Interventional Pulmonology Clinic

AHN interventional pulmonologists provide specialty care for benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) diseases of the airways, lung tissue, and pleura (the lining of the lungs).

For patients with lung cancer, we use a team-based approach to evaluate patients and allow them to go from diagnosis to treatment in an efficient and timely manner. This team includes interventional pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists. Teams meet weekly to discuss the best plans to treat complex cases.

For patients with lung diseases who need advanced bronchoscopy, we work with general pulmonologists to formulate care plans.

Pulmonary conditions we evaluate and manage

We develop individualized treatment plans for a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Pleural disease: Benign and malignant pleural effusions are a buildup of fluid between the tissues that line your lungs and your chest.
• End-stage COPD and emphysema: For patients who are still short of breath, despite maximal medical therapy, we offer bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.
• Lung nodule and masses: We offer a monthly nodule clinic at multiple locations, as well as multiple options for those needing a biopsy.
• Lung cancer: We are not oncologists and do not treat lung cancer; however, we collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and can treat some of the complications associated with lung cancer.
• Central airway obstruction (malignant and non-malignant): This includes a narrowing or obstruction in the airway (tracheal or bronchus) causing shortness of breath.
• Pneumothorax: These have multiple causes that result in a tear or air leak in the pleura or lining of the lung.

Interventional pulmonology at AHN: procedures offered

Diagnostic bronchoscopy

We use a bronchoscope (a scope with a camera) to diagnose pulmonary conditions. We insert the scope into your nose or mouth and move it along to your lungs and bronchial tubes. The types of diagnostic procedures we perform include:

• Robotic bronchoscopy
• Linear and radial endobronchial ultrasound
• Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy
• Cryobiopsy

Therapeutic bronchoscopy

These bronchoscopies are done to help alleviate symptoms. While many lung and breathing disorders can be treated with medications, we offer advanced bronchoscopy techniques to deliver effective treatments and relief from symptoms.

Based on your individualized care plan, our specialists can perform a wide variety of techniques, including the following:

• Argon plasma coagulation uses argon gas to control bleeding.
• Mechanical debulking physically reduces the size of tumors or other obstructions.
• Electrocautery uses the heat from an electric current to reduce obstructions.
• Cryotherapy uses repeated rapid freezing and thawing cycles to destroy tumor cells.
• Photodynamic therapy uses special drugs along with light to kill cancer cells.
• Endobronchial brachytherapy uses local radiation in the airway.
• Stenting helps to widen collapsing airways.
• Laser ablation cuts tissue and cauterizes the area for effective removal of certain obstructions.
• Microdebriders are small machines with spinning blades on a bronchoscope that remove lesions.
• Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction for COPD uses a one-way valve to ease shortness of breath in hyperinflated lungs.
• Thoracentesis and chest tube placement drains excess fluid from the linings of your lungs.
• Tunneled pleural catheter placement and management uses a catheter to manage recurring buildup of fluid in the lining of the lungs.

Meet our team of pulmonary specialists.

Our experienced interventional pulmonology team regularly collaborates with thoracic surgeons, oncologists, and nurse navigators to guide you through an optimal course of care.

Schedule an appointment at the Interventional Pulmonology Clinic.

Patients with a current diagnosis can schedule an appointment by calling the clinic at (412) 442-2100.

Patients with severe COPD who are interested in bronchoscopic lung volume reduction should call the Interventional Pulmonary Nurse Line at (412) 552-4293 and leave a voicemail. To be scheduled, patients will be required to have had a recent pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and have quit smoking.

New patients

New patients need a current diagnosis to schedule an appointment. For symptom evaluation and diagnosis, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, internist, or family doctor.

To find a new primary care physician, internist, or family doctor, go to FindCare to select a doctor near you.

Appointment cancellations

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, call (412) 442-2100 at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment.

Medical professionals

If you are an AHN physician, you can refer your patient through Epic® or call (888) 660-4884 to arrange an emergency admission, facility transfer, and referral.

If you are an independent physician and want to refer your patient, call 1 (844) MD-REFER 1 (844) 637-3337 or go to the Independent Physician Resource Center for referral and patient follow-up tools.

Request a call

Complete this short Request a Call form to ask a nonemergency question about a diagnosis, treatment plan, or billing question, and we’ll call you back