Japan headquartered medtech firm Olympus Corp. has announced the full market release of its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven emphysema screening program, SeleCT Screening.
The SeleCT Screening AI platform, powered by 4DMedical, helps identify severe emphysema patients who may benefit from a clinically proven and minimally invasive procedure to improve lung function called bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR).
SeleCT Screening automatically reviews existing chest computed tomography (CT) scans throughout a health system to help identify patients who may benefit from BLVR with endobronchial valves such as the Spiration Valve System. Physicians are notified if a potentially qualified patient is identified so that they can be contacted for further evaluation for the Spiration Valve.
The Spiration Valve System includes an umbrella-shaped device that is placed in targeted airways of the lung during a short bronchoscopic procedure. Once in place, the device allows air flow to be directed from diseased parts of the lung to healthier parts, allowing the healthier lung tissue to expand and function more effectively. With a potential reduction in lung volume, a patient may be able to breathe more easily and experience improvement in their quality of life.
Emphysema is a progressive form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) characterised by a loss of elasticity and enlargement of the air sacs of the lung. The diseased lobes of the lungs become hyperinflated, causing significant challenges with breathing.
