Abstract
Thermal ablation using argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a commonly used modality in the bronchoscopic management of central airway obstruction and hemoptysis. In experienced hands, APC is considered to be a relatively safe tool. Reported complications associated with APC use are rare and include hemorrhage, airway perforation, or airway fires. Systemic gas embolism has been reported with APC during laparoscopic hepatic surgeries, and we have reported one case of systemic gas embolism with cardiovascular collapse in the past. We now report the first case series of systemic, life-threatening gas embolism occurring as a complication of bronchoscopic application of APC.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1066-1069 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | CHEST |
Volume | 134 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Argon plasma coagulation
- Bronchoscopy
- Complication
- Gas embolism
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine