Interventional Pulmonary Medicine

Interventional Pulmonary Medicine at the University of Vermont Medical Center

In 2013 the UVM Medical Center established the first Interventional Pulmonary Program in Northern New England to better serve its patients suffering from lung disorders. Over the years, our program has developed a national reputation for its innovative use of minimally-invasive procedures to treat chest and lung diseases and improve the pulmonary health and overall wellbeing of our patients.

Conditions We Treat

• Lung cancer
• Cancers that have spread to the lungs, pleura (membranes lining the chest wall and surrounding the lungs), or chest wall from other organs
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems
• Pleural Diseases and Pleural Effusion: Effusion occurs when excess fluid builds up in the space around the lungs
• Lung Nodules: Small growths that occur in the lungs
• Tracheal Stenosis: Narrowing of the windpipe

Treatments We Provide

• Intratumoral Therapy: Drugs delivered directly into the tumor to minimize side effects
• Rigid Bronchoscopy: Mechanical removal of tissues or foreign bodies
• Argon Plasma Coagulation: A non-contact thermal therapy to control bleeding
• Laser Photoresection: Removal of central airway obstruction
• Cryotherapy: Cold therapy, for endobronchial or tracheal narrowing
• Stent Placement: Expansion of narrow airways to improve oxygen flow
• Photodynamic Therapy: Light-activated medication to treat tumors with great precision
• Pleuroscopy/Thoracoscopy: Minimally invasive inspection and biopsy for diseases of the pleura
• Endobronchial Valve Placement: Improves lung function for patients with COPD

Therapies for Lung Cancer

• The UVM Medical Center is the first hospital in the United States to perform diagnosis, staging and treatment for lung cancer within a single procedure. This combination ensures that patients receive the treatment they need as quickly as possible, a core commitment of our program.
• We offer advanced screening for potentially cancerous growths. We are one of the first hospitals in the United States to integrate robotics and CT scanning to improve our ability to diagnose potentially cancerous lung nodules early.
• We offer varied treatment options for diseases and cancers of the airways, using the most appropriate treatment available. The UVM Medical Center has a complete Interventional Pulmonary suite that includes access to varied therapies: rigid and flexible bronchoscopy; thermal (e.g. laser) and cryotherapies; photodynamic therapy; and airway stent placement. The UVM Medical Center also pioneered the placement of tissue grafts within the airways.
• We helped develop endobronchial valve therapy for emphysema. The UVM Medical Center was one of the primary sites for the EMPROVE trial, a pivotal study that determined that the Spiration Valve System is a safe and effective treatment for COPD. Once the strength of this treatment was established, we were also the first hospital in Northern New England to offer this therapy. Currently, we place both the Pulmonx Zephyr Valve and Spiration Intrabronchial Valve.

Research & Clinical Trials

We continually strive to improve our treatment options and expand our understanding. Among the studies currently taking place:

Phase 1 Trial of Intratumoral Cisplatin for Early Stage Resectable Lung Cancer
Kinsey, C. Matthew (PI)
FDA: 151593; clinicaltrials.gov NCT04809103

Cisplatin is a drug commonly used to treat lung cancer and is associated with better outcomes if given before surgery. However, it is not commonly used before surgery because patients suffer many side effects when it is given through a vein. This study evaluates injecting cisplatin directly into the tumor, a procedure that is typically done during the same procedure that diagnoses the cancer. The UVM Medical Center is the only site for this study.

Phase 1 Trial of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Injection of Cisplatin for Suspected Stage IV Lung Cancer
Kinsey, C. Matthew (PI)
FDA: 146109; clinicaltrials.gov NCT04311762 

Cisplatin is a drug commonly given at the same time as immunotherapy to help kill lung cancer cells in advanced lung cancer.  However, it may be even more effective if given before immunotherapy. This study evaluates injecting cisplatin directly into the tumor before initiation of immunotherapy, if possible during the procedure that diagnoses the cancer. The UVM Medical Center is the only site for this study.

UVM MEROPTIC Study
Kinsey, C. Matthew (PI)

The goal of this study is to identify tissue characteristics that are associated with responses to therapy. Typically, this involves taking one additional biopsy following a diagnosis of cancer and evaluating the cancer cells for growth and susceptibility to treatments. The UVM Medical Center is the only site for this study

EMPROVE Trial, Spiration (Olympus America) – Closed to enrollment, in follow-up.
Kinsey, C. Matthew (site-PI)
Evaluation of the Spiration Valve System for Emphysema to Improve Lung Function

Patients with severe emphysema and hyperinflation who met eligibility criteria were randomized to either standard medical care or intrabronchial valve placement. This therapy is now FDA approved, and the valves are placed as part of clinical care.

Support & Resources

The Interventional Pulmonary Service is part of the larger Lung Multidisciplinary Care Team that includes members of Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic Radiology, Pulmonary and Pathology, as well as Oncology and Radiation Oncology if cancer is a consideration.   

For Medical Professionals

To refer a patient to the Interventional Pulmonary Program, please fax this form to 802-847-2444. Network affiliated hospitals may also place a referral through EPIC. For any questions or concerns, please call 802-847-1158 and ask for Brittany Hughes, RN.