Interventional pulmonology (IP) involves the use of advanced bronchoscopic and pleuroscopic procedures to diagnose and treat various lung conditions. Pulmonologists specializing in this field use endoscopic techniques to access the lungs and airways without the need for major surgery. These procedures are crucial for diagnosing conditions such as lung cancer, airway strictures, and pleural diseases.
The key objective of interventional pulmonology is to provide minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, leading to better patient outcomes with reduced recovery times.
Interventional pulmonologists manage a wide range of respiratory conditions, including:
● Diagnosis and staging through endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and navigational bronchoscopy
● Palliative treatments to relieve airway obstructions
● Airway stent placement for obstructed bronchi
● Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) for emphysema
● Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for early lung cancer detection
● Biopsy procedures such as transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB)
● Pleural effusions and malignant pleural mesothelioma management
● Thoracentesis and pleurodesis to drain excess pleural fluid
● Balloon dilatation and airway stenting for airway narrowing
● Pleurodesis and indwelling pleural catheter placement
● Emergency bronchoscopic removal of aspirated objects
Interventional pulmonologists work closely with oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiologists to provide comprehensive care for patients with lung and airway disorders.
Flexible bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows doctors to examine the airways and lungs using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. It is commonly used for:
● Diagnosing infections and inflammatory diseases
● Collecting tissue samples through bronchial biopsy
● Removing foreign bodies or blockages
EBUS is a revolutionary technique used to visualize the airways, lymph nodes, and surrounding lung tissues. It enables:
● Accurate lung cancer staging
● Minimally invasive biopsy collection
ENB is an advanced navigation system used to biopsy and diagnose peripheral lung nodules. This technique increases the accuracy of lung cancer detection.
Rigid bronchoscopy is used for:
● Removing large airway obstructions
● Stent placement to keep airways open
Balloon bronchoplasty is a technique used to dilate narrowed airways due to tumors or scarring, improving breathing function in patients with airway stenosis.
Airway stents are placed to keep the trachea and bronchi open in cases of severe narrowing caused by tumors or scarring.
Thoracentesis involves draining excess fluid from the pleural space to relieve symptoms of pleural effusion.
Pleurodesis is a procedure that prevents recurrent pleural effusion by sealing the pleural layers together using chemical agents.
IPC placement allows for continuous drainage of pleural effusions at home, improving patient comfort.
Interventional pulmonology offers several advantages over traditional surgical methods, including:
● Minimally invasive techniques reduce hospital stays and
recovery time.
● Improved diagnostic accuracy with advanced imaging
and navigation technologies.
● Lower risk of complications compared to open lung
surgery.
● Better quality of life for patients with lung and airway
disorders.
● Palliative care for advanced lung diseases, improving
patient comfort.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult an interventional pulmonologist:
● Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Unexplained weight loss with respiratory symptoms
● Blood in sputum (hemoptysis)
● Recurrent pneumonia or lung infections
● Unresolved lung nodules or masses
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