Lung Isolation, One-Lung Ventilation, and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure with Air for Radiofrequency Ablation of Neoplastic Pulmonary Lesions

Abstract

In Brief Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an emerging therapy that is increasingly being used for the treatment of many different types of tumors. RFA uses percutaneously placed image-guided probes to destroy tissues through localized heating. Injury to adjacent tissues with significant morbidity during RFA has been reported in the literature. We discuss our anesthetic management of patients undergoing RFA of lung tumors. Lung isolation, one-lung ventilation, and nondependent lung continuous positive airway pressure with air can be used to minimize damage to the heart and other important structures. IMPLICATIONS: Radiofrequency ablation uses needle electrodes to destroy tumors through localized heating, but damage to nearby important structures can occur. We discuss the steps that can be taken in the anesthetic management of patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation of lung lesions to minimize the risk of such damage.