Navigational bronchoscopy now available at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital

Palatka, FL — HCA Florida Putnam Hospital announces today it will now offer state-of-the-art navigational bronchoscopy, which can provide early detection of lung cancer, using the new Illumisite Navigational Platform. This minimally invasive procedure can also detect other causes of small lung nodules at a very early stage, significantly improving the likelihood of successful treatment.  

“In using this highly sophisticated technology for navigational bronchoscopy, we are able to diagnose patients’ lung cancer much earlier than what we would have been able to in the past. We are also able to provide other patients with reassurance that they do not have cancer much earlier than before,” said Dr. Richard Feibelman, interventional pulmonologist at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital. 

Most lung nodules are small and harmless but some can be cancerous and will grow over time. Nodules larger than 10 millimeters may need to be biopsied. Previously, there were few options available – nodules at the outer edges of the lungs are hard to reach with traditional bronchoscopy methods and there is a higher risk of complications, including lung collapse, with a needle biopsy through the chest. These obstacles and concerns are virtually eliminated with this new robotic-assisted approach, which is typically an outpatient procedure and takes about 30-45 minutes.

“Navigational bronchoscopy uses steerable, flexible instruments and highly sensitive electromagnetic imaging to provide a GPS-like map of the pathway to affected areas of the lung,” Dr. Feibelman explained. “This map is combined with a new computer overlay programming called 'digital imaging tomography,' which greatly improves our ability to accurately target small nodules in the periphery of the lung. Overall, this results in better clinical outcomes, more accurate biopsy results and a better experience for patients.”   

This procedure can also help determine if the cancer has spread, and the most appropriate treatment regimen.

“The success rate of this procedure is impressive,” said HCA Florida Putnam Hospital CEO Landon Smith. “It's invaluable to be able to offer this service to our community.”