Massive gas embolism during pulmonary nodule hook wire localization.
The locaization of pulmonary nodules by the hook wire technique has allowed accurate resection of small and nonsuperficial pulmonary nodules by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Hook wire localization has been shown efficacious and safe with principal complications limited to pneumothorax, wire dislocation, and localized intrapulmonary hemorrhage. We report a case of massive gas embolism complicating this procedure. The probable causative mechanisms and possible methods for avoidance are discussed.
Horan
Thomas A
TA
Division of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital SARAH, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil. thoran@bsb.sarah.br
Pinheiro
Petrúcia M
PM
Araújo
Luis M
LM
Santiago
Flávia F
FF
Rodrigues
Monica R
MR
D000328:Adult; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001980:Bronchi / Q000293:injuries*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D018212:Giant Cell Tumor of Bone / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013977:Tibia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*