Septimiu Murgu is an interventional pulmonologist with specific expertise in minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopic and pleural procedures. He is currently Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.
Over the years, Dr Murgu has contributed to the current knowledge in the field of tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) and excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC). His projects lead to a better understanding of airflow dynamics, nomenclature and classification of these disorders. As a result of his work, EDAC is recognized as a pathophysiologic entity distinct from TBM. In collaboration with international researchers and biomedical engineers, he initiated the evaluation of multimodal bronchoscopic imaging including optical coherence tomography and radial endobronchial ultrasound in the study of benign central airway disorders. He serves in the Board of Directors of the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP). He served as the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) governor for California South and Illinois, and was a member of writing panel for the 3rd edition of the ACCP Lung Cancer Guidelines. He is an active member of the ACCP Pulmonary Procedures Workgroup and is involved in educational projects with the World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (WABIP), ACCP and AABIP. He serves as an Associate Editor for the WABIP Newsletter and Associate Editor for the Journal of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology.
His clinical and research interests include minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for patients suffering from benign and malignant airway obstruction. He is actively involved in bronchoscopy and lung cancer education projects. Over the years, he has contributed to the international impact of new curricula for bronchoscopy and lung cancer-related education under the auspices of Bronchoscopy International, WABIP and ACCP. These educational projects use simulation technology, interactive step- by-step teaching, problem-based learning and flipped classroom educational methodologies. His current research interests include molecular profiling of lung cancer at diagnosis and disease progression, airflow physiology in TBM and EDAC, application of novel acoustic and optical imaging for airway processes and outcomes of interventional airway and pleural procedures using minimally invasive techniques.
Procedure Patterns and Survival in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Malignant Airway Obstruction: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Medicare Analysis.
Procedure Patterns and Survival in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Malignant Airway Obstruction: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Medicare Analysis. Chest. 2026 Feb; 169(2):538-549.
PMID: 40882700
Comparison of Diagnostic Bronchoscopy Single-Arm Trials Using an Advanced Optimization Approach for Indirect Comparisons with Partial Individual Patient Data.
Comparison of Diagnostic Bronchoscopy Single-Arm Trials Using an Advanced Optimization Approach for Indirect Comparisons with Partial Individual Patient Data. Respiration. 2025; 104(12):940-949.
PMID: 40730137
World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (WABIP) Guidelines on Airway Stenting for Benign Central Airway Obstruction.
World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (WABIP) Guidelines on Airway Stenting for Benign Central Airway Obstruction. Respirology. 2025 Jul; 30(7):587-604.
PMID: 40575842
Safety and Sample Adequacy for Comprehensive Biomarker Testing of Bronchoscopic Biopsies: An American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology and International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Clinical Practice Guideline.
Safety and Sample Adequacy for Comprehensive Biomarker Testing of Bronchoscopic Biopsies: An American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology and International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Clinical Practice Guideline. J Thorac Oncol. 2025 Sep; 20(9):1237-1256.
PMID: 40419141
A Prospective, Multicenter Evaluation of Safety and Diagnostic Outcomes With Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy: Results of the Transbronchial Biopsy Assisted by Robot Guidance in the Evaluation of Tumors of the Lung (TARGET) Trial.
A Prospective, Multicenter Evaluation of Safety and Diagnostic Outcomes With Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy: Results of the Transbronchial Biopsy Assisted by Robot Guidance in the Evaluation of Tumors of the Lung (TARGET) Trial. Chest. 2025 Aug; 168(2):539-555.
PMID: 40300665
The Impact of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Versus Percutaneous Tunneled Pleural Catheter Techniques on Pleurodesis Outcomes: A Retrospective, Single-center Study.
The Impact of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Versus Percutaneous Tunneled Pleural Catheter Techniques on Pleurodesis Outcomes: A Retrospective, Single-center Study. J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2025 Apr 01; 32(2).
PMID: 40051083
Endoscopic Management of Laryngotracheal Disease.
Endoscopic Management of Laryngotracheal Disease. Thorac Surg Clin. 2025 Feb; 35(1):25-36.
PMID: 39515893
Delays in phases of care from identification to treatment of suspicious lung nodules.
Delays in phases of care from identification to treatment of suspicious lung nodules. JTCVS Open. 2025 Apr; 24:451-471.
PMID: 40309697
"Suction vs Gravity: A Distinction Without a Difference?": Insights From a Multicenter Randomized Trial on Speed and Safety of Two Pleural Fluid Draining Methods.
"Suction vs Gravity: A Distinction Without a Difference?": Insights From a Multicenter Randomized Trial on Speed and Safety of Two Pleural Fluid Draining Methods. Chest. 2024 Dec; 166(6):1279-1280.
PMID: 39663029
Multidisciplinary care in nonmalignant central airway obstruction.
Multidisciplinary care in nonmalignant central airway obstruction. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2025 Jan 01; 31(1):11-18.
PMID: 39498602