I am a Pulmonologist and Critical Care Medicine physician with sub-specialty training in Interventional Pulmonary Medicine. Using minimally invasive techniques such as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and navigational bronchoscopy I diagnose and stage patients with concerning lesions. For those with symptoms related to airway obstructions (from either malignant tumor invasion or non-malignant strictures) I use various ablative techniques to relieve airway obstruction. I also treat patients with pleural disease while emphasizing outpatient care. Additionally, I attend on the UCSF pulmonary consult service and in the intensive care units.

My research relates to the early detection and prevention of lung cancer through minimally invasive ways. My research spans translational and computational approaches as well as clinical trials.

In order to schedule an appointment with Dr Gesthalter at the UCSF Interventional Pulmonary clinic please call (415)885-3882. Please bring all available images (cat scans, PET scans) on CDs at the time of consultation to facilitate care.

Clinical Expertise
• Thoracic malignancies
• Lung nodules
• Symptom management
• Diagnostic and staging procedures
• Complex pleural effusions – ultrasound, thoracentesis, chest tubes, tunneled pleural catheters, medical thoracoscopy
• Ablative bronchoscopic techniques (cryo- surgery, electrosurgery, argon plasma coagulation (APC), cryospray, photodynamic therapy)
• Advanced bronchoscopy (electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (EMN), endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), rigid bronchoscopy)
• Fiducial placement for radiation therapy
• Sarcoidosis and other non-malignant lung pathologies
• Tracheal and bronchial obstructions
• Tracheal and bronchial stent placement

Research Interests
• Lung cancer diagnostics
• Bioinformatics
• Application of minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques
• Lung cancer screening
• Smoking cessation
• Management of lung transplant related airway and pleural disease