North Central Baptist Expands in Early Lung Cancer Detection

(San Antonio, Texas, July 30, 2018) - North Central Baptist Hospital has begun offering a comprehensive new technology developed to improve the early detection of lung cancer. The Veran SPiN Thoracic Navigation System™ gives physicians practicing at North Central Baptist Hospital another tool to help locate and diagnose lung cancer at earlier stages for patients.

Aldo Ambrosio Parodi, M.D., Pulmonary Disease Specialist at NCBH, performed the first procedure on July 12th and is excited about the positive impact this new procedure will have on patients. “With this new technology, North Central Baptist Hospital offers a more efficient way to find lung nodules at earlier stages which is the key to improving patient outcomes.” said Dr. Parodi. “Using an electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopic method allows the biopsy of lung nodules and masses for patients with hard-to-reach lesions in their lungs.”

The early detection of lung cancer, while it is still localized, greatly affects survival rates for patients. With early detection, there is an 88% survival rate at ten years and a 92% survival rate with the immediate removal of the lesion. Before the recent development of electromagnetic navigation, only 16% of lung cancer patients have been diagnosed at an early stage.**

The SPiN System™ technology uses electromagnetic navigation, which is similar to a car’s global positioning system (GPS). It begins with a CT scan of the patient’s lungs to automatically create a route to a suspicious lesion. This allows physicians to easily biopsy and place markers for planned treatment using a catheter inserted via the patient’s airway.

The SPiN System™offers patients a minimally-invasive approach to navigate to lesions located deep in the lungs. The procedure requires no incision, avoids the need for higher-risk procedures to remove lung lesions, and as an added benefit, allows less radiation exposure for patients, physicians, and staff.