At North Oaks Medical Center, we’re committed to offering our patients
the most advanced, minimally invasive technologies.
We’re proud to introduce the Navigational Bronchoscopy system, a
state-of-the-art tool that enhances our ability to diagnose and treat
lung conditions with remarkable precision and safety. This cutting-edge
technology is available under the expert care of our board-certified pulmonologists,
Kristin Signater, MD, and
Justin D. Fowlkes, MD, at
North Oaks Pulmonology.
What is Navigational Bronchoscopy?
The Navigational Bronchoscopy system is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive
platform designed to perform lung biopsies with unmatched accuracy and
reach. It enables
Dr. Kristin Signater and
Dr. Justin D. Fowlkes to navigate deep into the lungs, obtaining tissue samples from nodules
in challenging-to-reach areas. This is crucial for diagnosing lung cancer
at its earliest, most treatable stages.
Who is it for?
Navigational Bronchoscopy is ideal for patients with suspicious lung nodules
or masses. If
Dr. Signater or
Dr. Fowlkes has recommended further investigation to determine whether the nodule
is benign or cancerous, this system provides a reliable, less invasive
method for obtaining necessary tissue samples. It’s especially beneficial
for patients with nodules located in peripheral or difficult-to-access
lung areas.
Why is Navigational Bronchoscopy with ION Better?
The ION system offers several advantages over traditional bronchoscopy methods:
Enhanced Reach: The ultra-thin, highly maneuverable catheter navigates through complex
and tight airways, reaching all 18 segments of the lung, including the
outermost regions.
Precision and Stability: With advanced shape-sensing technology, the ION system provides real-time
location and shape information, ensuring the catheter and biopsy tools
are precisely positioned and stable throughout the procedure.
Flexibility: The Flexision™ biopsy needle, specifically designed for the ION
system, bends and moves with the catheter, enabling accurate tissue sampling
even in the most challenging locations.
Minimized Risk: By enabling precise targeting of nodules, the ION system may reduce the
need for repeat biopsies, helping patients avoid additional procedures
and potential complications.
How Does It Work?
During the procedure,
Dr. Signater or
Dr. Fowlkes will guide the ultra-thin catheter through your airway using the ION system’s
controller. This catheter navigates through complex airway paths and tight
bends to reach the targeted lung area. Once in place, it locks into position,
allowing your physician to use a specialized biopsy needle to collect
tissue samples from the nodule. The process is designed to be as safe
and comfortable as possible, aiming for accurate diagnostic results.
Why Choose North Oaks Medical Center?
At North Oaks, we’re dedicated to ensuring you receive the highest
quality of care with the latest technology. The Navigational Bronchoscopy
system complements our comprehensive lung care services offered at
North Oaks Pulmonology by
Dr. Kristin Signater and
Dr. Justin D. Fowlkes, providing you with a minimally invasive option for accurate lung cancer
diagnosis.
If you’ve been advised to undergo a lung biopsy, discuss with
Dr. Signater or
Dr. Fowlkes whether Navigational Bronchoscopy is right for you.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at
985-230-2778.
PulmonologyView Profile
