Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, killing more people than the next three cancers combined. Unfortunately, the accurate diagnosis of peripheral nodules remains difficult. Computed tomography (CT) guided transthoracic needle biopsy is associated with up to a 30% pneumothorax rate, while surgical biopsy is invasive, expensive, and often not necessary. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy has been shown to be accurate for obtaining tissue diagnosis in peripheral pulmonary nodules, even when they are smaller than 2 cm. The nurse's role in this procedure is very important for a smooth and successful outcome. This session will explain how adding the Electromagnetic Navigation System to a standard bronchoscopy will increase diagnostic accuracy with minimal risk of complications, and little discomfort. We will review how the system works including pre-procedure planning (i.e. reviewing the patient's CT scan and identifying both target and registration points), setting up the bed, and other required equipment in the procedure room, preparing the patient for the procedure, CT-to-body registration by locating landmarks, real-time navigation to the target area by using the locatable guide, and obtaining biopsies through the working channel.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the abstracts from sgna's 36th annual course, SGNA: your gateway to opportunity. The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. in keeping with the tradition of the annual course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.