CINCINNATI (February 26, 2024) – The Christ Hospital Health Network recently performed its 200th milestone case using the Monarch Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy Platform to diagnose lung cancer in patients. This cutting-edge procedure does not require incisions and can locate and biopsy very small spots in the lung that otherwise would be unreachable. Earlier detection of cancer can provide better outcomes for patients.
The Christ Hospital Health Network was the first healthcare system in Cincinnati to use the Monarch technology. Before this new technology became available, patients had to wait months before repeated X-rays to determine if the spot in questions was growing. Now, whenever a suspicious spot in the lung is discovered, doctors within the Network use the Monarch’s tiny scopes to immediately biopsy and confirm a diagnosis.
“Reaching this milestone of care for our patients shows the dedication of our team to do everything it takes to detect and treat lung cancer,” Vishal Jivan, MD, Pulmonologist at The Christ Hospital Health Network. “Sadly, many lung cancer patients do not show symptoms until an advanced stage with limited treatment options lower survival risk. As many as 80-90% of people diagnosed with lung cancer do not survive the disease once they have symptoms.”
More than 250,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year which is why early detection is key. The Monarch procedure is a perfect complement to the Lung Cancer Screening Program also offered at The Christ Hospital. To see if you qualify for this non-invasive screening, 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. “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 consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For more than 130 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up for more than 1,300 physicians and more than 6,500 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 hospital in the Cincinnati Region and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2023. 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.