Pathological confirmation of lung cancer enables definitive diagnosis of cancer and differentiates the two major types of lung cancer which are managed quite differently. The choice of diagnostic technique to diagnose lung cancer depends on the performance of each technique, the likely type and size of lung cancer and overall health of the patient. LungPoint is a new diagnostic tool comprised of two components: 1. Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation (VBN) System and 2. LungPoint Satellite Planning System. The main goals are to maximize the yield for both diagnostic and staging purposes and to minimise risk to the patient.
LungPoint - Navigation and Planning System
Initiative Type
Technology
Status
Close
Added
Last updated
Summary
Key dates
Jan 2014
Oct 2017
Implementation sites
The Prince Charles Hospital
Aim
Provides an opportunity to pilot and evaluate new technologies within 'real world' clinical settings in the Queensland context.
Benefits
Benefits of LungPoint include:
- In a small number of cases, LungPoint contributed to improved bronchoscopic navigation to the lesion by experienced Bronchoscopists.
- LungPoint allowed collaborative teaching and discussion with trainees.
Background
This technology was funded through the New Technology Funding and Evaluation Program (NTFEP). The NTFEP funds the introduction and evaluation of new technologies that:
- Are safe and effective
- Provide better health outcomes
- Provide value for money
- Provide greater access to care.
The evaluation findings will inform recommendations regarding the future use and/or investment of the technology within Queensland.
Evaluation and Results
- Beneficial to improved bronchoscopic navigation to the lesion in a small number of cases.
LungPoint pathways would often result in a significantly lower diagnostic yield than EBUS RP. - In many cases, the best path determined by the operator using 3-view CT scans was different from the path provided by Lungpoint.
Lessons Learnt
- Planning of pathways took an additional 5 minutes (approximatly) compared to current processes.
- User-defined pathways are not permitted.
