Parkview gets new lung disease diagnostic tool

Parkview Health System has debuted a new minimally invasive option for patients, which will aid in the diagnosis of the tiniest of lung disease lesions.

The ILLUMISITE™ Platform allows physicians to take scans and create a customized virtual pathway through the patient’s lungs. During the procedure, the physician inserts a bronchoscope along with a navigation catheter into a patient’s mouth.

The virtual pathway and navigation catheter enable physicians to navigate through the patient’s airways. Once there, the physician uses specialized biopsy tools to mark or obtain samples of the tissue for biopsy.

“By investing in this innovative technology, Parkview is furthering the commitment to provide our community with the highest quality patient care,” said Dr. Craig Shapiro with Pueblo Pulmonary Associates. “Lung diseases, including lung cancer, impact thousands of people each year, but lung cancer can be beatable, especially when caught early.”

Grand opening of east side Pueblo Community Health Center May 20

The grand opening of a new Pueblo Community Health Center clinic is set for the morning of May 20 at the East Side Clinic, 1301 E. Seventh St.

The three-story, 64,000 square-foot clinic features a pharmacy, lab, and medical and behavioral health care rooms.

It will offer dental services, starting this summer. Staff hope to serve an additional 5,000 patients during the next 10 years.

The ceremony to mark the grand opening will include Donald Moore, chief executive officer of Pueblo Community Health Center, as well as its board president Don Ortega. Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar, and Pueblo County Commission Chair Garrison Ortiz also are expected to attend.

Call 719-543-8711 or visit pueblochc.org to find out more.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Parkview Health System gets new lung disease diagnostic tool in Pueblo