Committed to Excellence in Cancer Research, Education and Patient Care
Inroads
July 2022
Tulane Health System Launches Minimally Invasive Robotic-Assisted Lung Biopsy Procedures
Female doctor is looking at CT image of lung
Tulane is the first hospital in Louisiana to combine a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform and real-time cone beam CT imaging to aid in precision tissue sampling of lung nodules for earlier detection of cancer.
Tulane Health System launched a new procedure to aid in the detection of lung cancer using a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform in conjunction with real-time cone beam CT imaging. Together, these technologies are used to biopsy suspicious lung nodules through a minimally invasive procedure with incredible precision even in hard-to-reach areas of the lung. The procedures enable physicians to quickly determine if a nodule is cancerous so the patient can begin life-saving treatment. Tulane is the first hospital in Louisiana to combine these technologies. 
 
The robotic-assisted bronchoscopy technology features an ultra-thin, maneuverable catheter that allows navigation into the lung and enables the precision needed for the diagnostic biopsy. The cone beam CT system offers real-time images during the bronchoscopy, so physicians know exactly where the instruments are relative to the targeted lung nodule.
 
“The lungs are a complex and delicate structure, which historically made it difficult to safely biopsy small nodules, particularly in the peripheral lung,” says Ramsy Abdelghani, MD, a board-certified interventional pulmonologist at Tulane Health System trained to use the robotic system. “Now, with the combined use of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy and real-time CT imaging, we have improved accuracy and speed with which we can diagnose and implement treatment for lung cancer patients.”
 
The leading-edge procedure compliments Tulane Health System’s Lung Nodule Program. Lung nodules can be found incidentally on CT scans of the heart and abdomen. Tulane’s program uses innovative technology to detect suspicious lung nodules by analyzing CT exams performed as part of non-lung-related patient care plans for the presence of incidental lung nodules, which could represent a malignancy. Nurse navigators then reach out personally to patients to ensure follow-up care and treatment.
 
Additionally, as part of the multidisciplinary platform focused on early-stage cancer detection, Tulane Health System offers a low-dose CT lung screening program for proactive identification and treatment of at-risk patients.
 
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Detecting lung cancer at its earliest stage for treatment improves survival rates according to the American Cancer Society.
 
“Offering an advanced approach for lung biopsies is an important part of detecting lung cancer early, allowing better outcomes for patients,” says Tom Patrias, chief executive officer of Tulane Health System. “We hope this, combined with our lung nodule biopsy detection program and our low-dose CT screenings, will positively impact lung cancer survival rates in our community.”
 
For more information on the Tulane Lung Cancer program, visit TulaneHealthcare.com.
Arts in Medicine Mural Installation
to Celebrate Survivorship & Inspire Hope
Artist-in-Residence Ann Zatarain transfers her drawing to the mural wall, a 30-foot-long blank canvas located in the Tulane Cancer Center Comprehensive Clinic.
After many months of planning, collaborating and enduring unforeseen delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an inspirational mural installation is finally underway in the Tulane Cancer Center Comprehensive Clinic, located at 150 S. Liberty St. in New Orleans.

Artist-in-Residence Ann Zatarain, along with medical student volunteers from Tulane's Medical Art Society known as MedArt started transferring their master sketches to a 30-foot-long freshly painted blank wall in the clinic earlier this month.

"We want the mural's imagery to be inspirational and a reflection of the many different types of patients who come to our clinic for treatment," said Zatarain. "We also wanted to continue the floral motif that is so much a part of other paintings and artistic displays in the cancer clinic."

Zatarain's master drawing includes a variety of portraits, a diverse collection of faces with one thing seemingly in common an expression of perseverance and strength in the face of adversity. Woven into the clothing of the individuals, as well as the background of the image are all varieties of flowers and foliage, some towering high above the portraits. "The botanical theme is meant to reflect that despite the challenges they face, these individuals are integral parts of a bright landscape and that the journey to cancer survivorship is not only possible but can also be filled with hope," said Zatarain.

The mural is just one component of Tulane Cancer Center's robust Arts in Medicine Program (AIM), which provides arts-related activities for patients, their caregivers, and staff. In pursuit of its mission to "empower the spirit through creativity," AIM recognizes the integral role of the arts in healing and transforming the treatment experience. In addition to the mural, AIM programming includes rotating gallery installations, fine arts workshops, group art activities, art packs-to-go, music therapy sessions, chair-side crafts in infusion, performances in the waiting areas and more. One-on-one sessions may also be scheduled.

Although it's uncertain how long it will take to complete the mural, Zatarain has the assistance of 22 MedArt volunteers, who will be pitching in during slower times in the clinic primarily Friday afternoons as well as on weekends to help finish the project.

"The whole concept of including the arts in patient care fits in with what I believe to be an important and potentially beneficial holistic approach to treating illnesses of all kinds," said Shephaly Soni, second-year Tulane medical student and MedArt volunteer.

"It's fulfilling to help provide positive distractions for those going through an extremely difficult time," said Katie Hughes, fellow MedArt volunteer also in her second year at Tulane Med.

