Services
Bronchoscopy
A Bronchoscopy is a procedure to examine the airways and diagnose any lung problems. During the procedure, a small flexible tube called a Bronchoscope, with a special light and tiny camera, is used to see the insides of the airways and lungs.
A Bronchoscopy is about a 45 to 60 minute procedure which is performed in an outpatient surgical setting.
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove any excess fluid from the pleural space, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall.
This procedure is performed by inserting a needle into the chest wall. Fluid is removed, collected into specimen container, and sent to the lab to be examined.
Endobronchial Ultrasound
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) allows physicians, through ultrasound guidance, to perform needle aspirations of enlarged lymph nodes using a Bronchoscope inserted through the mouth. The samples taken during an EBUS can be used in diagnosing cancer or other diseases that can affect the lungs.
CPET/CPEX
A Cardiopulmonary exercise test is a comprehensive testing modality to evaluate individuals with shortness of breath without a clear cause. Testing is performed by monitoring the individual’s gas exchange, blood pressure, heart rate while riding a stationary bike. This test is performed at Memorial Hospital.
Tunneled Pleural Catheter (PleurX)
This procedure is performed for individuals with recurrent fluid correction around the lungs due to cancer. The catheter goes through the skin and into the space around the lungs, allowing the individual to drain the fluid every day or every other day.
Sleep Disordered Breathing
Our physicians are trained in the evaluation and management of obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and nocturnal hypoxemia, to name a few.
These diseases are evaluated with various types of sleep studies which can be performed at your home or in a sleep lab depending on your type and severity of disease.
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT’s) are breathing tests to find out how much air your lungs can hold, how well you move air in and out of your lungs, how well oxygen enters your body, and how well your lungs remove carbon dioxide from your blood. In simple terms, PFT tests determine how well your lungs work.
The most common PFT’s are spirometry, diffusion studies, and body plethysmography. Depending on the needs of the individual, one, two, or all three of these tests will be scheduled for one visit.