Interventional Pulmonology
Interventional Pulmonology at Eisenhower Health is an important part of the multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing and treating the complexities of lung cancer. By utilizing minimally invasive techniques, interventional pulmonologists can provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments while minimizing discomfort and improving outcomes for our patients.
What is Interventional Pulmonology?
Pulmonology is a field of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and other airway disorders related to breathing and the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, breathing-related blood vessels and thoracic cavity, which is the area inside your upper chest that contains the lungs, heart and other organs. In the past, treating these conditions often required invasive surgery that could extend recovery time to weeks or months.
Interventional Pulmonology is a different approach to treating and managing lung cancer and other conditions of the respiratory system. While still a relatively new field, Interventional Pulmonology is dedicated to less-invasive methods of diagnosing, treating and managing lung cancer and its symptoms.
Rather than major surgery, Interventional Pulmonology utilizes next-generation imaging and techniques like advanced, guided bronchoscopy to improve outcomes and shorten hospital stays and recovery times. These efforts are overseen by a team of oncologists, thoracic surgeons and other specialists who are highly-trained in this less-invasive approach.
At Eisenhower Health, advanced techniques utilized include advanced endoscopic surgery, which is performed by passing small instruments and cameras into the thoracic cavity through small incisions, and robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with three-dimensional guidance, in which a camera is passed down the throat and into the respiratory system so the lungs and airways can be directly viewed by physicians.
Our Commitment to Patients
- Multidisciplinary care in collaboration with oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, radiology, and critical care
- Personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s condition and goals
- Focus on safety, innovation, and compassionate care
If you or a loved one has a lung or airway condition, our Interventional Pulmonology team is here to provide expert evaluation and advanced treatment options, all with the goal of improving breathing, comfort, and quality of life.
Tomorrow's Techniques, Today
Interventional Pulmonology is about responsibly pushing the boundaries of medicine and techniques to help patients in ways that would have been simply impossible even a few years ago. Among the next-generation approaches employed by Interventional Pulmonology at Eisenhower Health include:
Robotic Bronchoscopy - SABRE Surgical Approach (Single-Anesthesia Bronchoscopy & Resection Events)
- Uses robotic technology to precisely reach small or hard-to-access lung nodules for diagnosis and treatment (see Pulsed Electric Field Ablation below) of lung cancer or cancer that has spread to the lung
- Allows biopsy, staging, and treatment planning in a single procedure
- Often completed under one anesthesia session to reduce delays and repeat procedures
Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Ablation for Lung Tumors
- A non-thermal ablation technique that targets tumors while sparing nearby healthy tissue
- Can be performed through a bronchoscope or image-guided approach
- An option for selected patients with lung cancer or metastatic disease who may not be surgical or radiation candidates
Rigid Bronchoscopy & Airway Stenting
- Treats airway narrowing or blockage caused by tumors or benign conditions
- Can rapidly relieve shortness of breath and improve airflow
- Includes placement of airway stents to keep airways open when needed
Pleural Procedures
- Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis (for pleural fluid drainage)
- Minimally invasive pleural biopsies that can be done under light sedation to help diagnose cancer or inflammatory conditions
- Tunneled pleural catheter placement for patients with recurrent fluid collections, allowing safe drainage at home
Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (Endobronchial Valves)
- Minimally invasive treatment for selected patients with severe COPD or emphysema
- Improves breathing, exercise tolerance, and quality of life
- No surgical incisions and typically a shorter recovery compared with surgery
