Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy

What is the InReach Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy?

The inReach System provides the possibility to detect lung cancer early, even before symptoms are evident, enhancing treatment options for patients. inReach is a minimally invasive procedure that does not carry the risks often associated with surgery.

How Does it Work?

Similar to GPS (global positioning system) like technology, the inReach System uses electromagnetic navigation to guide the physician through the patient’s airways. This allows the physician to take tissue samples in regions of the lungs that are not reachable with traditional bronchoscopy. Until now, physicians have relied on needle biopsy or surgery to take tissue samples – both of which can cause complications.

An inReach Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy procedure allows a physician to locate, test, diagnose and potentially treat the lung lesion even in the outer areas of the lungs. Small lesions in the outer area of the lung are difficult to reach for diagnosis and treatment.

How is the Procedure Performed?

During a planning phase, the inReach planning software utilizes a standard pre-operative CT image of the lungs to create a roadmap to the lesion. This three-dimensional roadmap is transferred to the procedure (or navigation) phase where an electromagnetic localization system tracks the real-time position of a guide catheter with location sensor at its tip to the target lesion area in the lungs. Once arriving at the target the location sensor is removed and the guide catheter provides a channel for diagnostic or therapeutic tools.

What are the Risks?

There are no additional risks beyond those associated with traditional bronchoscopic procedures, which is generally a safe procedure. 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.

Key System Benefits:

• Extends beyond the reach of the bronchoscope and guides endoscopic tools and catheters deep into the lung
• Provides bronchoscopist additional options for diagnosis and treatment of lung disease
• Enables bronchoscopy to find positive pathology sooner thus enabling treatment earlier and potentially expanding treatment options
• Enables less invasive procedures (other options are open chest procedures)
• Reduces need for invasive, high risk alternative procedures
• Provides effective alternatives for patients with procedure-restricting conditions
• Facilitates reduction of patient exposure to fluoroscopic radiation

Is It a Good Choice for Me?

The inReach System can be used with a wide range of patients. This even includes those who suffer from poor lung function or have had cancer surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Choose Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

You will be provided with the most advanced methods for the early detection and treatment of cancer by an exceptional team of clinical experts committed to treating you with the greatest skill, respect and compassion.

Through our Comprehensive Cancer Services, you will experience a complete continuum of technologically advanced cancer treatment – the latest in diagnostics, medical technology, research, education and psychological services all in the comfort of a community setting. Alta Bates Summit is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.