Comprehensive Thoracic Care for Jackson and Hillsdale County
At Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, our expert thoracic team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the chest, including the lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, and chest wall.
From common conditions like GERD to more complex cases like lung cancer, we offer personalized care for every patient, using the most advanced and minimally invasive procedures available today.
Our focus is on delivering the highest quality care with the least disruption to your life. That means:
- Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery
- Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times
- Lower risk of complications
- A compassionate team that puts your comfort and safety first
- Cardiac rehabilitation to reduce the risk of future heart-related events
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a serious condition or are just beginning to explore symptoms like chronic coughing, difficulty breathing, or persistent heartburn, we’re here to help.
Advanced Treatment for COPD
We also offer a new program for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The treatment is known as Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR). This minimally invasive procedure is used to treat severe emphysema, a type of COPD.
BLVR involves placing one-way valves into the airways of the lungs via a bronchoscope (a flexible tube inserted through the mouth or nose). These valves allow trapped air to escape from the damaged parts of the lungs but prevent new air from entering. As a result, the overinflated, diseased areas collapse, allowing healthier lung tissue to function more efficiently.
BLVR is used to:
- Improve breathing in people with advanced emphysema who are not good candidates for surgery.
- Reduce hyperinflation, which occurs when damaged lung tissue traps air and prevents the lungs from emptying normally.
- Increase exercise tolerance and quality of life by improving lung mechanics and oxygen exchange.
Benefits of BLVR:
- Minimally invasive (no incisions or major surgery)
- Shorter recovery time compared to traditional lung volume reduction surgery
- Improved lung function, reduced shortness of breath
- Can significantly enhance quality of life
The goal of our thoracic surgery program at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital is simple: to help you breathe easier, recover faster, and feel confident in your care—every step of the way.
Why choose Henry Ford
We are committed to providing expert care for all types of lung cancer, including rare and complex tumors. No matter which of our Michigan locations you visit, you'll receive the same high-quality, personalized care:
- A multidisciplinary tumor board of specialists reviews your treatment plan
- Focus on minimally invasive, robotic-assisted lung surgery
- Comprehensive interventional pulmonology program, offering incision-free procedures
- A dedicated lung cancer nurse navigator to guide you through every step
- Access to leading-edge clinical trials and early immunotherapy treatments
- The world’s first FDA-approved, MRI-guided radiation therapy
- Expertise with Edge® radiosurgery, including real-time tumor tracking
- A full range of support services and survivorship care to help you maintain your quality of life