Semin intervent Radiol 2019; 36(02): 120-125
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1688426
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Pneumodissection during Percutaneous Renal Ablation Resulting in Air Embolism: Percutaneous Management and a Review of the Literature

Kamil Arif
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
,
Andrew J. Gunn
1   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
22 May 2019 (online)

Abstract

Percutaneous renal ablation is a nephron-sparing approach for selected patients with renal cell carcinoma. Common complications include hemorrhage, injury to the urinary collecting system, and abscess formation. The purpose of this article is to present a case of vascular air embolism as a complication of pneumodissection performed during percutaneous ablation of renal cell carcinoma, discuss its successful percutaneous management, review common complications of renal ablation, and outline steps physicians can take to lessen these complications.

Disclosures

A.J.G. is a speaker and consultant for BTG. K.A. has no financial disclosures to report.


 
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