What is Interventional Pulmonology?
Interventional Pulmonology (IP) is a specialized branch of pulmonary medicine that employs minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the lungs, airways, and pleural spaces. Utilizing advanced endoscopic and imaging technologies, IP offers both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for a range of pulmonary disorders.
Types of Interventional Pulmonology Procedures and Their Indications
Interventional pulmonology encompasses a variety of procedures tailored to address specific pulmonary conditions. Below is an overview of common interventions and their primary indications:
Flexible bronchoscopy is a procedure used to examine the airways of the lungs. It can serve as a diagnostic tool to investigate potential issues or as a therapeutic procedure to treat existing conditions.
Thoracoscopy is a procedure used to examine the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the rib cage, inside the chest.
Rigid bronchoscopy is a procedure that provides access to the airway, allowing the use of larger instruments and cameras for diagnosing and treating airway diseases.
EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound) is a technique that combines ultrasound with bronchoscopy to visualize the airway wall and nearby structures.
Foreign body removal via interventional pulmonology uses rigid bronchoscopy to safely extract inhaled objects from the airway. This minimally invasive procedure ensures quick recovery, restoring normal breathing and preventing complications.
Pleural fluid aspiration, or thoracentesis, is a procedure to remove excess fluid from the pleural space, aiding in diagnosis and symptom relief for conditions like pleural effusion, infection, or malignancy.
A chest drain (intercostal drain) is a procedure in interventional pulmonology to remove air, fluid, or pus from the pleural space, aiding in conditions like pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and empyema.
An indwelling pleural catheter is a minimally invasive intervention in pulmonology used for managing recurrent pleural effusions. It allows continuous drainage, improving patient comfort and reducing hospital visits.
Pigtail catheter drainage is a minimally invasive procedure in interventional pulmonology used to remove air or fluid from the pleural space, effectively treating pneumothorax, pleural effusion, or empyema.
