Wednesday, November 18, 2009
New System Will Also Help Improve Biopsy Success Rates
Winston-Salem, N.C. - Gastroenterologists at Forsyth Medical Center (FMC) became the first in the area last week to begin using a new micro-fiber optic system to help visualize, diagnose and treat conditions such as obstructions and stones within the biliary duct, which connects the liver to the small intestine. The new system, called the SpyGlass® Direct Visualization System, is expected to help improve biopsy success rates.
"Until now, the most common way to diagnose and evaluate pancreatic and biliary conditions was with Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which uses injectable dye and X-rays to take a two-dimensional picture of the pancreatic and biliary ducts," explains Teresa Carter, vice president of surgical services at Forsyth Medical Center. "But with this new system, our gastroenterologists can combine traditional ERCP with tiny fiber optic cameras to actually view some of the deepest areas of the body to help improve diagnosis and treatment."
Data show that up to 30 percent of biopsies performed using traditional ERCPs are inconclusive, potentially leading to additional testing or repeat procedures. But the direct visualization and biopsy capabilities this new system offers allows gastroenterologists to make a more accurate identification of stones and obstructions while a patient is undergoing ERCP.
The new procedure differs from more traditional endoscopic cholangioscopy because it uses a smaller filament, allowing deeper insertion into the biliary system, and requires only one physician to perform the procedure.
The probes are part of a new diagnostic system that includes a miniature 6,000-pixel fiber optic probe attached to a camera head that can be rotated in four directions to allow physicians for the first time to see inside a patient's bile ducts, overcoming some of the visual challenges associated with conventional gastrointestinal procedures. In addition to helping identify stones and obstructions, the new system can also be used to break up gallstones and biopsy tissue to help diagnose and stage diseases, including pancreatic cancer.
Six Forsyth Medical Center-affiliated physicians are currently using the SpyGlass System:
" William E. Austin, M.D.
" Riaz M. Chowdhury, M.D., PhD
" Roberto M. Gamarra, M.D.
" Robert J. Holmes, M.D.
" William M. Outlaw, M.D.
" John T. Sweeney, M.D.
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About Forsyth Medical Center
Forsyth Medical Center is part of Novant Health, a not-for-profit integrated group of hospitals and physician clinics, ranked 12th nationally among the 2009 Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Networks, according to an analysis by the SDI health informatics company. Novant staff cares for patients and communities in North and South Carolina. Hospital affiliates include Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital Matthews and Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville in the Charlotte, NC area; Forsyth Medical Center and Medical Park Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC; Thomasville Medical Center in Thomasville, NC; Rowan Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, NC; and Brunswick Community Hospital in Supply, NC. The Novant Medical Group consists of more than 1,060 providers in 361 clinic locations. Other Novant facilities and programs include two nursing homes, outpatient surgery and diagnostic centers, rehabilitation programs and community health outreach programs.
