We have some of the world’s finest thoracic surgeons at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. They continuously advance minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of lung conditions, including lung cancer.

Our commitment to innovation in this field has led to Royal Brompton Hospital being ranked 4th in the world for lung care by US Newsweek, the American weekly news magazine.

Minimally invasive lung cancer surgery

We collaborate closely with Royal Marsden Hospital in the care of lung cancer patients to ensure a coordinated approach to medical and surgical therapies. We excel in minimally invasive surgery for lung cancer, for improved recovery and outcomes.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)

VATS is a keyhole lung surgical technique that enables our consultants to remove lung cancer via a small 3cm incision in the chest, avoiding open chest surgery.

We use advanced PlasmaJet technology for our VATS procedures that can remove cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy lung tissues.

The VIOLET study, which our consultants led, demonstrated that patients undergoing VATS experience less pain, better physical function and fewer complications when compared to traditional open chest surgery.

Professor Vladimir Anikin in theatre with Plasmajet machine

Lung volume reduction for COPD

We are experts in lung volume reduction for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Surgical lung volume reduction is one of interventions that improves survival in those with this condition, in addition to improving quality of life.

Minimally invasive bronchoscopic (via the airways) techniques are evolving and our specialists are actively advancing this field. Learn more about our minimally invasive Rejuvenair procedure for COPD and targeted lung denervation treatment for COPD with chronic bronchitis.

Chest deformity correction

Chest deformities are a rare problem for teenagers but can affect their self-esteem. They can also result in functional difficulties for their heart and lungs.

Our thoracic surgeons use minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical techniques for the treatment of pectus excavatum (‘funnel chest’) and pectus carinatum (‘pigeon chest’) to safely return chests to a normal shape.

Discover our thoracic surgeons

Our thoracic surgeons are world-leading experts who offer the most innovative treatments and are pioneers in their field