Interventional Pulmonary Care in New Jersey

Interventional pulmonology focuses on diagnosing and treating lung and airway conditions using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. These procedures help avoid major surgery and support faster recovery – especially for people facing complex or hard-to-reach lung problems.

At Hackensack Meridian Health, interventional pulmonologists are specially trained to treat conditions affecting the airways, lungs, pleura (lining around the lungs) and lymph nodes in the chest. They work closely with other specialists to develop the right care plan for each patient.

Interventional Pulmonary 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

Interventional Pulmonary Procedures We Offer

Many interventional pulmonary procedures are performed through the mouth or nose using thin, flexible tools called bronchoscopes. These techniques are often safer and require less recovery time than traditional surgery. Common procedures include:

• 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

Common Questions About Interventional Pulmonary Care