Used to view the inside of the lungs and obtain a tissue sample for biopsy, the platform offers an early and more accurate diagnosis of small and hard-to-reach nodules present in the lung

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DHMC has installed Auris Health’s Monarch Platform for lung cancer diagnosis. (Credit: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics)

US-based Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) has installed Auris Health’s Monarch Platform for lung cancer diagnosis.

Used to view the inside of the lungs and obtain a tissue sample for biopsy, the platform offers an early and more accurate diagnosis of small and hard-to-reach nodules present in the lung.

Auris Health’s technology combines the developments in robotics, software, data science, and endoscopy for increased reach, vision, and control during bronchoscopic operations.

The Monarch Platform recently received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, and DHMC is one of the first institutions in the US to install it.

DHMC pulmonary and critical care medicine section chief David J. Feller-Kopman said: “We are excited to offer robotic-assisted bronchoscopy at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

“This new technology allows our team to biopsy small lung nodules in a minimally invasive and safe fashion with greater accuracy than ever before.

“Robotic bronchoscopy will advance the diagnostic capabilities of our comprehensive thoracic oncology program, and improve the care we provide to our patients.”

With the use of the technology, doctors can move the flexible robotic endoscope with better reach, vision, and control to the outermost part of the lung.

The platform gives doctors continuous bronchoscope vision by combining conventional endoscopic views into the lung with computer-assisted navigation based on 3-D models of the patient’s own lung architecture.

DHMC said the Dartmouth Cancer Center continues to offer the latest technology for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The tools for evaluating and treating thoracic cancer have changed in recent years.

The medical centre is dedicated to utilising the techniques available, and the multidisciplinary team work together with access to the entire Dartmouth Health system to offer patients advanced treatment.