The LLP is dedicated to providing an individualised diagnostic and treatment service for the many conditions that may affect the airways (breathing tubes), lung tissue (providing the oxygen exchange surface), pleura (outer lining of the lung), chest wall and pulmonary blood vessels. Our primary focus is to provide an accurate clinical diagnosis with minimal delay and to implement a management plan that keeps you fully informed at all times.
The practice of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery relies on using the most appropriate investigational modalities and obtaining the best interpretive analysis for each. At the London Clinic, access is available to an unrivalled range of such tests. We use state-of-the-art equipment including ultrasound, the latest computed tomography (CT) scanners and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans that produce very detailed images.
These high-resolution CT (HRCT) images permit ‘fine-cut’ visualisation of the lungs; when interpreted in the full context of the clinical history and pulmonary function tests (PFTs), HRCT can greatly enhance the diagnostic certainty of many lung diseases. For other conditions, contiguous (‘volume’) scanning is used to ensure that isolated or small abnormalities are identified. Comprehensive blood tests, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and relevant cardiovascular tests are also available to complete the work-up if indicated.
Where necessary, bronchoscopic (use of a flexible camera introduced via the upper airways), CT-guided or keyhole surgical lung biopsy may form part of the diagnostic work-up.
Please select from the menu at right for further information on some of the conditions that we see and treat.