An innovation aimed at fighting lung cancer is now in use at Mercy Health-Fairfield Hospital. The goal of the MONARCH™ Platform from Ethicon is to provide visualization and access to small and hard-to-reach nodules in the periphery of the lung. MONARCH™ helps physicians diagnose lung nodules more accurately, so patients can begin treatment earlier. The technology integrates the latest advancements in robotics, software, data science, and endoscopy (using small cameras and tools to enter the body through its natural openings).
"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, partly because it has no symptoms in its early stages. Since the MONARCH™ Platform provides advanced reach, vision, and control for bronchoscopy procedures, it may help provide a diagnosis more quickly,” said Justin R. Krueger, President of Mercy Hospital-Fairfield. “We are excited about the prospect of this technology to offer an innovative treatment option for our patients with lung cancer.”
The MONARCH™ Platform utilizes a familiar controller-like interface that physicians use to navigate the flexible robotic endoscope to the periphery of the lung with advanced reach, vision, and control. Combining traditional endoscopic views of the lung with computer-assisted navigation based on 3-D models of the patient’s lung anatomy, the MONARCH™ Platform provides physicians with continuous bronchoscope vision throughout the entire procedure.
“We know nearly 80 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer do not survive, partly because it is often found at an advanced stage,” said Dr. Greg Colangelo, Pulmonologist at Mercy Health – Fairfield. “Various diagnostic options are currently available for lung cancer, but many have limitations in accuracy, safety, or invasiveness. These limitations can lead to false positives, negatives, or side effects such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and hemorrhage, which may extend hospital stays and increase healthcare costs. This technology is especially encouraging for our team and our patients.”
The integration of MONARCH™ is just one of the ways Mercy Health continues to drive innovation and transformation in Greater Cincinnati; Mercy Health continually researches, tests, and incorporates new technology, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, partly because it has no symptoms in its early stages. Since the MONARCH™ Platform provides advanced reach, vision, and control for bronchoscopy procedures, it may help provide a diagnosis more quickly,” said Justin R. Krueger, President of Mercy Hospital-Fairfield. “We are excited about the prospect of this technology to offer an innovative treatment option for our patients with lung cancer.”
The MONARCH™ Platform utilizes a familiar controller-like interface that physicians use to navigate the flexible robotic endoscope to the periphery of the lung with advanced reach, vision, and control. Combining traditional endoscopic views of the lung with computer-assisted navigation based on 3-D models of the patient’s lung anatomy, the MONARCH™ Platform provides physicians with continuous bronchoscope vision throughout the entire procedure.
“We know nearly 80 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer do not survive, partly because it is often found at an advanced stage,” said Dr. Greg Colangelo, Pulmonologist at Mercy Health – Fairfield. “Various diagnostic options are currently available for lung cancer, but many have limitations in accuracy, safety, or invasiveness. These limitations can lead to false positives, negatives, or side effects such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and hemorrhage, which may extend hospital stays and increase healthcare costs. This technology is especially encouraging for our team and our patients.”
The integration of MONARCH™ is just one of the ways Mercy Health continues to drive innovation and transformation in Greater Cincinnati; Mercy Health continually researches, tests, and incorporates new technology, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.