Thoracic SurgeryPrecision guidance for early-stage lung cancer therapy

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the world. In the U.S. alone, more than 200,000 patients are diagnosed with this asymptomatic disease every year – and often far too late, leading to relatively low chances of survival.¹ Regular lung cancer screenings enable physicians to detect tumors at earlier stages during which minimally invasive surgery might be more appropriate. However, when the lesions are small and deep, treatment using conventional two-room workflows can be challenging.² This is because CT-based needle localization in the interventional suite followed by transfer to the OR involves risks such as needle dislocation, pneumothorax in an environment less safe than the OR itself,³ and patient anxiety during waiting times.

Our imaging systems with syngo software applications allow you to move ahead by expanding precision medicine in the treatment of lung cancer. Bringing CT-like imaging directly to the OR, ARTIS pheno can visualize even small lesions and distal airways as well as provide guidance throughout the procedure.^2,4,5 Standardizing treatment for lung cancer to advance therapy outcomes has never been so firmly within reach.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan, affecting even nonsmokers at high rates. Thanks to widespread screenings in the recent past, an increasing number of patients with smaller lung nodules who are otherwise healthy are demanding state-of-the-art treatment for their condition. Chi Mei Medical Center, located in the city of Tainan, is able to provide cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures thanks to a commissioned Hybrid OR equipped with ARTIS pheno. Yao Fong, Head of Thoracic Surgery, says that the high-end robotic imaging system has allowed him and his team to improve lung cancer therapies and develop new treatment approaches.