ELECTROMAGNETIC NAVIGATION BRONCHOSCOPY
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need an inReach Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy?
An abnormal finding or mass in the distant part of your lung has been found on an X-ray, CT-Scan or PET-CT Scan that may be caused by infection, inflammation or cancer. Small masses in the outer area of the lung are difficult to reach for diagnosis and treatment. Traditional bronchoscopy fails to reach the outer areas of the lungs a majority of the time, often only leaving more invasive surgical options for diagnosis.
An Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy procedure will allow a physician to locate, test, diagnose and potentially treat the lung mass even in the outer areas of the lungs.
How Does An Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy Differ From Traditional Bronchoscopy?
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy transforms traditional bronchoscopy into a high-tech outpatient procedure. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy uses Global Positioning System (“GPS”) like technology to navigate a unique set of catheters to a mass deep in your lungs. The electromagnetic system guides and steers the unique catheters through your complex airways beyond the reach of a traditional bronchoscope.
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy minimizes the need for more invasive surgical procedures to be used to diagnose the lung mass, which often require an inpatient hospital stay and greater potential for complications such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
How Many Patients Have Had an inReach Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy?
Today, there are more than 2,100 patients who have had the procedure.
What are the Risks to Having an inReach Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy?
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, there is a reduced potential for complications that are often caused during more invasive surgical procedures. Please talk with your physician about the risks associated with bronchoscopy.
Who Performs the Procedure?
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopies are typically 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 an overnight hospital required.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The procedure may last between 30 minutes to two hours.
Will I Have Anesthesia During this Procedure?
During electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy you may be given a sedative to help you relax and an IV (intravenous line) may be placed in a vein. You will then be given either local anesthesia or general anesthesia, dependent upon your physician.
Under local anesthesia, they will spray anesthetic into your nose and mouth to numb your throat and reduce your gag reflex during the procedure. You will be sleepy during the procedure but will remain awake. Under general anesthesia, you will be put completely to sleep during the procedure.
As every patient is different, please talk with your physician to learn more about the type of anesthesia to be used during your procedure.
What Happens after an Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy?
It is unlikely that you will experience any problems after the procedure other than a mild sore throat, cough, hoarseness or muscle aches. If you feel chest pain, increased shortness of breath or cough up more than a few tablespoons of blood once you leave the hospital, please call your physician immediately.
Will I Be Able to Drive Myself Home After the Procedure?
You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after the procedure. Please arrange for a ride.
Medication given during the exam will prohibit you from driving until the following day.
Will My Procedure be Covered by My Insurance?
It is always a good idea to verify insurance coverage before your scheduled procedure. Please remember to bring your insurance card with you to ensure accurate billing.