Photo courtesy of pulmonologist Daniel Maxwell, DO, (middle) and Miguel Alvelo-Rivera, MD (second from right) thoracic surgeon Alpina. EBUS bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose different types of lung diseases, including inflammation, infection, or cancer.

ALPENA — Patients with abnormal chest X-rays in northern Michigan can now use new diagnostic techniques. MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena now offers endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), which is a basic tool for diagnostic bronchoscopy.

EBUS bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose different types of lung diseases, including inflammation, infection, or cancer. This technology uses a camera connected to an ultrasound machine to provide a 360-degree view of the lung airways and blood vessels so that the provider can perform a needle biopsy.

"EBUS provides us with more accurate pictures of the lungs and chest structure, so we can obtain the necessary samples for evaluation," said pulmonologist Daniel Maxwell. "This state-of-the-art equipment provides us with the greatest diagnostic accuracy and opportunity."

Due to the level of detail provided by this technology, lung cancer tumors can be detected, diagnosed, and staged accurately and quickly to help determine treatment options. The procedure is relatively painless, so only a small amount of sedatives and anesthetics are used, and patients usually go home on the same day.

"The investment in this technology is another way for medical centers to continue to treat patients near home," Maxwell added.

For more information, please visit www.midmichigan.org/lung.

MidMichigan Health is a non-profit health system headquartered in Midland with medical centers in Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Midland, Mt. Pleasant and West Branch.

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