Interventional Pulmonology
Interventional pulmonologists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center treat lung conditions using minimally invasive procedures. These newer, advanced treatments — a cross of pulmonary medicine and thoracic surgery — may shorten your recovery time.
Conditions We Treat
We treat pulmonary conditions, including:
- Airway obstructions, including foreign bodies
- Central airway collapse (tracheobronchomalacia)
- Lung nodules
- Mediastinal adenopathy or masses
- Pleural diseases
Meet Your Care Team
Why Choose Interventional Pulmonology at Vanderbilt
- Top program in Tennessee
Of the 350 board-certified interventional pulmonologists in the U.S., three are at Vanderbilt. They perform more than 1,500 procedures each year. That depth of experience means expert, comprehensive care for you.
- Minimally invasive procedures
Minimally invasive tests, such as navigational bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound, often are done as outpatient procedures. They can be more comfortable than traditional tests and lower your risk of complications.
- Collaborative care
We are part of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee. We work in the same clinic with radiologists, oncologists and other specialists to personalize your lung cancer treatment plan. We also are part of the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center’s Complex Airway Reconstruction Program. We work closely with otolaryngologists, speech-language pathologists and other specialists to improve outcomes for patients with airway problems.
- Rigid bronchoscopy
Tumors or complications from cancer can block airways and cause pain. Our interventional pulmonologists are experts in using rigid bronchoscopy to relieve and even remove cancer-related problems in the airway.
- Medical thoracoscopy
Our interventional pulmonologists are the only ones in Middle Tennessee who can perform this minimally invasive procedure to examine your airways. It’s one of the fastest procedures available to diagnose pleural effusions and relieve your symptoms.
- Robust clinical trials
As part of an academic medical center, we are the only program in Tennessee to offer interventional pulmonology clinical trials. This means you have access to new, advanced treatments that are under investigation and not yet available to the public.
- Leading research
Our interventional pulmonologists are always exploring how to make tests and treatments less invasive and more comfortable for you. We are pioneering research in robotic lung surgery and computed tomography lung cancer screening so we can provide you with access to the latest proven treatment options.