Ramsay Newsroom

Cone beam CT is a low-dose CT scan performed on the operating table while the patient is under anaesthetic, allowing clinicians to more accurately locate lung lesions and plan the safest biopsy pathway. 

Interventional pulmonologist, Dr Peter Wu, said the technology overcomes a key limitation of earlier techniques, known as CT-to-body divergence. 

“When CT imaging is performed before the day of the procedure, the lesion may not be in the same position once the patient is under anaesthetic,” Dr Wu said. 

“By performing a low-dose CT scan on the table with minimal radiation exposure, we can significantly increase diagnostic accuracy. 

Dr Wu said the approach supports earlier and more accurate diagnosis of lung cancer.  

“It has been very satisfying to incorporate new technology to improve diagnostic accuracy and offer earlier diagnosis for lung cancer, designed to improve outcomes for patients,” he said. 

“It has also been extremely rewarding to work with a multidisciplinary team to develop new protocols and strategies for lung cancer care.” 

Westmead Private Hospital is now welcoming referrals for assessment and biopsy of undiagnosed pulmonary nodules using cone beam CT-guided bronchoscopy.