ViSE Seminar Series: Technology Challenges in Interventional Pulmonology, SC 5326, Thursday February 27, 11:50. Refreshments provided.
Technology Challenges in Interventional Pulmonology
Speakers: Otis B. Rickman, D.O. , Assistant Professor of Medicine & Thoracic Surgery , Director of Bronchoscopy, Co-Director Lung Cancer Screening Program & Bob Webster, PhD, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Otolaryngology
Date: Thursday, February 27th, 2014
Time: Noon start, 11:50 lunch social
Place: Stevenson Center 5326
Abstract: Interventional Pulmonology is a procedural field emerging out of pulmonary medicine and focused on the use of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for patients with lung cancer, airway disorders, and pleural diseases. The advanced procedures employed require additional training and expertise beyond what is obtained in standard pulmonary medicine or thoracic surgery training programs. Patients cared for typically have suspected lung cancer (nodules or lymphadenopathy), primary or metastatic tumors of the chest, emphysema, asthma, pleural disease or a complex airway abnormality requiring a procedural intervention. The rigid or flexible bronchoscope is the platform used to perform laser bronchoscopy, endobronchial electrosurgery, argon-plasma coagulation, cryotherapy, airway stent insertion, balloon bronchoplasty, brachytherapy, photodynamic therapy, thermoplasty, endobronchial ultrasound and computer assisted navigational bronchoscopy. The main challenge of the field is that due to the branching nature of the bronchial tree, the airway diameter rapidly reduces the more distal one advances towards lung periphery, this limits direct inspection of the majority of the lung. This challenge can potentially be overcome with miniaturization, robotic guidance, active bending catheters allowing for introduction of miniaturized endoscopes, enhancing resolution of diagnostic technology and allowing for real-time, in vivo imaging of the functional status of the tissues. The rapidly evolving field of IP needs to continue to expand its armamentarium of high quality, precise, minimally invasive, safe diagnostic and therapeutic modalities with continued focus on improving patient outcomes.