Pediatric Interventional Pulmonology Program
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Pulmonology Referrals
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The Pediatric Interventional Pulmonology Program uses advanced bronchoscopy to help doctors look inside a child’s lungs and airways using a thin, flexible camera and specialized tools — all without the need for open surgery. These minimally invasive techniques allow for safer, faster diagnosis and treatment of many airway and lung conditions.
Rady Children’s Health in Orange County is one of the few children’s hospitals in the country offering advanced diagnostic and interventional bronchoscopy. Our team provides leading edge care, including endobronchial ultrasound, CT–guided biopsies, cryotherapy, and endoscopic treatment of tumors, foreign bodies, fistulas, and air leaks. Through close collaboration with pediatric anesthesia, critical care, otolaryngology, gastroenterology and surgery, Rady Children’s Health ensures each child receives safe, high-quality care.
What We Treat
As one of the top-ranked children’s hospitals for Pulmonology in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care for children with a wide range of airway and lung conditions, including:
- Pulmonary nodules
- Thoracic lymphadenopathy
- Mediastinal masses
- Lung and mediastinal tumors
- Endobronchial tumors
- Plastic bronchitis
- Persistent air leak
- Tracheoesophageal fistula
- Pulmonary hemorrhage
- Difficult to remove foreign bodies
- Lung infections
- Airway stenosis (narrowing of the trachea or bronchi)
- Rare diffuse lung diseases
- Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP)
Procedures We Offer
Our team specializes in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic pulmonary procedures, including bronchoscopy with biopsy, endobronchial ultrasound, and CT-guided navigational techniques.
Additionally, we provide minimally invasive treatments for complex airway conditions, such as:
- Foreign body removal
- Air leak management
- Balloon dilation
- Tracheoesophageal fistula repair
- Argon plasma coagulation
- Cryotherapy
- Whole lung lavage
- Airway stenting
Why Families Choose Rady Children’s Health
Compassionate, Child-Centered Care
Our team is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where your child’s comfort and well-being come first. We tailor each care plan each child’s needs and use the least invasive approach whenever possible.
Advanced, Minimally Invasive Options
We use the latest tools and techniques to make procedures safer and improve accuracy. Our focus on minimally invasive treatments often means shorter recovery times, so your child can rest more comfortably.
Expert Care, Close to Home
As one of the few children’s hospitals in the region offering advanced bronchoscopy, Rady Children’s in Orange County provides families access to specialized care close to home. We are nationally recognized in pulmonology and care for children with lung conditions from around the world.
Multidisciplinary Approach and Team Support
Your child benefits from a collaborative team of specialists who work closely together every step of the way. This includes experts in pediatric anesthesia, critical care, surgery, oncology, rheumatology, infectious disease, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and gastroenterology—all focused on delivering the best possible care.
Provider Collaboration for Advancing Care
We’re committed to improving pediatric airway care beyond our hospital. Through ongoing education, hands-on training, and partnerships, we work with providers across the region to share knowledge and expand access to advanced care for children everywhere.
Rady Children’s is also part of national multicenter research efforts in pediatric interventional pulmonology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pediatric interventional pulmonology?
Pediatric interventional pulmonology utilizes advanced flexible bronchoscopy to diagnose and treat conditions in the airways and lungs. It is minimally invasive.
Is advanced bronchoscopy safe for children?
Yes. Innovations and techniques designed specifically for pediatric care have made these procedures safer and effective, even in complex cases.
What makes Rady Children’s bronchoscopy program unique?
Rady Children’s in Orange County offers highly advanced interventional pulmonary technologies — including endobronchial ultrasound, cone beam CT, and cryotherapy — to deliver state-of-the-art minimally invasive along with regional partnerships that expand expertise and improve outcomes for kids.