Interventional Pulmonology
Interventional Pulmonology in Children
Interventional pulmonology is a specialized field that combines diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to manage a wide variety of lung diseases. While traditionally associated with adults, this branch of pulmonology has increasingly been used in pediatric care to address complex respiratory issues in children. Interventional pulmonology in children focuses on minimally invasive procedures that can help diagnose and treat conditions affecting the lungs and airways. With the help of advanced technologies, interventional pulmonology offers children a range of treatments that improve lung health, reduce the need for open surgery, and provide faster recovery times.
What is Interventional Pulmonology in Children?
Interventional pulmonology refers to the use of minimally invasive techniques, often with the aid of advanced imaging, to treat respiratory conditions that affect the lungs and airways. This includes diagnostic procedures and interventions for various conditions such as:
Airway obstruction
Chronic respiratory infections
Congenital lung abnormalities
Foreign body aspiration
Pulmonary malignancies
Unlike traditional methods that may require open surgery, interventional pulmonology uses endoscopic procedures and other cutting-edge technologies, which are less invasive and typically result in quicker recovery times.
Common Procedures in Pediatric Pulmonology
Bronchoscopic Procedures:
Bronchoalveolar lavage
Foreign body Removal
Transbronchial lung biopsy
Endobronchial Biopsy and brush biopsy
Airway Stenting
Balloon Dilatation
Endobroncial ultrasound - transbroncial needle aspiration (TBNA)
Pleural procedures
Pleural tapping or thoracocentesis
Intercostal drainage
Medical thoracoscopy for plueral biopsy and pleurodesis
Chemical pleurodesis
Ultrasound guided procedures
USG guided - thoracocentesis
USG Guided Fine Needle aspiration
USG guided biopsy of chest wall swelling
Dr Ritika Goyal is a trained pediatric pulmonologist and specializes in all minimally invasive pediatric procedures.