Lungs and Breathing/Pulmonary Care

Medical care for the lungs and breathing issues is known as pulmonary care, and doctors that specialize in this area are called pulmonologists. In the pulmonary system, your lungs make oxygen available to your body and remove other gases, such as carbon dioxide, from your body. This process takes place 12 to 20 times per minute. Oxygen is pulled into the lungs when you inhale, where it is absorbed and delivered to the rest of the body by your blood cells. It is important to keep your lungs and breathing functioning well, or your entire body can suffer from the lack of this essential oxygen.

DMC Harper University Hospital was ranked among the top 50 hospitals in the nation for Pulmonology in 2011 by U.S.News & World Report.

DMC Huron Valley-Sinai, DMC Sinai-Grace and DMC Detroit Receiving were all ranked among the best in Southeast Michigan in Pulmonary Care by U.S.News & World Report.

HealthGrades 2011 Annual Hospital Quality Study and Rankings

HealthGrades analyzed critical data from hospital across the nation to develop rankings in 27 procedures and conditions. Based upon this strenuous survey, DMC Harper University Hospital has been recognized with a Pulmonary Care Excellence Award. This award for pulmonary care excellence is based upon top performance in:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Pneumonia Care

There are many pulmonary diseases and conditions which can affect proper breathing and lung function. A DMC Pulmonary Care specialist can help. Here are some of the most common:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD)
• Asthma
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Pulmonary Emphysema
• Acute Bronchitis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Interstitial Lung Diseases / Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Occupational Lung Diseases
• Pneumonia
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
• Tuberculosis 

The DMC Lung Institute

The DMC Lung Institute, located in DMC Harper University Hospital, is nationally recognized for providing comprehensive pulmonary care in a convenient, one-stop location. Physicians throughout the state refer patients with complex pulmonary conditions to the Pulmonary care at DMC Lung Institute. They know their patients will receive multidisciplinary care from an outstanding team of specialists.

At the DMC Lung Institute, patients don’t have one doctor – they have a team of DMC and Wayne State University School of Medicine specialists and subspecialist working together to diagnose and manage complex pulmonary conditions. Each patient case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team, which includes:

• Pulmonologists

• Interventional Pulmonologists

• Critical Care Specialists

• Thoracic Surgeons

• Radiologists

• Oncologists

Together, these pulmonary care experts approach each patient case from a different perspective and collaborate to develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

The DMC Lung Institute employs advanced technologies in the treatment of lung patients, including:

SuperDimension InReach System – DMC Lung Institute is one of a select few programs in the nation with the SuperDimension InReach System. This advanced system uses GPS technology with electromagnetic navigation to guide biopsy instruments to smaller lung nodules and lesions that would be difficult or impossible to reach with traditional bronchoscopy.

Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System – The Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System is indicated for treatment of severe, persistent asthma in adult patients whose asthma is not well-controlled with medications. The Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System allows DMC’s skilled interventional pulmonologists to mildly heat the lung airway walls, which can reduce extra muscle for the airways. This may help prevent the airways from contracting during asthma attacks, making it easier to breathe.

The DMC Lung Institute has multiple specialty programs, including:

• Lung Nodule Program

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Asthma Center

• Sleep Disorders

• Sarcoidosis

• Pulmonary Vascular Disease

• Cardio/Pulmonary rehabilitation

• Pulmonary Interventions

The DMC Lung Institute: Expert evaluation, diagnosis and treatment, designed to help you breathe easy, faster. To learn more, call 313-745-8516.