A relatively new field, recent advancements in technology have created the need for a new subfield within pulmonology. Interventional pulmonology is now a well-organized field, with fellowships and board certifications, becoming more prevalent throughout the United States.
An interventional pulmonologist is typically seen once a thoracic disease has become too complex for a regular pulmonologist to care for the patient. A trained interventional pulmonologist or a thoracic surgeon performs advanced minimally invasive procedures for lung cancer or airway structures, including airway stenting, tumor destruction with laser, rigid bronchoscopy, balloon bronchopathy, pleuroscopy, thoracentesis and pleurx catheter insertions.
Services & Specialties
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Bronchial Thermoplasty
Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) is an outpatient procedure delivered by the AlairTM System that uses mild heat to reduce the amount of excess airway and smooth muscle tissue in the airways. BT is an add-on therapy to a patient’s current asthma medications, providing long-lasting benefits for patients, including a decrease in asthma attacks, fewer emergency room visits and improved asthma-related quality of life.
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy allows visualization of the airways and sampling of mucus or tissue from the lungs. Bronchoscopy helps diagnosing cancer and infections.
Endobronchial Ultrasound
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is an advanced bronchoscopy using a camera with an ultrasound tip to scan the area just outside the airways. EBUS allows biopsies from lymph nodes and masses which helps diagnosing and staging lung cancer and other diseases without need for invasive surgery.
