Interventional Pulmonary Program at Hackensack University Medical Center

Conditions We Treat

Our interventional pulmonologists care for people with a wide range of lung and airway conditions, including:

• Airway foreign bodies: Inhaled objects that block the airway and require removal
• Airway stenosis and obstruction: Narrowing or blockage of the airway that makes it difficult to breathe
• COPD and severe emphysema: Chronic lung conditions that limit airflow and may require advanced treatment
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis): Bleeding in the airways or lungs that needs prompt evaluation and treatment
• Lung cancer and tumors: Abnormal growths in the lungs that may require diagnosis, staging and treatment planning
• Lung nodules: Small abnormal spots in the lungs that may be benign or cancerous and need further testing
• Pleural effusion: Buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall that can make breathing difficult

Advanced Pulmonary Procedures We Offer

Our team specializes in state-of-the-art procedures that are performed with accuracy and care in our dedicated pulmonary procedure unit. This includes:

• Airway stenting and balloon dilation: Open narrowed airways to restore airflow
• Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (endobronchial valves): A breakthrough procedure for severe emphysema
• Cryotherapy: Freezes abnormal tissue in the airway to remove or reduce it
• Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS): For real-time imaging and lymph node staging
• Fiducial marker placement: Helps guide precise radiation therapy
• Medical pleuroscopy/thoracoscopy: A minimally invasive way to diagnose pleural disease
• Rigid bronchoscopy: For more complex airway cases or removal of large obstructions
• Robotic bronchoscopy: Advanced technology to precisely biopsy hard-to-reach lung nodules
• Thoracentesis and tunneled pleural catheter placement: Drains excess fluid to improve breathing
• Tumor ablation: Targets tumors directly inside the airway
• Whole lung lavage: A specialized washing procedure for certain rare lung diseases

Why Choose the Interventional Pulmonary Program at Hackensack Meridian Health?

Here’s What Sets Our Interventional Pulmonary Program Apart

• Minimally Invasive Expertise: We’re a regional leader in minimally invasive lung care. Our interventional pulmonologists use robotic bronchoscopy with 3D navigation to biopsy small or deep lung nodules, improving both safety and accuracy. We also perform endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) to thoroughly stage lung cancer and guide your treatment plan.
• Advanced Emphysema Treatment: We’re nationally recognized for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves – a procedure that helps people with severe emphysema breathe easier without surgery. Hackensack University Medical Center and JFK University Medical Center are both Zephyr® Premier Practice Centers, reflecting our high volume and outstanding outcomes.
• Collaborative, Team-Based Care: Our interventional pulmonary team works closely with specialists in thoracic surgery, oncology, radiation, pathology and radiology to provide the most coordinated, patient-centered care possible. Together, we create a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Learn more about the interventional pulmonary services we offer at Hackensack Meridian Health.

Meet the Team

Our program is based at Hackensack University Medical Center, home to one of the region’s most advanced thoracic and pulmonary care centers. You’ll be cared for by a team of leaders in pulmonology.