Many patients in need of surgery of the lung are referred for a minimally invasive surgery, known as a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which is done through several small incisions, versus a major chest incision, and requires no rib spreading. The large majority of all lung cancer patients in need of surgery at Smilow Cancer Hospital are scheduled for a VATS procedure.
The da Vinci Robotic System for surgery has provided patients with prostate cancer and gynecological cancers less invasive surgical options with decreased side effects. Now, utilizing the da Vinci System, thoracic robotic surgery is available at Smilow Cancer Hospital for patients with lung cancer.
A non-invasive technique, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) was introduced at Yale in 2007 to provide extremely high doses of radiation with a high level of accuracy to lung cancer tumors. This precise treatment also results in less radiation delivered to surrounding tissue and fewer side effects.
The Thoracic Interventional Program (TIP) is a joint program between pulmonary/critical care medicine and thoracic surgery at Smilow Cancer Hospital. This collaboration combines advanced, state-of-the-art technology with physicians dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of patients with lung diseases.
HALO Ablation Therapy is used for patients diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus to remove diseased or pre-cancerous tissue in the esophagus. Performed in conjunction with an upper endoscopy, ablation is a technique where tissue is heated to precisely destroy the diseased tissue in a highly controlled manner.
The Yale Lung Screening and Nodule Program (Yale LungSCAN) includes a comprehensive multidisciplinary team of internationally recognized pulmonologists, chest radiologists, thoracic surgeons, thoracic oncologists, tobacco treatment specialists, and nurse practitioners. Our goals are to provide exemplary lung cancer screening to individuals at risk for lung cancer, and to offer individualized, state-of-the-art evaluation to patients with lung nodules.
