Procedures

Safe & painless procedures to investigate & diagnose your symptoms:

• Bronchoscopy

• Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)

• Thoracentesis

• Intercostal catheter (ICC) Insertion

• Indwelling Pleural Catheter (IPC)

Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic procedure which allows visual inspection of the bronchial airways. Bronchoscopy if commonly performed as a part of the diagnosis and investigation of many respiratory disorders including infections and lung cancer. During the procedure, diagnostic samples including biopsies and fluid washings can be taken. The procedure can be performed under conscious sedation or general anaesthetic.

Convex probe (CP) EBUS is an advanced bronchoscopic procedure which allows direct visualisation of lymph nodes and other structures located external to the proximal bronchial airways. Using real-time EBUS guidance, transbronchial needle aspirate (TBNA) can be performed to biopsy abnormal lymph nodes or lung masses, usually inaccessible by standard bronchoscopy. EBUS-TBNA is commonly used in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, and other respiratory conditions.

Radial probe (RP) EBUS is an advanced diagnostic procedure used in conjunction with standard flexible bronchoscopy. A thin ultrasound probe is used to locate and biopsy small peripheral lung nodules and lesions, allowing a higher diagnostic accuracy than traditional bronchoscopic methods.

Thoracentesis, also known as a pleural tap, involves the removal of fluid from space between the lungs and chest wall (pleural space) for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic.

An intercostal catheter is a chest tube inserted between the ribs into the space between the lungs and chest wall (pleural space) to allow drainage of either pleural fluid or air. ICC insertion is generally performed under local anaesthetic. The catheter may remain in the chest for several days.

An indwelling pleural catheter is a small flexible tube inserted between the ribs into the space between the lungs and chest wall (pleural space). It is designed to remain in the patient’s chest indefinitely and allow regular drainage of pleural fluid in the home environment. IPCs are commonly used to manage the accumulation of pleural fluid seen in patients with advanced lung cancer and other malignancies. This helps manage symptoms of breathlessness and pain, with a low risk of infection.

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