Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked No. 12 in the US by U.S. News & World Report, 2024–2025, for pulmonology and lung surgery: a testament to the work of Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute and their commitment to excellence and innovation in thoracic and respiratory care.

Canning Thoracic Institute is a premier destination for comprehensive thoracic care in Chicago, Illinois. In 2024, the Institute performed 148 lung transplants, the most in the nation, with a median wait time of just four days with an average evaluation process of only five days. Canning Thoracic Institute offers leading-edge care to support patients from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

In 2024, the Institute performed 148 lung transplants, the most in the nation, with a median wait time of just four days with an average evaluation process of only five days

Breakthrough options for early-stage lung cancer 

Navigational bronchoscopy

The team uses advanced techniques like robotic bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound for early diagnosis of lung cancer and staging. Evaluating peripheral lung nodules to identify early cancerous nodules allows for surgical removal using lung-sparing techniques.

Ambulatory Precision LungSparing Surgery

The Ambulatory Precision LungSparing (A-PLUS) Surgery Program at Northwestern Medicine offers an innovative option for patients with earlystage lung cancer. For this approach, surgeons use robotic or video-assisted surgical techniques to remove tumours while preserving healthy lung tissue. The procedures are often outpatient, enabling patients to return home the same day, typically with less postoperative pain and faster healing.

Lung transplant innovations for late-stage lung cancer

Northwestern Medicine has launched the DREAM (Double lung transplant REgistry Aimed for lung-limited Malignancies) Program to rewrite the rules of lung cancer care. Historically, patients with late-stage lung cancer were not considered for transplant. DREAM changes that by offering double-lung transplants to carefully selected patients whose disease is confined to the lungs and who have exhausted all other treatment options.

It’s a bold reimagining of cancer treatment, backed by rigorous science and remarkable outcomes

These transplants are potentially curative, transforming a once-terminal diagnosis into a hopeful path forward. It’s a bold reimagining of cancer treatment, backed by rigorous science and remarkable outcomes.

Canning Thoracic Institute has received widespread recognition for saving the lives of patients with Covid-19 through lung transplants. In one groundbreaking procedure, a patient who had recovered from Covid-19 received lungs from a donor who had also recovered. Performed under rigorous clinical protocols, the successful transplant demonstrated that Covid-recovered organs can be used safely

Advances in oesophageal cancer surgery

When patients need surgery, Canning Thoracic Institute offers advanced surgical options. Among its most impactful initiatives is the PREMIER (Precision Robotic Esophagectomy with Minimally Invasive anastomosis and Enhanced Recovery) Program.

PREMIER evaluates robotic-assisted oesophagectomy for patients with oesophageal cancer. By replacing traditional open-chest procedures with minimally invasive robotic techniques, the programme can improve surgical precision, reduce complications and help patients recover faster. It is a glimpse into the future of surgical care: more accurate, less invasive and more humane.

When patients need surgery, Canning Thoracic Institute offers advanced surgical options

Supporting patients from around the world

Canning Thoracic Institute works closely with Northwestern Medicine Global Services to welcome patients from across the globe who need advanced thoracic care.

With a clear focus on the patient and their needs, Global Services ensures patients feel welcome and comfortable from the time they arrive until they are ready to return home. They provide coordination services, including arranging all appointments, offering translation and interpretation services as needed, and providing all pricing information with a commitment to billing transparency.

¹Northwestern Memorial Hospital, UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing), 2024

²Northwestern Memorial Hospital as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 2024 – 2025