lst in NC to Perform Procedure January 9, 2003 Catawba Valley Medical Center lst in NC to Perform Endobronchial Ultrasound

Catawba Valley Medical Center became the first in the state to perform an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). The procedure is used to locate a suspicious mass or nodes and obtain biopsies for further testing. Dr. Michael Fuller of Piedmont Pulmonary Consultants performed the procedure on a male in his late 60's with a suspected mass within the chest cavity. The endobronchial ultrasound procedure is performed under moderate sedation and is much more precise than a needle biopsy using CAT scans and other x-rays to help identify the area of certain tumors. The procedure takes about 30 minutes. Because of this new technology, patients may not have to undergo another invasive surgical procedure for diagnostic reasons. Previously, if a mass was seen on x-ray, surgery may have been required to biopsy the mass, particularly in areas such as around the wind pipe where needle biopsies were extremely difficult to perform safely. Dr. Fuller received special training to perform the EBUS and the two CVMC Pulmonary Lab Respiratory Therapists who assisted also completed special training. Catawba Valley Medical Center is recognized as a Quality Respiratory Care center by The American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC). All staff in the medical center's Pulmonary Lab and Respiratory Care Department hold the CRT or RRT credential. To attain these credentials, therapists must complete a minimum of two-year associate degree program at an accredited educational institution.