Camden-based Cooper University Health Care announced two significant developments in as many days – one regarding innovative technology to improve lung care and the other unveiling a program for patients with sensory disorders. 

On Aug. 7, the health care provider said its pulmonary experts were the first anywhere to use Boston Scientific’s iNod Ultrasound Guided Biopsy Needle in conjunction with robotic bronchoscopy. This technology is used to examine suspicious peripheral pulmonary lesions in the lungs, allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. 

According to Cooper Health, these lesions are often hard to reach and biopsy because of their size and location. The iNod system helps physicians maneuver through tissue using real-time ultrasound guidance. 

Dr. Wissam Abouzgheib, division head of pulmonary medicine and section head of interventional pulmonology at Cooper Health, said before the use of the iNod system, doctors took a more conservative approach and observed a growth over time. 

“With this new system, we can reach these small growths and biopsy them sooner, potentially diagnosing lung cancer and beginning treatment much sooner,” Abouzgheib added. 

Enhancing care

Following that milestone, Cooper Health announced Aug. 8 that it is developing a program to enhance care for patients with intellectual and development disabilities. Disorders such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism spectrum affect the senses or how the brain processes or interprets information from the senses, according to Cooper Health.

Funded in part by a $2 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, the program will include:

• Staff and provider education;
• Improved coordination through upgrades to its electronic medical record system;
• New multisensory rooms throughout the hospital, set to begin opening this summer, with features such as special lighting, weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones to help calm and focus patients;
• The deployment of mobile carts containing sensory tools that can be used to both calm and stimulate the sensory systems of patients.

“The hospital experience can be very stressful, very anxiety-provoking, and also includes lots of sensory elements that can be challenging for any person,” Dr. Franziska Jovin, Cooper’s chief experience officer, said in a statement. “Together, these measures will help us preventatively address these issues for patients with more acute sensory needs to avoid further stress, anxiety, and agitation so they can access their medical care and their family can feel more comfortable.” 

This DHS funding will help make the health care provider’s services more amenable to these patients and their families, said Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli, co-CEO of Cooper Health. 

“We know that the hospital experience can be especially challenging for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are grateful to the NJ Department of Human Services for this significant grant, which will allow us to address the unique needs of this patient population,” added Kevin O’Dowd, co-CEO of Cooper Health. 

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