Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgeons specialize in treating conditions of the lungs, esophagus and chest, helping you breathe easier and live healthier. Discover the advanced surgical options and compassionate care available through the OSF Cardiovascular Institute and its network of clinics.

Diagnosing Thoracic Conditions

To evaluate your chest, lungs or esophagus, a doctor may order:

Chest X-ray – Shows and image of your lungs and chest cavity
CT scan – Shows detailed pictures of your chest
Biopsy – Collect a small tissue sample to check for cancer or other disease

Thoracic Surgery and Procedures

OSF Cardiovascular Institute offers innovative surgical options to treat a variety of thoracic conditions. Your care team will recommend the most effective approach, whether minimally invasive or open surgery.

Bronchial Stents

A procedure that uses small metal mesh devices to help keep the main airways open for easier breathing.

Pleural Disorders and Tumors

Treatment for non-cancerous and cancerous conditions of the pleura, the lining around your lungs. This often involves minimally invasive techniques. Common causes include infections and cancer.

Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy

A special surgical technique to remove blood clots that have traveled to the lungs and are causing high blood pressure in the lungs.

Rigid Bronchoscopy

A special tool that allows the surgeon to look through the windpipe into the lungs. The surgeon can take pictures and collect small tissue samples to help diagnose the cause of a problem or symptom.

Tracheal Surgery

Surgery on the main windpipe to treat both non-cancerous and cancerous conditions, often caused by infections or cancer.

Chest Wall Disorders and Tumors

Surgery to remove abnormalities in the chest wall, often caused by cancer or infection. These procedures may include treating areas around the ribs and chest wall muscles to restore health and function.

Esophageal Disorders and Tumors

Care for both non-cancerous and cancerous conditions of the esophagus, often caused by infections or cancer.

Laser Resection of Lung Tumors

A lung cancer treatment that uses a precise laser beam to target and destroy cancer cells.

Lung Cancer Surgery

A lung cancer treatment plan that involves removing part or all of a lung affected by cancer. This care is provided by a team of experts, including lung cancer specialists, lung specialists called pulmonologists and pain management doctors, to ensure you get the best support throughout your treatment.

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

A treatment for severe emphysema that removes damaged, over-inflated lung tissue. This helps the healthier parts of your lungs work more efficiently and makes breathing easier.

Mediastinal Disorders and Tumors

Treatment for both non-cancerous and cancerous conditions in the mediastinum, the area in the center of your chest between the lungs. These conditions are often caused by infections or cancer.

Mesothelioma Treatment and Surgical Resection Program

A specialized program to diagnose and treat mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer often linked to asbestos exposure. This includes less invasive procedures as well as more extensive surgery to remove larger areas of affected tissue.

Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

Many surgeries that used to require large cuts can now be done with just a few small incisions, each less than an inch long. This means a quicker recovery and less pain after the procedure.

Ask for a Referral

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an OSF Cardiovascular Institute cardiothoracic surgeon in central or northern Illinois. Need a primary care provider? Browse our directory.

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