SuperDimension Bronchoscopy

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to surviving lung cancer. CHI Health Lung Center offers superDimension Bronchoscopy, a minimally-invasive procedure for the detection and diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer. 

For many years, conventional flexible bronchoscopy has been used to diagnose lung disease, but it has not always enabled an accurate diagnosis, because it could reach only 14% of lesions (abnormal tissue) smaller than 2 centimeters in the outer areas of the lung. Additional surgical procedures were needed to make a diagnosis if the lesion on the lung was deeper in the lung tissue and out of the reach of the bronchoscope. 

The superDimension® System

The superDimension system is an advanced imaging tool that combines GPS-like technology with a catheter-based system and uses the patient's natural airways to reach lesions in the deepest areas of the lungs. Its i·Logic Electromagnetic Navigation system guides and steers a unique set of catheters through complex airways beyond the reach of a traditional bronchoscope. 
First, the physician steers a small navigation catheter deep into the lungs to the site of the lesion. 

A smaller catheter is passed through the pathway that allows the physician to take a tiny sample of tissue for analysis (biopsy).  This outpatient procedure revolutionizes the treatment of lung cancer patients, enabling diagnosis of lung cancer at a much earlier stage than conventional techniques, even before symptoms are present.

The ability to diagnose, stage and prepare to treat lung lesions in a single procedure improves the efficiency of care and enhances safety by eliminating multiple surgical procedures. Additionally, it improves patient outcomes through early detection.

Improved Quality of Care

Patient outcome and quality of care is improved, because within a single, less invasive outpatient procedure, physicians are able to:

  • Detect lesions early
  • Provide a prompt and accurate diagnosis of benign and malignant lung lesions
  • Determine tumor size and extent (stage)
  • Avoid the need for higher risk procedures, such as needle biopsy or open procedures

Improved Efficiency of Care

Because superDimension® Bronchoscopy biopsy is performed as an outpatient procedure, there are additional benefits, including:

  • No hospital stay
  • Reduced risk of complications
  • Faster recovery time

What are the Risks to Having an i·Logic Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy?

There are no additional risks beyond those associated with traditional bronchoscopic procedures.  Also, because electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure and uses the patient’s natural airways, there is a reduced potential for complications that are often caused during more invasive surgical procedures.

Who Performs the Procedure?

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopies typically are performed by a specialty physician, such as a Pulmonologist or Thoracic Surgeon.

Is this Procedure Done in a Hospital?

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy is usually performed in an outpatient center. Nearly all people will go home the day of the procedure, without requiring an overnight hospital stay.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The procedure may last between 30 minutes to two hours.

For more information, or to refer a patient, please contact the CHI Health Lung Center.