What is Interventional Pulmonology?
Interventional Pulmonology is a specialised field of lung medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating complex airway and lung conditions using minimally invasive procedures. Instead of open surgery, procedures are performed through the airways using advanced tools like bronchoscopy, ultrasound, and image-guided techniques.
What Conditions Can Be Treated?
- Lung cancer diagnosis and staging
- Tuberculosis and lung infections
- Persistent cough or breathlessness
- Pleural effusion (fluid around lungs)
- Airway obstruction or narrowing
- Hemoptysis (coughing blood)
- Interstitial lung diseases
Procedures Offered at One Healthcare
- Bronchoscopy
- EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound)
- Rigid Bronchoscopy
- Lung Cryobiopsy
- Airway Stenting
- Thoracoscopy
- Foreign Body Removal
Benefits of Interventional Pulmonology
- Minimally invasive — no major surgery required
- Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
- High diagnostic accuracy
- Safer alternative to open procedures
- Immediate relief in many airway conditions
Why Choose Dr. Sameer Arbat?
- Specialised in Interventional Pulmonology
- Expertise in advanced lung procedures
- Modern setup at One Healthcare, Nagpur
- Serving patients across Central India
FAQs — Interventional Pulmonology
Is interventional pulmonology safe?
Yes, procedures are minimally invasive and safe when performed by trained specialists.
Do all lung conditions need surgery?
No, many conditions can be treated using minimally invasive techniques without open surgery.
Is hospital admission required?
Many procedures are done as day-care or short stay — your doctor will advise based on your case.
When to Refer to an Interventional Pulmonologist
An interventional pulmonologist is a specialist trained in advanced procedures to diagnose and treat complex lung and airway conditions using minimally invasive techniques. They work closely with physicians, pulmonologists, oncologists, and intensivists.
When Should You Refer a Patient?
1. Suspected Lung Cancer
- Lung mass on imaging
- Need for biopsy or staging (EBUS, bronchoscopy)
2. Enlarged Lymph Nodes
- Unexplained mediastinal lymphadenopathy
- Need for tissue diagnosis
3. Persistent Pleural Effusion
- Cause unclear after initial tests
- Requires thoracoscopy or pleural biopsy
4. Airway Obstruction
- Stridor, wheezing, or breathing difficulty
- Suspected tracheal narrowing or tumour
5. Hemoptysis (Coughing Blood)
- Moderate to severe bleeding
- Recurrent or unexplained episodes
6. Foreign Body in Airway
- Especially in children
- Emergency removal required
7. Complex Lung Conditions
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD) needing cryobiopsy
- Cases not responding to standard treatment
Why Early Referral Matters
- Faster and more accurate diagnosis
- Timely treatment planning
- Avoids unnecessary surgery
- Improves patient outcomes
FAQs — When to Refer
Should all lung patients be referred?
No, only complex or unclear cases need referral to an interventional pulmonologist.
Is referral urgent?
Yes, in cases like airway obstruction, bleeding, or suspected cancer, early referral is critical.
Can interventional pulmonology avoid surgery?
Yes, many conditions can be managed without open surgery.
Bronchoscopy in Nagpur
Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the airways and lungs using a thin, flexible camera called a bronchoscope.
Why is it Done?
- Persistent cough
- Breathlessness
- Abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan
- Suspected lung infection or cancer
- Coughing blood
How is it Performed?
- Done under local anaesthesia with sedation
- A thin tube is passed through the nose or mouth
- Airways are visualised and samples may be taken
- Takes about 15–30 minutes
Benefits
- No surgery required
- Accurate diagnosis
- Quick recovery
- Day-care procedure
Bronchoscopy is safe and well-tolerated. Mild throat discomfort may occur temporarily.
FAQs — Bronchoscopy
Is bronchoscopy painful?
No, it is done under sedation.
Do I need admission?
Usually not — it is a day-care procedure.
When can I resume normal activity?
Within 24 hours.
Airway Stenting in Nagpur
Airway stenting involves placing a small tube inside the airway to keep it open and improve breathing in patients with blocked or narrowed airways.
When is it Needed?
- Airway blockage due to tumours
- Tracheal narrowing (stenosis)
- Airway collapse
- Post-TB airway damage
How is it Done?
- Performed under anaesthesia
- Done using bronchoscopy guidance
- Stent is placed to open the airway and restore breathing
Benefits
- Immediate breathing relief
- Improved oxygen levels
- Avoids major surgery
FAQs — Airway Stenting
Will I feel the stent?
No, patients usually do not feel it once placed correctly.
Is it permanent?
It depends on the underlying condition — your doctor will advise accordingly.
Lung Cryobiopsy in Nagpur
Cryobiopsy is a procedure where a freezing probe is used to obtain high-quality lung tissue samples during bronchoscopy — without the need for open surgery.
When is it Used?
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Lung fibrosis
- Unexplained lung abnormalities
Benefits
- Larger, better-quality tissue samples
- Improved diagnostic accuracy
- Minimally invasive
FAQs — Cryobiopsy
Is it safe?
Yes, when performed by experienced specialists.
Do I need admission?
Usually a short stay is required.
Thoracoscopy in Nagpur
Thoracoscopy is a procedure where a camera is inserted through the chest wall to examine and treat conditions in the pleural space (the area around the lungs).
Why is it Done?
- Pleural effusion (fluid around lungs)
- Suspected TB or cancer of the pleura
- Need for pleural biopsy
Benefits
- High diagnostic accuracy
- Minimally invasive
- Faster recovery compared to open surgery
FAQs — Thoracoscopy
Is it painful?
It is done under anaesthesia, so there is minimal discomfort.
How long is recovery?
Recovery is usually quick — most patients are discharged within a short stay.
Rigid Bronchoscopy in Nagpur
Rigid bronchoscopy uses a straight metal tube to access and treat major airways under general anaesthesia — enabling complex interventions not possible with flexible bronchoscopy.
When is it Used?
- Severe airway obstruction
- Tumour removal from airways
- Bleeding (hemoptysis) control
- Stent placement in major airways
Benefits
- Better airway control during complex procedures
- Effective in emergency airway situations
- Enables procedures requiring rigid instrumentation
FAQs — Rigid Bronchoscopy
Is it safe?
Yes, in expert hands it is a well-established and safe procedure.
Do I need admission?
Usually a short stay is required.
Foreign Body Removal in Airway
Foreign body removal involves the safe extraction of objects accidentally lodged in the airway using bronchoscopy — often required urgently.
Common Cases
- Children accidentally inhaling food or small toys
- Adults with accidental aspiration
Symptoms
- Sudden coughing or choking
- Breathing difficulty
- Unexplained wheezing
Treatment
- Immediate bronchoscopy under anaesthesia
- Safe and complete removal of the foreign body
FAQs — Foreign Body Removal
Is it an emergency?
Yes — immediate treatment is important to restore safe breathing.
Recovery time?
Usually quick after successful removal.