Saint Thomas thoracic surgeons Dr. Otis Rickman and Dr. John Lazar

Advanced chest and lung care in Nashville

Interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas Chest and Lung Center deliver advanced care for chest and lung diseases.
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When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas Chest and Lung Center in Nashville, Tennessee, you get an experienced team dedicated to providing the highest level of care for patients with chest diseases and lung conditions. We provide the care you need from diagnosis to treatment for lung cancer and tumors, and disorders of the esophagus, trachea, diaphragm, chest wall, airway, thyroid glands and mediastinum. 

Multidisciplinary chest and lung team

Our multidisciplinary care team is led by board-certified interventional pulmonologist, Dr. Otis Rickman and board-certified thoracic surgeon, Dr. John F. Lazar. We work together to diagnose and treat your condition, using advanced treatment options for a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Our specialists are trained in innovative procedures, including minimally invasive, robotic-assisted and image-guided technology during airway procedures. These types of procedures typically use small incisions and can lead to less pain and a shorter recovery. 

What to expect at Ascension Saint Thomas Chest and Lung Center  

Our team of interventional pulmonology and thoracic surgery specialists are committed to enhancing every aspect of your healthcare experience. We start each appointment by listening to understand you and your health concerns, and collaborate with you to develop a personalized care plan. We also work closely with specialists in general pulmonary medicine, critical care, medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, and otolaryngology to create comprehensive care plans. At Ascension Saint Thomas Chest and Lung Center, we're not just healthcare providers; we're partners in your journey toward better health. Discover the difference that comprehensive care, expertise, and innovation can make in your life. There are several benefits to choosing us for your care:  

  • Your preferences and needs are at the forefront of your care. We deliver a personalized, patient-centered experience from diagnosis through treatment.
  • We’ll empower you with knowledge about your condition and treatment options to help you and your family make informed decisions.
  • We will expedite the diagnosis and treatment of the lung nodule.
  • Our specialists perform minimally invasive procedures with the latest technology to evaluate nodules, diagnose cancer and help manage your symptoms. 

Types of conditions treated

Specialists at Ascension Saint Thomas deliver comprehensive care for many chest and lung diseases, including:

  • Thoracic cancers
    • Lung cancer
    • Esophageal cancer
    • Thymic carcinoma
    • Chest wall cancers
    • Carcinoid tumors
  • Tumors of the mediastinum and thymus gland
    • Lipoma
    • Neuroendocrine tumor
    • Pericardial cyst
    • Thymic carcinoma
    • Thymic cyst
    • Thymoma
  • Lung masses and nodules

    Abnormal growths in the lungs can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Even though most lung nodules are not cancerous, thoracic surgeons specialize in diagnosing and monitoring changes in the lung nodules.

  • Complex airway disorders
    • Malignant obstructions
    • Endobronchial tumors
    • Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
    • Idiopathic subglottic stenosis
    • Tracheal or bronchial stenosis
    • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly called Wegener's granulomatosis)
    • Tracheobronchomalacia
    • Relapsing polychondritis
    • Tracheoesophageal fistulas
    • Airway foreign bodies
  • Coughing up blood (Hemoptysis)

    This condition occurs when blood or bloody mucus is coughed up from the airways or lungs.

  • Benign esophageal conditions
    • Hiatal hernia
    • Achalasia
    • GERD (chronic acid reflux)
    • Strictures, stenoses and diverticula
    • Barrett’s esophagus
    • Esophageal diverticulum
    • Trouble swallowing
  • Benign pulmonary conditions
    • COPD and emphysema
    • Noncancerous tumors
  • Chest wall injuries or malformations

    Chest wall injuries often involve traumatic injury (fractures) to the ribs, breastbone and surrounding structures. Chest malformations are conditions like pectus excavatum (sunken chest) and pectus carinatum (pigeon chest).

