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DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1280661
Pulmonary Radiofrequency Ablation Complicated by Tension Pneumothorax
Publication History
Publication Date:
16 June 2011 (online)
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ABSTRACT
Pneumothorax is a common complication of radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary lesions. During a treatment session, a moderate pneumothorax was initially managed by placement of a pigtail catheter. Due to technical considerations, ablation of the lesion was not performed; given resolution of the pneumothorax, the pigtail catheter was removed. However, after a short time, the patient's vital signs abruptly deteriorated and the diagnosis of tension pneumothorax was made clinically. A small-gauge catheter was emergently inserted with prompt improvement in the patient's condition, and a chest tube was subsequently placed via this access in the interventional department for definitive treatment.
KEYWORDS
Radiofrequency ablation - pneumothorax - thoracic interventions
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Albert A NemcekJr M.D.
Department of Radiology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
251 East Huron Street, Feinberg 4-710T, Chicago, IL 60611
Email: aan728@northwestern.edu