Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional is First in State to Debut New PEF Technology for Endoscopic Care

Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional recently pioneered the use of the Galvanize Aliya® Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) System for endoscopic care. It is the first healthcare facility in Tennessee to adopt this cutting-edge bronchoscope technology for procedures related to lung conditions.

Endoscopies use a thin, lighted tube to view the inside of the body. The PEF system uses pulsed electric fields to precisely target and treat lesions and cells through non-thermal ablation (removal of unwanted tissue without the use of heat). This approach preserves healthy tissue and stimulates the patient’s natural immune system response.

A Commitment to Excellence

The PEF system is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is a testament to Fort Sanders Regional’s commitment to embracing innovative technologies that enhance patient outcomes and improve the overall care experience.

“We are thrilled to be the first in Tennessee to offer this groundbreaking technology endoscopically,” says Varun Shah, MD, board-certified interventional pulmonologist. Dr. Shah serves as medical director of Fort Sanders Regional’s endobronchial therapies and lung nodule program.

“The PEF system represents a significant leap forward in endoscopic care. It allows us to provide our patients with the latest technology for the most effective care and treatment. It truly is amazing.”

Dr. Shah is the first physician in Tennessee to use the Aliya INUMI Flex endoscopic needle. The device is a groundbreaking tool designed to enhance precision and versatility in both robotic bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) procedures.

How Does the Pulsed Electric Field Work?

The technology uses short-duration, high-voltage electrical pulses to create an electric field that destabilizes cells through multiple biochemical processes. Since it is a non-thermal mechanism, the pulsed electric field technology can be delivered safely to the target without damaging surrounding tissue.

Advantages of PEF Technology

PEF technology offers several key advantages:

• Minimally Invasive: The PEF system allows for less invasive procedures, reducing the need for traditional surgical methods. Results include smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times for patients.
• Precision and Safety: The system’s advanced targeting capabilities ensure that only the affected tissues are treated, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision enhances patient safety and outcomes.
• Reduced Complications: By minimizing tissue damage and inflammation, the PEF system lowers the risk of complications such as infections and scarring.
• Shorter Hospital Stays: Patients benefit from quicker recovery times, which can lead to shorter hospital stays and a faster return to daily activities.

Comparison to Traditional Methods

The new system offers several advantages over traditional methods used in endoscopic care and cancer treatment:

• Surgical Resection: Traditional surgical methods require large incisions and removal of significant amounts of tissue. These methods can lead to longer recovery times and higher risks of infections and scarring. In contrast, the PEF system is minimally invasive, resulting in smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recoveries.
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This approach uses heat to destroy cancerous tissues. Heat diffusion can affect surrounding healthy tissues. In contrast, the PEF system relies on non-thermal programmed cell death, preserving healthy cells and minimizing collateral damage.
• Potential for Immune System Activation: Unlike traditional methods, the PEF system’s non-thermal cell death process releases antigens from dying tumor cells. These antigens potentially stimulate an immune response and enhance the body’s natural defenses against tumors.

Promising Clinical Trials for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Early data from the INCITE-ES clinical study suggests that the Galvanize Aliya® PEF System may revolutionize non-small cell lung cancer treatment by enhancing the body’s immune response against tumors.

About Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional
Covenant Health Fort Sanders Regional is a not-for-profit healthcare delivery system serving East Tennessee and the surrounding region. Located in downtown Knoxville, it is a 468-bed medical center with an array of medical services, including neurology, orthopedics, oncology, cardiology, obstetrics and rehabilitation medicine. It is certified by The Joint Commission and CARF as a Comprehensive Stroke and Rehabilitation Center and holds several accreditations in cardiology, hip, knee and spine surgeries and bariatrics. It is a Pulmonary Hypertension Center of Excellence and has been awarded for its maternity care. For more information, visit CovenantHealth.com/Fort-Sanders-Regional.

About Covenant Health
Covenant Health is a Tennessee-based healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. As a not-for-profit health system, we are dedicated to being the region’s premier healthcare network through service, community and innovation. We provide patient-centered care that inspires clinical and service excellence and strive to be the first and best choice for our patients, employees, physicians, employers, volunteers and communities. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 11,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.