Cincinnati (June 3, 2022) – The Christ Hospital Health Network reached its 50th milestone case using the Monarch Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy Platform to diagnose lung cancer in patients. This cutting-edge procedure doesn’t require any incisions and can locate and biopsy very small spots in the lung that otherwise would be unreachable. The earlier the detection of cancer and the earlier the treatment, the better the outcome.
The Christ Hospital Health Network was the first healthcare system in Cincinnati to use the technology that improves outcomes for lung cancer patients. Whenever a suspicious spot in the lung is discovered, doctors now use the Monarch’s tiny scopes to immediately biopsy and confirm a diagnosis. Previously, patients would have to wait months before repeating their X-rays to determine if a spot in question was growing.
“We are proud to continue reaching our patients most at-risk to detect lung cancer at its early stages by using the Monarch Platform,” Vishal Jivan, MD, Pulmonologist, Lung Nodule Clinic, The Christ Hospital Health Network. “Many patients, who have symptoms from lung cancer, are advanced stage and have limited treatment options at that point and less likely to survive. As many as 80-90% of people diagnosed with lung cancer do not survive the disease once they have symptoms. Having used this procedure 50 times means we are able to better help our patients get the care they need sooner.”
More than 250,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. The Monarch procedure is a perfect complement to the Lung Cancer Screening Program also offered at The Christ Hospital. Current or former smokers, aged 50 or older, can contact the Lung Cancer Screening Program at The Christ Hospital to schedule a low-dose, eight second CT scan. This completely non-invasive test is able to detect the earliest possible stages of lung cancer. Call our dedicated line at (513) 585-0690.
“Lung cancer screening is grossly underutilized, and we are trying to spread the word for all high-risk individuals to complete this noninvasive scan,” said Julian Guitron, MD, Thoracic Surgeon at The Christ Hospital Health Network. “By the time symptoms appear, lung cancer is generally advanced and very difficult to treat. Lung cancer screening is the best way to identify cancers at the tiny nodule stage. We will continue to provide patients access to the latest in lung cancer screening, and whenever appropriate, also undergo the Monarch biopsy to determine if the spot is cancer or not.”
About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network is an acute care hospital locate in Mt. Auburn with a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of offices conveniently located throughout the region. More than 1,300 talented physicians and more than 6,000 dedicated team members support the Network. Its mission is to improve the health of the community and to create patient value by providing exceptional outcomes and the finest experiences, all in an affordable way. The Network has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 hospital in the Cincinnati Region and awarded Healthgrades “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” for being in the top 1% in the nation for providing the highest clinical quality year over year. It is also a Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award recipient, which recognizes top-performing healthcare organizations that achieve the 95th percentile or above of performance in patient experience. The Christ Hospital is among a select number of hospitals in the nation to be awarded Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence. For more than 130 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves.