Interventional Pulmonary Services

At Pulmonary and Sleep Specialists of Northeast Georgia and Piedmont Northeast, we offer a comprehensive range of interventional pulmonary services to diagnose and treat complex lung conditions. Our skilled team, led by our experienced interventional pulmonologist, Dr. Shashvat Sukhal, uses cutting-edge techniques and technologies to deliver precise, minimally invasive procedures that enhance patient care, reduce recovery times, and improve outcomes.

Robotic Bronchoscopy

Robotic bronchoscopy is a groundbreaking technique that allows our specialists to navigate the airways with unparalleled precision. This technology utilizes a robotic arm controlled by a physician to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with increased accuracy, enabling earlier detection of lung cancers and other abnormalities. With enhanced 3D visualization, robotic bronchoscopy is especially effective for reaching hard-to-access areas of the lungs, improving biopsy accuracy and patient safety. Robotic bronchoscopy paves the way for future therapeutic applications to target cancerous lung nodules without surgery.

Rigid Bronchoscopy

Rigid bronchoscopy is a well-established procedure that is primarily used to manage airway obstructions, extract foreign bodies, and take tissue samples from the lungs. This technique involves a wide-bore, rigid tube that is inserted into the airways to provide better access and visibility than flexible bronchoscopy, making it particularly useful for patients with severe or complex airway issues.

Cryobiopsy for Interstitial Lung Diseases

Cryobiopsy is an advanced technique used to obtain tissue samples from the lungs, particularly in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) like pulmonary fibrosis. The process uses extreme cold to freeze the lung tissue, which is then carefully removed for examination. Cryobiopsy provides larger, higher-quality tissue samples compared to traditional methods, which can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and help guide treatment strategies for ILDs.

Airway Stents

Airway stents are used to treat patients with obstructed airways, helping to maintain an open passage for airflow. These stents are often used in cases of airway tumors, strictures, or trauma. Our team carefully selects the appropriate type and size of stent to ensure optimal outcomes, promoting better lung function and reducing symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing.

Endobronchial Valves

Endobronchial valves are minimally invasive devices designed to treat conditions like emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These valves are placed in the airways to block off damaged parts of the lung, allowing healthy tissue to function more effectively and improving overall lung capacity. This procedure has shown promising results in improving respiratory function and quality of life for patients with severe COPD.

Pleural Catheter Placements

For patients with recurrent and symptomatic cancer related pleural effusion (fluid accumulation around the lungs), pleural catheter placement is a key treatment option. A small catheter is tunneled through skin and into the pleural space to drain excess fluid, providing relief from symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. This procedure is particularly helpful for patients with recurrent pleural effusions and can often be managed on an outpatient basis.

Pleurodesis

Pleurodesis is a procedure that aims to prevent the recurrence of pleural effusions by causing the pleura (the lining of the lungs) to adhere to the chest wall, closing the space where fluid typically collects. This is typically used in patients with persistent or recurrent pleural effusions due to cancer or other chronic conditions. Pleurodesis can significantly improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for these patients.

Medical Pleuroscopy

Medical pleuroscopy, also known as thoracoscopy, involves using a thin tube with a camera to view the pleural space directly. This procedure allows for the diagnosis and treatment of pleural diseases, such as infections, tumors, and fibrosis. It is particularly useful in obtaining biopsies, draining fluid collections, and managing pleural disorders without the need for more invasive surgery.

Sleep Endoscopy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the upper airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It involves using a flexible scope to examine the airway while the patient is asleep (or under sedation) to determine the exact sites of obstruction. By identifying these areas, our team can develop a targeted treatment plan, whether it be for surgical correction, mandibular advancement or other interventions like CPAP therapy, to help patients achieve better sleep and overall health.