Inova Lung and Thoracic Services
Inova offers world-class care to patients living with conditions affecting the lungs and other organs in the chest (thoracic cavity) – including the esophagus, trachea and chest wall.
We offer nationally recognized comprehensive programs throughout the continuum of care – from screening and prevention to diagnosis, cutting-edge treatment options and rehabilitation.
Learn More About Our PH Program
Conditions Treated
- Advanced Lung Disease
- Airway Stenosis
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1AT)
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- COVID-19
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Diagnostic Dilemmas
- Emphysema
- Esophageal Cancer
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Interventional Pulmonology
- Lung Cancer
- Lung Nodules
- Lung Transplant
- Pleural Effusions
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Sarcoidosis
- Severe Asthma
- Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM)
Specialized Programs and Services
Advanced Lung Disease Lung Transplant Program
Inova is nationally recognized for lung transplantation and offers the D.C. area's first and only lung transplant program.
For the past 30 years, our transplant surgeons and advanced lung disease specialists have been offering new hope to individuals dealing with serious life-threatening lung disease that once was considered untreatable.
Our team coordinates every facet of your care during the transplant process, from organ procurement and transport to the actual surgical procedure, inpatient recovery, and the vitally-important recovery and rehabilitation process that continues for many weeks following transplantation.
Advanced Lung Disease Research and Clinical Trials
Inova participates in numerous clinical trials for a variety of lung diseases including interstitial lung disease, lung transplantation, pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and non-CF bronchiectasis. This includes industry sponsored clinical trials, Inova investigator initiated studies, and research collaborations.
Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR) for Emphysema
Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) is a cutting-edge minimally invasive treatment option for patients living with emphysema, an advanced form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). FDA approved endobronchial valves are placed in the airways to help reduce shortness of breath and make breathing easier. Patients have reported immediate relief and a significant improvement in quality of life.
Cystic Fibrosis Center
Accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), Inova offers expert care and specialized disease management to pediatric and adult patients living with cystic fibrosis (CF).
We participate in the CFF patient registry and other research studies – including collaboration with the National Institutes of Health – to facilitate the development of new therapies for advanced and rare lung diseases. Our goal is to improve the length and quality of life for all people living with CF.
Interstitial Lung Disease Program
The Interstitial Lung Disease Program at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus provides comprehensive care for the entire spectrum of interstitial lung diseases, from mild to advanced-stage diseases requiring lung transplantation – all in a single center.
Our multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing patients includes input from multiple pulmonologists, a pulmonary pathologist and thoracic radiologists. Treatment plans are designed to address all aspects of your lung disease as well as any associated comorbidities including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and psychological issues. In addition, we can provide access to clinical research trials of the newest potential therapies.
Interventional Pulmonology
Interventional pulmonology (IP), an advanced subspecialty of pulmonary medicine, focuses on using minimally invasive procedures and therapeutic techniques to diagnose and treat conditions in the lungs and chest. IP procedures yield exceptional outcomes and offer patients the potential advantage of avoiding more invasive surgery.
Inova's nationally recognized IP program treats more patients than any other program in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Our board-certified interventional pulmonologists work hand-in-hand with an expert team of thoracic surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists and respiratory therapists to successfully manage complex airway and pleural diseases, including lung cancer and non-malignant diseases of the chest.
Lung Cancer Screening
Annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended for adults ages 50 to 77 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke, or have quit within the past 15 years.
Inova's Lung Cancer Screening program is designed to detect cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. Should cancer be detected, a multidisciplinary team of board certified interventional pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons and thoracic medical and radiation oncologists work hand-in-hand to coordinate and manage your care. Inova patients have access to advanced imaging capabilities including robotic-assisted bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), cutting-edge clinical trials, and world-class surgeons who regularly perform complex thoracic surgeries. We offer comprehensive robotic, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment options for lung cancer patients.
Pulmonary Diagnostics
Inova Pulmonary Diagnostic tests and treatments can help assess an individual’s lung health, confirm a diagnosis, classify disease severity and progression, determine the best therapy, and evaluate a patient’s response to prescribed therapy.
Everyone can benefit from pulmonary diagnostic testing – from athletes and healthy individuals who want to know their lung function and exercise status to those preparing for thoracic (chest) surgery, and people living with allergies or a lung condition.
Pulmonary Hypertension Program
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) refers to elevated pressure in the blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs. If affected, the arteries and veins in the lungs become narrow and stiff. As the result, the right side of the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. If left untreated, PH can be life-threatining and lead to heart failure.
A PHA-Accredited PH Care Center (PHCC) , Inova is one of the nation's premier care providers for PH patients. Our lung experts are nationally recognized for their expertise in diagnosing, treating and managing PH, utilizing the most effective treatments available. Our program has long been recognized for its research of different forms of pulmonary hypertension.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Certified through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), the Inova Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is a medically supervised, therapeutic treatment program designed to help patients with pulmonary disease improve their quality of life and exercise capacity. Respiratory therapists, exercise physiologists and registered dietitians work together to develop individualized programs for each patient’s unique needs.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is offered at Inova Fairfax, Inova Alexandria and Inova Loudoun hospitals.
Inova Sarcoidosis Clinic
Pulmonary sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease where abnormal masses or nodules (called granulomas) form on the lungs. Because sarcoidosis is a multi-system disorder, a multidisciplinary care plan is very important.
Inova's fully-integrated and WASOG accredited sarcoidosis program is a vital part of the advanced lung disease program. Our lung experts work alongside cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists and ophthalmologists to ensure comprehensive care to patients with coexisting or isolated non-pulmonary manifestations of sarcoidosis.
Smoking Cessation
Smokers who participate in cessation programs are more likely to successfully quit smoking than those who attempt quitting on their own.
Inova's Smoking Cessation Program includes one individual session and 8 group sessions designed to help people struggling with addiction to smoking.
Thoracic Oncology Program
The Inova Thoracic Malignancies Program at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer of the chest including the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum and chest wall. Our thoracic experts are able to diagnose and treat these types of cancer through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Our multidisciplinary care team includes the highly trained thoracic specialists including board-certified medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, interventional pulmonologists and radiation oncologists. This care team along with a dedicated nurse navigator will work together to create a customized treatment plan just for you to ensure the best outcome.
Thoracic Surgery
Inova is one of the few, elite medical institutions nationwide to offer thoracic surgery. This very specialized area of medicine involves operations on the lungs, the lining of the lung (called the pleura), the esophagus, the chest wall and the mediastinum.
Our expert thoracic surgeons often employ minimally invasive techniques through the use of cutting-edge robotic and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) technology. They work closely with many of specialists, including interventional pulmonologists to diagnose and treat lung cancer and thoracic malignancies .