Interventional Bronchoscopy & Specialized Procedures

We provide multidisciplinary evaluation and care for patients needing advanced diagnostic or therapeutic pulmonary procedures. Both malignant and non-malignant central airway obstructions are addressed by our team.

Patients with pleural effusions, mediastinal adenopathy, and lung nodules or masses are also evaluated and treated with recommendations from a multidisciplinary thoracic oncology tumor board which includes Interventional Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery, Medical Oncology, and Radiation Oncology.

We also perform ultrasound guided pleural procedures such as placement of PleurRx® and pigtail catheters, in addition to whole lung lavage for Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis. Additionally, we are available for intrabronchial valve placement for the management of prolonged air leaks.

A close collaboration with Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery for complex central airway obstructions is readily available. Examples of non-malignant airway obstruction which are appropriate referrals include diseases such as tracheobronchomalacia, tracheal, subglottic, or bronchial stenosis, relapsing polychondritis, and Granulomatous Polyangiitis. We strive to tailor therapies to each patient. Technologies used include:

• Rigid bronchoscopy
• Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
• Thermal techniques including argon plasma coagulation (APC), electrocautery, laser, and cryotherapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• Navigational bronchoscopy
• Endobronchial brachytherapy
• Silicone, metallic, and hybrid airway stents
• Bronchial thermoplasty for severe asthma