Endobronchial argon plasma coagulation for neoplastic airway obstruction in a patient requiring supplemental oxygen, ventilatory and hemodynamic support

Abstract

Reports on the safety and efficacy of endobronchial argon plasma coagulation (APC) for the treatment of neoplastic airway obstruction in critically ill patients are limited. We describe a case of severe airway stenosis in a patient with esophageal cancer who required high-inspired oxygen concentrations, mechanical ventilatory and hemodynamic support. Relief of obstruction was achieved with APC in the absence of bedside complications. APC can be performed safely for palliative management of obstruction due to endobronchial tumor even in critically ill patients in whom the use of the Nd-YAG laser is precluded.