The Tulane Medical Art Society is one of the three longest-running medical student organizations at Tulane. In addition to providing manpower, the organization has provided funds to purchase art supplies for the mural project.

If you are interested in supporting Tulane Cancer Center's Arts In Medicine Program or the mural project in particular please contact Melanie Cross at 504-988-6592 or mcross@tulane.edu.
At left is another of Ann Zatarain's murals, currently on display in Tulane's Abdominal Transplant Institute and Clinic - located on the 6th floor of Tulane Medical Center in downtown New Orleans. Zatarain has an undergraduate degree in painting and drawing from LSU and a graduate degree in painting and photography from the University of New Orleans. She has served as Tulane's Artist-in-Residence since November 2019.
NOLA Bluedoo is BACK! And 2022 is shaping up to be our best year yet!

You don't want to miss this! Mark your calendars and join us...

Saturday, September 17, 4 PM
Tulane's Uptown Campus - Gibson Quad


What's Bluedoo?

NOLA Bluedoo is a uniquely-New Orleans-style festival that raises research funds and promotes awareness of prostate cancer. It's the only event of its kind in our area!

Come enjoy great food, drink, music, costuming, kids' and survivors' tents, a walk/run and MORE, as you help to fight back against this disease that impacts one in seven of our men.

How Are Funds Used?

All funds raised benefit Dr. Oliver Sartor's Prostate Cancer Research Fund at Tulane Cancer Center. Dr. Sartor leads an internationally renowned research and treatment program here in New Orleans. He and his team have helped to drive great progress in the development and approval of new drugs for prostate cancer.

Over the past nine years, NOLA Bluedoo donors have helped to generate just over $1 million in research funding for Dr. Sartor and his team. Please join us in thanking this year's generous sponsors (as of July 14, 2022), listed below.

Who's Playing Bluedoo?

The incomparable Wendell Brunious and his band will be performing a "Tribute to Allen Toussaint" on the NOLA Bluedoo main stage, beginning at 4:15 PM. Brunious previously played NOLA Bluedoo – as did the legendary Mr. Toussaint – and we are so happy to welcome him back!

Warming up the stage for Wendell and the gang will be groovesetters Soul Saint, performance artist "Michael Jackson," the Amelia Earhawts, the Pussyfooters, and the Baby Dolls, with special appearances by the Laissez Boys Social Aid and Leisure Club and the Harley Owners Group, who get the party started with their traditional engine rev at the start of the race.

Tell Me More About the Walk/Run

NOLA Bluedoo features a two-mile competitive walk/run, held in conjunction with the New Orleans Track Club (NOTC), which takes walkers and runners on a tour across Tulane University’s beautiful Uptown campus. Registration for the race will be opening soon. Visit https://www.runnotc.org/ for more details. (Please note, walk/run registration fees primarily benefit the New Orleans Track Club.)

You do not have to participate in the walk/run to attend NOLA Bluedoo.

What's on the Menu?

Attendees to NOLA Bluedoo 2022 will enjoy FREE waters and soft drinks, as well as beer, compliments of Second Line Brewing.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic was so devastating to our local restaurant industry, rather than ask for food donations to our event this year, we wanted to give back by providing food vendors the opportunity to sell their items at NOLA Bluedoo.

So come hungry and show your love to the below NOLA Bluedoo 2022 food and beverage partners. We will be posting their specific menu items and prices as the event date nears. Please visit our website www.nolabluedoo.org and click on "About the Event" to learn more.
NOLA Bluedoo Food/Beverage Vendor Line-Up
You're gonna want to come hungry!!!!

Look for "Nadine" Crepes a la Cart's festive blue food truck at NOLA Bluedoo!
How Can I Help?

Spread the word! NOLA Bluedoo is just as committed to raising awareness of prostate cancer as it is to raising research funds. Please join us – no tickets required! – and bring your family and friends.

And if you'd like to help support our Prostate Cancer Research Program, please click here for more information on sending a check or making your gift via credit card.

Donations can also be made at the event. Look for the "Bluedoo Central" tent!

For More Information...

Visit www.nolabluedoo.org or contact Melanie Cross -- 504-988-6592, mcross@tulane.edu -- or Keadren Green -- 504-988-6064, kgreen2@tulane.edu.

See you at NOLA Bluedoo!

And don't forget to wear blue -- the color of prostate cancer awareness!!
Many Thanks to Our NOLA Bluedoo 2022 Sponsors!
(as of July 14, 2022)

Platinum Sponsors
Mr. & Mrs. Erik F. Johnsen

Gold Sponsors
The Chronis Family
Michael & Virginia White

Silver Sponsors
Anonymous
Gerald Cohen
For the Love of Kamran
Team Harry

Bronze Sponsors
Anonymous
Larry & Joanne Gay
Louisiana Companies
Mr. & Mrs. William B. Reily IV
Dr. Oliver Sartor

Supporters
Anonymous
John Easterwood
Joe Holyfield
Vanue B. Lacour, Jr.
Colin McCormick
Caroline & Arthur Nead
Tianhua "Tim" Niu
Robert L. Sebastian
Dr. & Mrs. Kamran Zaheri