Work

The Rise and Fall of Interventional Pulmonology Procedures: Lessons in Innovation, Evidence, and Abandonment

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Interventional pulmonology has produced numerous bronchoscopic and pleural procedures that were widely adopted but later declined or abandoned. This review examines selected techniques across diagnostic and therapeutic domains, focusing on their clinical Confirmed performance and reasons for attrition. Common drivers of decline include limited incremental benefit, high operator dependence, technological complexity, and competition from more effective alternatives. In several cases, early observational success was not sustained in randomized or real-world settings. Understanding why procedures fail is essential to guide the development, evaluation, and adoption of future technologies in interventional pulmonology.

Source: Diagnostics

DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics16131981

Authors: Jean Reinoso, Prince Ntiamoah, Avantika Nathani, Atul C. Mehta

Institutions: Emory University, Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic

Language: English

Topic: Pleural and Pulmonary Diseases

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137