Interventional pulmonology

Interventional pulmonology is a developing field of pulmonology. These lung specialists focus on minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat lung diseases and breathing disorders. Compared to surgery performed through an open-chest incision, these procedures provide several important benefits:

  • Less pain
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Faster recovery
  • Little scarring

Interventional pulmonologists have advanced training to use highly specialized endoscopes and other tools to treat lung conditions without open surgery. We use tiny incisions or gently insert devices through your mouth or nose.

The Aurora BayCare advantage

Aurora BayCare offers interventional pulmonology services in a state-of-the-art facility. Our treatment suites are equipped with the latest technology for endoscopic pulmonary procedures. With our distinct capabilities, we offer minimally invasive treatment options in place of traditional open surgery whenever possible.

Our advantage:

  • Aurora BayCare is the only hospital in the region offering select interventional pulmonary procedures.
  • First hospital in Wisconsin to offer endobronchial valves for people with advanced emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • First hospital in Wisconsin to offer robotic bronchoscopy
  • First lung care team in the area to have a board-certified interventional pulmonologist.

Our interventional pulmonologists offer expertise in bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), thoracoscopy and electromagnetic navigation (EMN). We have the expertise and technology to help many people who would traditionally be treated with more invasive procedures.

Robotic bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is the most common kind of interventional pulmonology procedure. Your doctor uses a bronchoscope, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and a tiny camera. During a bronchoscopy, your doctor passes the bronchoscope through your mouth or nose, down into your airways. The procedure is used to take a tissue sample or treat a targeted issue area.

Aurora BayCare is the first hospital in Wisconsin to offer robotic bronchoscopy. The robotic bronchoscope can travel deeper into the lung and navigate through complex airways. The robotic platform offers greater reach than ever before, allowing us to diagnose lung cancer at an earlier stage, without invasive surgery.

Minimally invasive diagnostic procedures

The pulmonologists at Aurora BayCare use a variety of minimally invasive procedures to diagnose lung conditions. Different tools help us take tissue samples and view your respiratory system. Diagnostic procedures include:

  • Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction: Minimally invasive treatment option for patients with severe COPD and emphysema which involves placing a one-way valve into an airway to help control airflow.
  • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS): Involves an ultrasound along with a bronchoscopy to view the lungs and airways and can be used to get a biopsy (a sample of tissue or fluid).
  • Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB): Provides a 3D image of the lungs and airways and is used to get a biopsy (a sample of tissue or fluid) or treat various lung conditions.
  • Medical pleuroscopy: Involves inserting a thin tube with a camera through the chest wall for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
  • Lung cancer screening: A quick, painless diagnostic test that uses a low-dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer.
  • Lung nodule program: Provides comprehensive care when a lung nodule is found through lung cancer screening or during testing for other conditions.
  • Thoracoscopy: Uses a thin flexible tube inserted through a small incision in the chest. This allows your doctor to see the area between your lungs and the membrane covering your lungs.
  • Transbronchial cryobiopsy: Uses a flexible cryoprobe (a specialized tool used to apply extreme cold) to obtain a tissue sample.

Minimally invasive treatments

Our pulmonologists treat lung conditions using a variety of minimally invasive procedures, including:

  • Airway stenting: Uses a stent inserted into your central airway to hold it open and help you breathe easier.
  • Balloon bronchoplasty: Dilates narrowed airways using a balloon passed through a bronchoscope.
  • Bronchial thermoplasty: Uses a small catheter to deliver mild heat inside the airways to reduce excessive smooth muscle tissue. This decreases the muscle’s ability to constrict the airways, resulting in fewer asthma attacks.
  • Endobronchial valve placement: For advanced emphysema, COPD and persistent air leaks.
  • Cryotherapy: Uses cold to destroy cancerous tumors or other airway obstructions.
  • Photodynamic therapy: Uses a bronchoscopy procedure to expose light-sensitive drugs to light so they attack cancerous cells.
  • Thoracentesis: Uses imaging guidance to insert a needle into your chest and remove fluid from the area around your lungs.

Our interventional pulmonology team

Aurora BayCare has the first board-certified interventional pulmonologist in northeast Wisconsin. This doctor partners with other lung surgeons who specialize in a range of minimally invasive and conventional lung treatments. Our lung care team provides the latest lung therapies including airway stenting, bronchial thermoplasty and navigational bronchoscopy.

Request an appointment

Learn more about your options for pulmonary care at Aurora BayCare. Request an appointment with a pulmonologist. Or use our online search tool to find a doctor near you.

Location

Aurora BayCare Medical Center
2845 Greenbrier Rd.
Suite 210
Green Bay, WI 54311
Phone: 920-288-8100
Fax: 920-288-8668