lung had the options 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.

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. Early detection of lung cancer is often easier to treat, has a higher survival rate and potentially offers patients more treatment options.

Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy represents a promising new approach for detecting lung cancer earlier. The iLogic System enables physicians to biopsy lung lesions that are too small and inaccessible through the traditional bronchoscope. The technology works by enabling navigation anywhere in the lungs in real time using a patient’s CT-scan and GPS-like guidance, increasing the success rate of diagnostic bronchoscopy.

ILogic can also be used for radiosurgical marker placement for guiding external beam radiation therapy and to place markers near the pleural surface for VATS pulmonary procedures.

The ENB procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and its unique approach may increase the chances that a patient will safely get a diagnosis and begin treatment, if needed. Lesions smaller than 2 centimeters can be detected, enabling physicians to catch Stage 1 and 2 cancerous lesions before they develop into Stage 3 and 4.

“We are pleased to offer a minimally-invasive alternative for patients who have a lesion on their lung that is hard to reach or cannot tolerate a more invasive procedure,” said Dr. Jyotir “Joe” Mehta, M.D., president of the Medical Staff at Phoebe. “This is an option that will help many patients.”