  • Diseases of pleura
    • Liquid around the lungs (Pleural effusion)
    • Infections of pleural space
    • Pleural masses or tumors
    • Pneumothorax
    • Alveolopleural fistula (prolonged air leak)
  • Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

    Hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating caused by overactive sweat glands, which are triggered by an oversensitive sympathetic nerve.

  • Disorders of the diaphragm
    • Acquired diaphragmatic hernia (ADH)
    • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs during fetal development
    • Diaphragmatic (noncancerous) tumor
    • Hiatal hernia
    • Paralysis of the diaphragm

Advanced surgery for chest and lung conditions

When you need more advanced chest and lung care, your doctor can connect you with a lung specialist at Ascension Saint Thomas. From lung scans to advanced thoracic surgery, your care team at Ascension Saint Thomas collaborates to deliver comprehensive care that’s right for you.

Experienced lung surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas specialize in chest and lung procedures, including:

Doctor Rickman preforms an exam with a patient and an Ascension Saint Thomas site of care

Comprehensive Lung Nodule Care and Support

Lung nodules are often found during routine chest X-rays or CT scans, and while most are harmless, some may need further testing. At Ascension Saint Thomas, our expert care team, including a dedicated lung nodule coordinator, is here to ensure you receive the highest level of care. From scheduling appointments to answering your questions, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Call 615-222-LUNG (5864) to learn how we can help.

Surgeons are performing a surgery procedure.

Advanced surgery to fix collapsed airway

Robotic and bronchoscopic tracheoplasty is an advanced surgical procedure designed to repair a collapsed airway, also known as tracheomalacia. This procedure helps restore proper airway function when airflow has been affected by a congenital condition or damage from a previous surgery or illness. Using state-of-the-art robotic technology and a bronchoscopic approach, Ascension Saint Thomas surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to  reconstruct the trachea. This procedure helps to reduce recovery time compared to traditional procedures, and may help you breathe easier and return to your normal activities quicker. 

A male physician's face is looking through a virtual display unit while he performs surgery using robotics.

Robotic lung and lymph node tissue biopsy

Robotic navigational bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound are used together to perform lung and lymph node tissue biopsies. This procedure is used to diagnose lung diseases and other chest conditions. By combining advanced robotic technology with real-time ultrasound imaging, our care team can reach and sample even the most difficult-to-access areas of the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes. This minimally invasively approach helps reduce the risk of complication, and often results in quicker recovery times for you.

A nurse is holding a gas mask over the face of a patient to administer gas anesthetics to keep the patient asleep during surgery.

Single anesthesia robotic lung biopsy and surgery

For some patients, you may be able to have your biopsy and surgery performed at the same time. This reduces the need for multiple surgeries and recovery time for you. Your lung care team can diagnose and treat your lung condition while you are under anesthesia

A female technician and a male doctor are examining medical equipment before a surgery.

Robotic minimally invasive lung resection

Robotic minimally invasive lung resection is an advanced surgical technique used to remove part of the lung affected by disease or cancer. Lung surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas use robotic technology to perform this procedure through small incisions. This minimally invasive approach helps reduce your pain and risk of complications, and may lead to a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Two male physicians are looking a computer screen that is displaying medical information during a surgical procedure.

Robotic lung procedures to help you breathe better

Bronchoscopic and robotic lung reduction procedures for COPD uses bronchoscopic tools and robotic-assisted surgery to remove or reduce damaged lung tissue. This minimally invasive treatment can help improve breathing and quality of life for COPD patients by helping with airflow and lung efficiency. 

A nurse is checking the heart beat of a patient.

Treatments for lung and chest diseases

Ascension Saint Thomas lung care teams use advanced methods for treating your airway, esophagus, pleural diseases, and lung and chest conditions. Minimally invasive techniques using robotic and bronchoscopic tools may reduce your recovery time and help to improve your overall quality of life. 

Clinical trials for lung disease

With a strong background in research, the Ascension Saint Thomas Chest and Lung Center actively contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field. This commitment to research keeps us at the forefront of developments in pulmonary medicine, ultimately benefiting our patients.