Earlier, More Accurate Lung Cancer Diagnoses with New Bronchoscopy Technology at Inspira

Inspira is among the first 100 hospitals nationwide to adopt the new Monarch™ navigational bronchoscopy platform, a life-saving technology allowing for earlier and more accurate lung cancer diagnoses. 

Navigational bronchoscopy uses a telescoping, robot-assisted endoscope to offer unparalleled views of lung anatomy. It is a minimally invasive approach that combines a real-time vision of the lungs with advanced software and 3D modeling of each patient’s unique anatomy. This results in deeper access and more complete visualization of all segments of the lung as well highly accurate targeting of tissue to biopsy. 

“Better screening and technology advancements like navigational bronchoscopy are helping us identify disease earlier. This gives patients a higher likelihood of successful treatment,” said Charles Shieh, M.D., thoracic surgeon and medical director of Lung Cancer at Inspira Health. Greater tissue yields can reduce the need for repeat diagnostic procedures. Navigational bronchoscopy has also been shown to reduce complications, including infection, bleeding, pain and false diagnoses (negative or positive), which can arise from traditional or more invasive approaches. 

This system gives a thoracic surgeon greater control and maneuverability deep in the lung where most small nodules are found. With an integrated camera, irrigation and suction built into the tip of the bronchoscope, physicians can have direct vision of their biopsy field and instruments, giving them valuable information and a greater chance of a single procedure’s success.

“Monarch allows us to make confirmed diagnoses without putting the patient through an open surgery, a needle biopsy or repeated procedures,” said Dr. Shieh. “It is easier for our patients and more accurate for clinicians. The ability to identify even small or hard-to-reach nodules means we can gather the specific information and the tissue sample we need in one simple outpatient procedure.”

This technology, currently available at Inspira Medical Center Vineland, allows you to refer your patients for a leading-edge diagnostic procedure, close to home, in the system with which they’re familiar. 

To refer a patient for a consultation, call 856-508-3845.
For more information about lung cancer services at Inspira, click here.