Pulmonary Medicine

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Pulmonary Medicine

Lung function and breathing properly are vital to your health. But sometimes, lung disease and other respiratory conditions get in the way. These can often be treated successfully with the help of your primary care physician. However, other cases require care from specialists in pulmonology.

The pulmonologists with The Christ Hospital Physicians – Pulmonary Medicine specialize in the diagnosis and advanced treatment of lung and respiratory disease to help you breathe clearly. Our experts provide the latest in ground-breaking treatment of pulmonary disease and critical care medicine for conditions such as:

  • Asthma

  • Chronic bronchitis

  • Chronic cough

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/Emphysema

  • Interstitial lung disease

  • Lung cancer

  • Lung nodules

  • Pulmonary infiltrates

  • Pleural effusion

Ask your doctor for a referral if you experience one of these conditions and require further care from the pulmonology experts at The Christ Hospital Physicians. You can reach us at 513-241-5489 to see if you qualify, or for more information. Current patients can also call the number if you need to schedule an appointment. ​

Why Choose The Christ Hospital Physicians for Pulmonary Medicine?

Our board-certified experts provide a full range of pulmonary services including interventional pulmonology, critical care medicine, navigational bronchoscopy, pulmonary function testing and smoking cessation.

Pulmonary function lab

Patients at our Mt. Auburn clinic enjoy the convenience of our on-site pulmonary function lab, which allows us to detect and diagnose pulmonary issues through a series of breathing maneuvers completed in a booth in our facility.

Closed ICU for critical care

Patients requiring inpatient critical care for more severe conditions are treated in a closed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), meaning they are treated in a section of the hospital dedicated to providing the best in critical pulmonary care and staffed by experts in the field.

Comprehensive care is important for patients who require critical care with severe pulmonary conditions. That’s why our closed ICU at The Christ Hospital offers a multidisciplinary approach to providing care to the whole patient. Among others, our team includes pulmonologists, residents, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and psychiatrists all working together to help you make a full recovery in every way.

Interventional Pulmonary procedures

The Christ Hospital is pleased to offer patients interventional pulmonary procedures, which uses endoscopy to help diagnose and treat a variety of chest and lung issues. Interventional pulmonary procedures offered at The Christ Hospital include:

  • Bronchoscopy - a procedure that uses a scope to examine the inside of your lungs and airways.

  • Thoracentesis - a procedure that removes fluid accumulation in the pleural space of the lungs.

  • Chest Tube Placement - a procedure in which a thin plastic tube is inserted into the pleural space of the lung. The tube may be attached to a suction device to remove excess fluid or air.

  • Navigational Bronchoscopy- a procedure that uses a scope to examine and treat lesions in areas of the lungs that are inaccessible using a regular bronchoscopy. This procedure combines electromagnetic navigation with real-time CT images to create a three-dimensional map of the lungs.

  • Endoscopic Bronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)- a procedure that uses ultrasound technology in combination with bronchoscopy to visualize the walls of the airways and to take biopsy from tissue in the lungs or from the surrounding lymph nodes in the chest.

  • EBV Valve System-a procedure that deploys small umbrella-like valves inside the lungs, via a catheter passed through a scope, for the treatment of acute and chronic conditions in the lungs.

  • Cryotherapy Bronchoscopy - a procedure that uses rapid freeze-thaw cycles through a scope to safely restore airway patency and improve symptoms of central airway obstruction.

  • Zephyr Valve System - a procedure that deploys one-way valves through a scope to areas of the lung that are affected by emphysema.

Endobronchial valve implants for COPD & Emphysema

Zephyr ValveEndobronchial valve implants, also known as Zephyr Valves , are a minimally invasive treatment option for people with severe COPD and emphysema. The valves are implanted in selected airways of the lungs without incisions or cutting. The valves are an alternative to more invasive traditional lung volume reduction surgery.

During the procedure, your doctor will place an average of four valves in the airways of your lungs, with the specific number being determined by the individual anatomy of your lungs. The procedure requires a minimum three-night stay, or longer if there are complications. You will continue with prescribed medications after the procedure, but in clinical studies, patients treated with endobronchial valve implants have been shown to breathe easier, be more active and enjoy an improved quality of life.

You may be a candidate for endobronchial valve implants if:

  • Have a confirmed diagnosis of COPD or emphysema
  • Must stop to catch their breath often, even with taking their medication as directed
  • Have reduced lung function (FEV1≤50% predicted)

Zephyr Valve​​​
Zephyr Valve images courtesy of Pulmonx Corp.​

Current patients can ask their primary pulmonologist if they believe they may be a candidate for a Zephyr Valve, or call our office at 513-241-5489 for ​more information.