title: Influenceable and Avoidable Risk Factors for Systemic Air Embolism due to Percutaneous CT-Guided Lung Biopsy: Patient Positioning and Coaxial Biopsy Technique-Case Report, Systematic Literature Review, and a Technical Note.
abstract: Following the first case of a systemic air embolism due to percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy in our clinic we analysed the literature regarding this matter in view of influenceable or avoidable risk factors. A systematic review of literature reporting cases of systemic air embolism due to CT-guided lung biopsy was performed to find out whether prone positioning might be a risk factor regarding this issue. In addition, a technical note concerning coaxial biopsy practice is presented. Prone position seems to have relevance for the development and/or clinical manifestation of air embolism due to CT-guided lung biopsy and should be considered a risk factor, at least as far as lesions in the lower parts of the lung are concerned. Biopsies of small or cavitary lesions in coaxial technique should be performed using a hemostatic valve.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Bethesda Hospital Duisburg, Heerstraße 219, 47053 Duisburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Gernot
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8042-5855
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rott
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Bethesda Hospital Duisburg, Heerstraße 219, 47053 Duisburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Frieder
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-9203-5133
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Boecker