• Interventional Pulmonology ▸

IPInterventional Pulmonology

As a full-service center, the Advanced Lung Center at Methodist Heart and Lung Institute treats a range of lung diseases, from emphysema, pulmonary hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to central airway disease, pleural disease, and tracheal stenosis. A large part of the team’s work in interventional pulmonology involves managing lung cancer.

Retired Police Officer, John Underwood, was diagnosed with two types of lung cancer. “I promised my daughters I was going to beat it [cancer], and no doubt in my mind I’m going to.”

- John Underwood Lung Cancer Patient

IPInterventional Pulmonology Lung cancer is still the number-one cancer killer in the U.S., and 60 percent of lung cancer diagnoses are made when the cancer has reached an advanced stage, where treatment options are more limited. Nationwide – and certainly in South Texas – early detection of lung cancer can save lives. With new diagnostic technologies and effective earlystage treatments, the outlook for lung cancer is more positive than ever – if it is caught early on. Improving early detection is a main focus of Methodist Heart and Lung Institute’s interventional pulmonology program.

The Advanced Lung Center at Methodist Heart and Lung Institute brings together a robust lung nodule program with leading-edge diagnostic technology and state-of-the-art treatment options, resulting in the only well-integrated, comprehensive lung cancer program in San Antonio and South Texas at large. This program has two main pillars: the lung nodule screening and surveillance program and the lung cancer program.

Most early lung cancer diagnoses come from CT scans that identify incidental findings during a scan for an unrelated issue in the chest or abdomen. The center uses software to scan patients’ electronic medical records for those findings and route the information to dedicated patient navigators, who contact each patient or their physician to offer the center’s lung nodule screening program. Most early lung cancer diagnoses that Methodist Heart and Lung Institute is making come as a result of the lung nodule program.

Napoleon Puente, md

Director, Pulmonary Endoscopy, Methodist Hospital Co-Director, Lung Cancer Program and The Advanced Lung Center

When it comes to improving survival for lung cancer, early diagnosis is hugely important. Good early detection capability starts with a lung nodule program, so patients who are at high risk of developing lung cancer don’t get lost in the community.

We’re very motivated; we view early detection of lung cancer as a labor of love. We have strong, collaborative relationships with thoracic surgeons and oncologists, which enables us to provide tightly coordinated care to our patients. Everyone on the team is engaged in helping patients – we’re excited that we’re able to provide the South Texas community the services that are needed to save lives.

Our future goals include expanding the lung cancer program to reach more patients in the local community and replicating the program across other HCA hospitals, both within the San Antonio region and nationwide. We’ll continue working with partners to develop and explore new interventional pulmonology technologies. We’ll also be participating in clinical trials to test new treatment modalities for lung lesions, such as RF ablation and microwave for patients who are not surgical candidates.

IP

When patients come to the lung nodule clinic, they receive detailed evaluation of their lung nodule, including follow-up monitoring as needed. Patients also receive information on how to reduce their lung cancer risk, including smoking cessation counseling. The second pillar is the lung cancer program, which begins with robust diagnostic capabilities. center’s state-of-the-art-diagnostic capabilities include endobronchial ultrasound and navigational bronchoscopy. In 2019, the center added robotic bronchoscopy to its menu of diagnostic services. Methodist Heart and Lung Institute was the second site anywhere in Texas to get robotic bronchoscopy technology, and it remains the only facility in San Antonio to have it. Using these advanced tools, the interventional pulmonology team is able to target lesions that were previously impossible to reach. Being able to go after lesions that are 6 or 8 mm – rather than waiting until they are 1 to 2 cm – enables patients to be treated up to six months earlier, increasing the chance of a cure. Early detection, efficiency, and a great patient experience set the center apart from other programs. Identified patients are scheduled for the lung nodule clinic right away, and the interventional pulmonologists perform procedures two days a week. That means that patients can be evaluated, have the necessary diagnostic procedures and biopsy, and start treatment on a faster timeline than anywhere else. IPInterventional Pulmonology

Ali Abedi, md

Medical Director, Lung Cancer Program, Methodist Hospital Co-Director, Interventional Pulmonology, Methodist Hospital

Although we certainly treat other lung diseases, from emphysema and pulmonary hypertension to central airway disease, pleural disease, and tracheal stenosis, a large part of our work in interventional pulmonology is managing lung cancer.

Our lung cancer diagnostic procedures have increased tenfold over the last two years, leading to twice as many lung cancer surgeries over the same period of time. That means that many more people are getting their lung cancer diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage. Our expedited treatment timeline means that patients can go from the initial identification of a lung lesion to treatment and cure in one month or less, rather than two to three months at other programs.

Our dedicated lung cancer navigators play an important role, coordinating each patient’s care throughout treatment. During twice monthly multidisciplinary tumor boards, we discuss each lung cancer patient’s case and develop integrated treatment plans customized for each patient. This results in big advantages for patients: from the moment we identify them to the moment we have a treatment plan in place, everything is seamlessly coordinated and managed step by step.

IP

As we conclude this comprehensive overview of our cardiovascular programs, I am truly grateful and honored to work alongside the devoted individuals who have made our mission possible. Our clinical performance and our level of success is a testament to the partnerships and relationships we’ve built with physicians and hospitals in our area.

Over the past couple of years when collaboration was essential for best performance, our teams reached new heights. Looking ahead, our promise is to provide continued medical advancements throughout the depth and breadth of our clinical offerings. One fundamental aspect of our structure is our continued desire to evaluate and improve our systems of care at all levels. Innovation and quality are at the forefront of everything we do, and we will only continue to advance because of the medical leadership we have and through the partnerships we’ll build in the future.

This is an exciting time for the Methodist Heart and Lung Institute as it expands its mission of providing excellent cardiovascular and pulmonary care on a world-class level.

I welcome your feedback including suggestions, inquiries, and corrections.

Fernando Triana, MD Physician Director Cardiac, Vascular, Pulmonary and Thoracic Service Line

SAHealth.com