When you hear the words “thoracic surgery,” it might sound intimidating. But at UNC Health Appalachian, thoracic surgeon Dr. Tim Edmisten is making lung and chest procedures more accessible, less invasive, and more effective than ever before.
As a Boone native, Dr. Edmisten has dedicated 25 years to bringing advanced thoracic surgical care to Western North Carolina, Southwestern Virginia, and Eastern Tennessee. “I was inspired to train in thoracic surgery because I knew I would be coming back to this area,” he shares. “At the time, our community had a thoracic surgeon who was retiring, and I wanted to ensure that patients here had continued access to specialized chest surgery.”
What is thoracic surgery?
Thoracic surgery focuses on treating conditions in the chest cavity, particularly the lungs, esophagus, and mediastinum (the central part of the chest). One of the most common reasons people see Dr. Edmisten is for lung nodules or masses, which may need further evaluation to determine if they are cancerous or benign.
“Thoracic surgery involves both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on the chest cavity,” Dr. Edmisten explains. “Much of what we do is lung cancer care, but we also address esophageal diseases and other chest conditions.”
The best of the best in thoracic surgery
One of the most exciting advancements in thoracic surgery at UNC Health Appalachian is the introduction of the da Vinci 5 surgical robot. However, it’s important to understand that the surgeon is always in control – the robot is simply a tool that enhances precision.
“This past year, our hospital purchased the latest rendition of the da Vinci surgical robot,” Dr. Edmisten explains. "This allows us to have much better visualization of the chest, better articulation of instruments, and access to areas that we might not have been able to access before. As a result, our patients are having bigger operations done less invasively, which leads to fewer complications and a quicker return to a productive active lifestyle.”
With robotic-assisted surgery, surgeons like Dr. Edmisten use hand controls to maneuver robotic arms equipped with tiny instruments. The robot translates these hand movements in real time while providing a magnified, high-definition 3D view of the surgical site. This technology allows for smaller incisions, reduced complications, and quicker recovery times for patients.
Why choose thoracic surgery close to home?
For many patients, the thought of traveling to a major medical center in a large city can be daunting. However, Dr. Edmisten and his team have built a thoracic surgery program that offers the same level of care as larger institutions – right here in the High Country.
“We take great pride in the comprehensive and timely care we provide,” he says. “In larger hospitals, it can take weeks to get an appointment. But, in our program, we can see these patients quickly, usually seeing patients within a week of when their primary care provider has made a referral. And, if they need a biopsy, we can schedule that quickly, often as an outpatient procedure.”
A team approach to care
One of the key advantages of choosing Watauga Surgical is the collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to patient care. “If a patient has a lung mass, we don’t just handle it alone,” Dr. Edmisten explains. “We work closely with our local pathologists, oncologists, radiologists, and primary care providers to ensure a seamless, comprehensive treatment plan.”
The future of thoracic surgery in the High Country
With continuous advancements in technology and a growing regional program, Dr. Edmisten is excited about the future of thoracic surgery in the High Country. “The field has changed so much in the past 25 years, and it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come,” he says. “Patients no longer have to leave their community to receive thoracic care. We have the expertise, technology, and compassionate team to provide the highest quality care right here at home.”
If you or a loved one needs thoracic care, Dr. Edmisten and his team are ready to help. “I know surgery can be frightening,” he says. “Even more frightening if you potentially have cancer. I consider it an honor to walk alongside my patients through this journey. My goal is to get them back to their lives as quickly and safely as possible.”
For more information about Watauga Surgical or to schedule an appointment, call 828-264-2340.
