Respiratory Exchange

In this episode of Respiratory Exchange, Dr. Preethi Patel joins Dr. Daniel Culver to discuss preoperative pulmonary evaluation and its critical role in surgical outcomes. They explore why pulmonary complications are more common than cardiac events, key patient and procedural risk factors, and how thoughtful risk assessment can guide perioperative care. The conversation highlights practical tools, optimization strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches to reduce complications and improve recovery for patients undergoing surgery.

Telomere biology disorders are increasingly recognized as drivers of pulmonary fibrosis, bone marrow failure, liver disease, and other age-related conditions. In this episode of Respiratory Exchange, Dr. Daniel Culver is joined by Dr. Brian Southern and Dr. Hetty Carraway to explore the clinical clues, diagnostic testing, genetic implications, and multidisciplinary management of short telomere syndromes. They discuss who should be tested, the role of genetic screening, transplant considerations, and emerging research that is reshaping care for patients and families affected by these complex disorders.

Host Daniel Culver, DO, is joined by Cleveland Clinic pulmonologists Rachel Scheraga, MD, and Vickram Tejwani, MD, for a recap of the 2026 American Thoracic Society Conference (ATS). They discuss key scientific and clinical highlights, including support for early-career investigators, ATS NOW, advances in lung microenvironment research, emerging airway disease therapies targeting IL-33, and promising pulmonary fibrosis data. The conversation also explores how collaboration, technology, and team-based science are reshaping respiratory research and what the future of major medical meetings may look like.

In this episode of Respiratory Exchange, Dr. Dan Culver speaks with hospitalist and anesthesia outcomes researcher Dr. Roop Kaw about the practical recognition and management of hypercapnic respiratory failure across the inpatient setting. The discussion explores how hospitalists can identify subtle early warning signs, distinguish acute from chronic hypercapnia and use tools such as venous blood gas testing, pulse oximetry and clinical context to guide care. Dr. Kaw highlights high-risk scenarios, including postoperative patients, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, heart failure, neuromuscular disease, opioid exposure and sleep-disordered breathing, while also addressing escalation of care, noninvasive ventilation, oxygen use and the importance of perioperative screening. This episode offers a clinically grounded overview for physicians seeking to improve recognition of an often underdiagnosed but high-impact cause of respiratory deterioration.

In this episode of the Respiratory Exchange Podcast, Dr. Dan Culver, Chair of Pulmonary Medicine, hosts an engaging conversation with Dr. Sonali Sethi, president-elect of the American Association of Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP), who shares insights into cutting-edge technologies, the global impact of the AABIP and the future of advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy. Discover how the field is advancing patient care, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation worldwide. Whether you're a healthcare provider or simply curious about respiratory medicine, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiration. 

In this episode of the Respiratory Exchange Podcast, Dr. Dan Culver, Chair of Pulmonary Medicine, hosts an engaging conversation with Dr. Moises Auron, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at Cleveland Clinic. Together, they explore the hospitalists’ perspective on managing COPD exacerbations in admitted patients, emphasizing a holistic approach to care. From addressing comorbidities like sleep apnea and sarcopenia to optimizing immunizations and transitioning care post-discharge, Dr. Auron provides practical insights for healthcare providers aiming to improve patient outcomes. Tune in for actionable strategies and nuanced reflections on the evolving landscape of COPD care. 

Join Dr. Dan Culver, Chair of Pulmonary Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, as he leads an insightful discussion on the future of mechanical ventilation in this edition of "Respiratory Exchange." With expert guests Dr. Eduardo Mireles and Professor Rob Chatburn, the conversation delves into the evolution of ventilator technology, the integration of artificial intelligence and the challenges of achieving patient safety, comfort and liberation. From the complexities of current ventilator modes to visionary predictions about AI-driven respiratory systems, this episode offers a captivating look into the innovations shaping critical care medicine. Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply curious about the intersection of technology and medicine, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of the Respiratory Exchange podcast, Dr. Les Tolle and Dr. Kamonpun (Joy) Ussavarungsi dive deep into the complexities of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare and progressive cystic lung disease primarily affecting women of childbearing age. Dr. Ussavarungsi, Director of the Rare Lung Disease Clinic at Cleveland Clinic, shares invaluable insights into LAM’s pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical presentation and treatment options, including the transformative impact of mTOR inhibitors like sirolimus. As the field advances, she highlights ongoing research and the promising future of LAM care. Whether you're a pulmonologist, a healthcare provider or simply curious about rare lung diseases, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of LAM and its management. 

2025 CHEST Conference Highlights 
 In this episode, pulmonary and critical care leaders share the most exciting takeaways from the CHEST annual meeting—where innovation and practical insights meet bedside care. Our experts discuss sessions that cover real-world strategies for managing the morbidly obese ICU patient, from fine-tuning ventilation to navigating complex drug dosing. They cover presentations that give an inside look at cutting-edge sepsis research shaping new hemodynamic guidelines. They review the growing integration of AI across pulmonary and critical care research, including groundbreaking biomarker research that could redefine precision medicine in the ICU. Beyond the science, our hosts celebrate the vibrant mentorship and collaboration that make this annual CHEST conference a hub for advancing pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine.

This podcast delivers a high-impact, practical discussion on managing critically ill pregnant patients—an area often outside the daily comfort zone of many pulmonary and critical care physicians. From recognizing subtle red flags like mild hypertension and tachypnea to navigating the complexities of airway management in the third trimester, this episode dives into scenarios you may face in emergent situations. The discussion covers the physiologic pitfalls of intubation, aspiration risks and the value of upright airway positioning, backed by simulation-based training insights. You'll also gain a grounded perspective on the judicious use of point-of-care ultrasound in obstetric emergencies and when to defer to specialists. This episode reinforces core principles and equips you with knowledge to recognize danger early and collaborate effectively under pressure.