NCH first in Florida to detect cancer with Van Gogh biopsy tool

On initial inspection, one may suspect that it is a Van Gogh. Vibrant colors and powerful brushstrokes.

However, it is not, according to a recent article by Dominga Murray of Fox 4.

It is, in fact, an image of lung tissue, utilizing an innovative instrument, aptly called: The Van Gogh Biopsy tool.

Naples Comprehensive Health is the first in Florida to have the opportunity to try it out.

Prostate, breast, colon, and lung cancers exhibit the highest mortality rates among all cancer types, with NCH noting that lung cancer has lagged in technological advancements.

That is now evolving.

When a patient suspects they might have cancer, the wait for a diagnosis can be filled with anxiety.

Dr. David Lindner serves as a pulmonologist within the hospital system. He is striving to provide his patients with clarity more quickly. He mentions that previously, individuals undergoing surgery would have to wait several days to receive the results of their biopsy.

This machine accelerates the diagnostic process. It evaluates whether the tissue is cancerous or not. It is named Van Gogh due to its ability to create images like this.

“It captures minuscule images of your biopsy, and suddenly, this biopsy, which is hardly large enough to be held by these tweezers, is now occupying the whole screen,” he remarked.

Lindner states that NCH is the inaugural hospital in Florida to acquire this biopsy tool, delivering results in as quickly as two minutes. This also enables pathologists, the professionals usually responsible for analyzing tissues, to engage in additional activities.

“The drugs are now specifically targeted. The treatment is focused, and all of this contributes to delivering precision medicine and specifically targeting the cancer. That will result in better survival,” Lindner stated.

This article originally appeared on FOX4.