Pueblo Pulmonary Associates provides state – of – the – art care to patients with lung cancer (primary lung cancer) and cancer that has metastasized to the lungs and chest (secondary lung cancer).  Our pulmonologists are experts in evaluating and treating patients who have lung nodules, lung masses or symptoms suggestive of lung cancer. Although not all lung nodules or masses are cancerous in nature, we help our patients define their diagnosis as well as provide them full guidance on their treatment plan and follow-up.

Patients who have nodules need a lung cancer risk assessment and a long-term care plan. This helps catch the small percentage of nodules that are lung cancer at an early stage when the chance of cure is the highest. We facilitate direct access to care by providing open appointments within one week of referral.

Our team has available the latest cutting-edge technology and techniques to diagnose and treat lung cancer, including:

• Super Dimensional Bronchoscopy (Super D)
• Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
• CT guided biopsy
• Minimally invasive robotic surgery
• Innovative radiotherapy planning and delivery techniques
• Stent placement

Cases are discussed on a weekly basis in a multidisciplinary treatment group that includes Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Oncologists, Radiation-Oncologists, and Pulmonologists who are skilled and experienced in diagnosing and treating lung cancer.

We partner with West Winds to care for a unique group of patients with complex medical and respiratory issues. Many of these patients are ventilator or tracheostomy dependent. We work with these patients on a daily, long-term basis to optimize their respiratory health with the goal of eliminating the need for mechanical ventilation. Depending on individual patient needs, removing the tracheostomy tube (decanulation) is also often achieved.

We are available for free consultation with patients or their families considering Long Term Acute Care. This conversation can help families and patients familiarize themselves with our ventilator weaning process, address concerns about transition of care, and allow you an opportunity to ask questions. Please call 719-564-1542 to arrange for this “pre-consultation”, which can be done over the phone, or in person.

Often, an early indication of a lung disease is shortness of breath, a cough or an abnormality on a chest x-ray. At Pueblo Pulmonary Associates, our doctors are expert in the management of a broad range of lung conditions including:

• Asthma
• Abnormal chest X-ray (CXR) or CT scan
• Bronchitis
• Bronchiectasis
• Chest Pain
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Cough
• Emphysema
• Hypoxia
• Nodules
• Oxygen Assessments
• Pleural Effusions
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Pneumonia
• Restrictive Lung Disease
• Sarcoidosis
• Shortness of Breath
• Sleep Apnea

Our physicians perform the following inpatient and outpatient procedures:

• Bronchoscopy (insertion of a thin camera into the airways)
• Navigational Bronchoscopy
• Lung biopsy
• Mediastinal Biopsy
• Endobronchial Ultrasound (a state of the art technique for otherwise difficult to biopsy lung tumors)
• Thoracentesis (drainage of fluid from around the lung)
• Pleurodesis
• Chest Tube placement
• PleurX catheter placement, management and removal
• Endotracheal Intubation
• Central venous access
• Arterial catheterization
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and Interpretation