Olympus announced today that it has fully launched its AI-driven emphysema screening program, SeleCT Screening.
SeleCT Screening, powered by 4DMedical, helps identify severe emphysema patients. These patients may benefit from a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure called bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR). Olympus offers the Spiration valve system, an endobronchial valve that may benefit patients requiring BLVR.
The Spiration valve system includes an umbrella-shaped device placed in targeted airways of the lung during a short procedure. It allows air flow to move from diseased parts of the lung to healthier parts, enabling the healthier tissue to expand. This, in turn, allows it to function more effectively. It could give patients a chance to breathe more easily and experience improvements in their quality of life.
According to a news release, the screening technology automatically reviews existing chest computed tomography (CT) scans throughout a health system. It then notifies physicians of a potentially qualified patient to contact them further and evaluate the need for the Spiration valve.
Dr. Niral Patel, an interventional pulmonologist with UC San Diego Health, says the AI features help get to patients faster. It can cut down on precious time usually taken in the process, a resource that a lot of severe emphysema patients don’t have.
“Emphysema can have a debilitating effect on a person’s life. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction is a way to help those dealing with the disease to reclaim some of the freedoms they may have lost,” said Dr. Kyle Hogarth with University of Chicago Medicine2. “Technology like SeleCT™ Screening is an effective way to more quickly identify those who could most benefit from treatment and experience an improved quality of life.”
