A new, less invasive option for lung care

If you've been told you have a lung nodule or need further testing, you may be wondering what comes next. Thanks to advances in technology, patients today have more options than ever — many of which are less invasive and more efficient than traditional approaches.

Daniel Woolley, MD, is helping bring these innovations to patients — offering new ways to diagnose and treat certain lung conditions, sometimes in a single procedure.

What makes this approach different?

In the past, evaluating a lung nodule often meant multiple steps — first a biopsy, then a separate procedure for treatment if needed.

Now, newer technology is changing that.

Using advanced bronchoscopy techniques, Dr. Woolley can reach small or hard-to-access areas of the lung with precision. In some cases, diagnosis and treatment can happen during the same visit.

“It's an ablation technique — like others you may have heard of — but it uses energy in a different way to destroy cells,” Dr. Woolley explains.

How the treatment works

This innovative approach uses short bursts of electrical energy to target abnormal cells.

Unlike traditional treatments that rely on heat or freezing, this method works without burning or damaging surrounding tissue. Instead, it disrupts the cell membranes, causing the cells to break down naturally.

“The difference is all the other techniques use heat or freezing,” says Dr. Woolley. “This causes electrical disruption of the cell membranes so the cells die — without damaging the nearby structures.”

For patients, this can mean:

• Precise treatment focused only on the targeted area
• Protection of nearby healthy tissue, including airways and blood vessels
• No heat-related damage, which is especially important in delicate areas of the lung

Why this matters — especially in the lungs

The lungs are surrounded by critical structures like blood vessels, airways, and the heart. That makes precision especially important.

“If something is sitting next to the pulmonary artery or a bronchus, you don't want your treatment to injure those areas,” Dr. Woolley says. “This allows us to treat closer to those vital structures more safely.”

Because lung nodules are often small, this targeted approach can be particularly effective — without the risks associated with more aggressive treatments.

A potential boost to the immunne system

In addition to treating a specific area, early research suggests this approach may also help the body recognize and respond to abnormal cells.

As treated cells break down, they release signals that the immune system may be able to detect.

“When these cells die, they can release their contents in a way that helps the body recognize them as something it needs to fight,” Dr. Woolley explains.

While research is ongoing, this added benefit could play an important role in future cancer care.

An option when others may not be

For some patients, traditional treatments like surgery or radiation may not be possible — or may come with significant challenges.

Dr. Woolley sees this as an important additional option.

“It gives us something to offer patients when we might not have had another good option,” he says. “It's not terribly invasive, and it gives people a chance.”

This may include patients who:

• Have tumors close to sensitive structures
• Are not candidates for surgery
• Have not responded to other treatments
• Prefer a less invasive approach

Robotic-assisted vs. traditional bronchoscopy

Every patient's situation is unique. That's why Dr. Woolley takes time to walk through all available options.

This includes discussing:

• Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, which can improve precision and access
• Traditional approaches
• The risks and benefits of each

Together, you can decide on the approach that best fits your needs and goals.

Focused on what matters most: You

For Dr. Woolley, the excitement around this technology comes down to one thing—helping patients.

“The results we're seeing are very encouraging,” he says. “It's exciting to be able to offer something new that can really make a difference.”

Take the next step

To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Woolley, call (804) 320-2751 or book an appointment online on the HCA Virginia Physicians website.