Procedures
We know that undergoing a procedure can be confusing or even a bit scary. We want you to know that you’re not alone; the physicians and staff at Pulmonary Health Physicians are committed to helping you understand your procedure.
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which your health care provider examines the airways to your lungs with a thin, flexible lighted tube called a bronchoscope. The doctor will be able to inspect the airways and take a biopsy if necessary. Bronchoscopies are performed in the hospital setting.
Some common reasons to have a bronchoscopy are:
- You have an irritation, growth, or scar tissue in part of your lungs
- There may be a foreign body in your lungs
- You may need your lungs checked for signs of cancer
- You have a cough or are coughing up blood
- You need to have cultures taken to diagnose an infection
- You need to have a small sample of lung tissue (biopsy) taken for lab tests
Laryngoscopy
Laryngoscopy is an examination of the back of your throat and includes your vocal chords. Laryngoscopies are performed in our office.
Some common reasons to have a laryngoscopy are:
- Breathing problems
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Long term upper respiratory problems
- Throat pain that doesn’t go away
- Voice problems including hoarseness, weak voice, or raspy voice
- Biopsy of the throat
Navigational Bronchoscopy
We use navigational bronchoscopy to find and reach tumors located in the periphery of the lungs, where smaller bronchi are not wide enough to allow passage of a normal bronchoscope. With navigational bronchoscopy, doctors can find lung tumors, take biopsies and administer treatment.
Navigational bronchoscopy, which combines advanced imaging techniques with electromagnetic navigation, is used to:
- Find and biopsy suspicious masses
- Suction excess fluid or mucus from the airway or chest
- Control bleeding in the airway
- Treat tumors in the airway using HDR brachytherapy
- Place airway stents
- Place catheters in vital areas of the lungs
Navigational bronchoscopy is minimally invasive compared to purcutaneous lung biopsy procedures. It also requires less time for recovery and can be done on an outpatient basis.
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
Pulmonary Function Tests are used to measure how well the lungs inhale and exhale air and how efficiently they move gases, such as oxygen, into the body. There are several different pulmonary function tests performed in the office.
Pulmonary Function Tests help:
- Diagnose disease of the lungs
- Determine the cause of shortness of breath
- Measure the effects of toxins in your lungs
- Measure the effectiveness of medicines and other treatments
