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.
2008-11-07
Eng.
Chest
Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, One Deaconess Rd, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Chest. 2008 Nov;134(5):1066-9
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