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Aug 2020
‘GPS-map’ of lungs detects hidden cancers
A new scan, which is being hailed as a “game-changer” is being used to detect early cancer signs by creating a GPS-style map of patients’ lungs.
The electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is currently being used at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Denbighshire, only the second hospital in the UK to use the equipment following a donation by local people to the north Wales NHS charity Awyr Las.
Consultant Robin Poyner, consultant in respiratory medicine at the hospital, said the scan would lead to a “significant improvement” in cancer care.
The ENB uses GPS-like technology to construct a 3D image of the lungs, which highlights tumours that might previously have been missed because they were in awkward places or too small. It then helps doctors to guide a catheter through the lungs’ most complex airways, thereby being able to treat cancerous tumours as early as possible.
Dr Poyner said the equipment was s “game changer” for cancer care, adding “Most patients who have ENB treatment can go home on the same day so this is a major advancement in technology for us, and will lead to a significant improvement in cancer care in north Wales.”
Respiratory consultant Daniel Menzies added “Up until now it has been difficult to get an early diagnosis, sometimes because of the location of the cancer in the patient’s chest. We may have had to watch them over months or even years before we were sure.
“Unfortunately sometimes over the period the patient can become more unwell and frail, and it means their treatment options become more limited.
“Using this technology we can get there faster and give the treatment to them much quicker.”
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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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