Gas embolism following bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation: a case series.
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.
Reddy
Chakravarthy
C
Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Majid
Adnan
A
Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Michaud
Gaetane
G
Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
Feller-Kopman
David
D
Interventional Pulmonology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD.
Eberhardt
Ralph
R
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg, Germany.
Herth
Felix
F
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg, Germany.
Ernst
Armin
A
Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Electronic address: aernst@bidmc.harvard.edu.
D000368:Aged; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged