Abstract
Access route considerations in percutaneous intrathoracic biopsy or ablation offers
its own unique set of challenges, with special consideration toward reducing the rate
of pneumothorax. This review highlights several novel and atypical methods to improve
access to intrathoracic lesions through a series of representative cases. These methods
include patient positioning, curved needles, hydrodissection, induced/artificial pneumothorax,
and use of specialized equipment functions. No intrathoracic lesion should be considered
“inaccessible” either for biopsy or treatment by percutaneous approaches without consideration
of performing these adjunctive techniques.
Keywords
biopsy - ablation - lung cancer - thoracic - technique - interventional radiology
