Fortis Hospital Ludhiana Acquires First SPY PHI Camera in Punjab to Enhance Cancer Care

Fortis Hospital Ludhiana Acquires First SPY PHI Camera in Punjab to Enhance Cancer Care 

  This advanced imaging system is used in Sentinel Node Biopsy, a critical procedure used to determine the possible spread of cancer cells 

  Ludhiana, 22 June, 2024: Fortis Hospital Ludhiana crossed a significant milestone in its commitment to advanced medical technology and highest quality of patient care by acquiring the SPY PHI camera – a first in Punjab. The SPY-PHI camera is a portable handheld imaging system that aids surgeons in visualizing blood flow and tissue perfusion during various surgical procedures. It is especially beneficial for cancer patients as this lightweight portable camera can be used for Sentinel node biopsy, a critical procedure used to determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. 

  This advanced technology marks a significant enhancement in comprehensive cancer care services, benefiting patients with various types of cancer including breast cancer, melanoma, endometrial cancer, and penile cancer. Accurate identification of lymph nodes is essential for staging the cancer (a process that determines the severity of a person's cancer by assessing the size of the primary tumor and how far it has spread) and determining the most effective treatment plan, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. The precision of the SPY PHI camera allows for a thorough assessment of cancer spread, enabling tailored surgical and therapeutic interventions that improve recovery and prognosis. Beyond Cancer detection, this advanced camera is also useful during plastic and reconstructive surgeries as well as gastrointestinal operations. 

  Dr Harish Matta, Director General & Onco-Surgery, Fortis Ludhiana said, “Sentinel node biopsy is a critical procedure used to determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The sentinel nodes are the first few lymph nodes to which cancer cells are likely to spread from a primary tumor. Accurate identification of these nodes is essential for staging and deciding on the appropriate course of treatment. 

  Dr Anish Bhatia, Associate Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Ludhiana, said, “During the procedure, a tracer material or green dye, specifically Indo Cyanine Green (ICG), is injected to help the surgeon locate the sentinel nodes. The SPY PHI camera, a cutting-edge imaging device, enhances the surgeon’s ability to detect these nodes with high precision, thereby improving the accuracy of the biopsy.” 

  Dr Amit Aggarwal, Consultant Pathologist, Fortis Ludhiana, said, “The technologically-advanced camera examines the sentinel nodes intraoperatively to determine whether they are positive or negative for cancer cells. Based on these findings, the surgical team can immediately decide if additional surgical intervention is necessary” 

Dr Vishavdeep Goyal, HSBU, Fortis Amritsar and Ludhiana, said " Acquiring the SPY PHI camera represents a major advancement in our dedication to delivering the highest quality care for our cancer patients. This cutting-edge technology enhances our capability to accurately stage cancer and make well-informed decisions about subsequent treatments, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. Our team has successfully performed several sentinel node biopsies using the SPY PHI camera, setting a new standard for cancer care in the region. This complex procedure necessitates real-time decision-making, based on the outcomes of a frozen section analysis - a microscopic procedure that allows surgeons to quickly diagnose cancer during surgery.”