The entire procedure from bronchoscopy to removal of the catheter at the conclusion of radiation takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The treatments are often given on an outpatient basis. The patient comes in, gets the catheters placed in position, receives the therapy and returns home. If a difficult placement is anticipated or if the patient's condition is questioned, in-hospital observation is extended. We see many patients whose tumors unfortunately come back after standard external beam radiation therapy.
Central recurrence is a significant problem in patients with lung cancer.
Endobronchial implantation allows high doses of radiation to be safely given to a small area to help open the airway and improve symptoms and the quality of life. The first and most reassuring is when the patient says that the bleeding has stopped, breathing is better and fever is down. Also, chest x-rays offer proof and subsequent bronchoscopies, if performed, show opening of the airway. This is commonly seen. Furthermore, it was one of the first units within the United States.