Microwave Ablation for Malignant Central Airway Obstruction: A Pilot Study

Background: Malignant central airway obstruction (CAO) is a debilitating complication of primary lung cancer and pulmonary metastases. Therapeutic bronchoscopy is used to palliate symptoms and/or bridge to further therapy. Microwave ablation (MWA) heats tissue by creating an electromagnetic field around an ablation device. We present a pilot study utilizing endobronchial MWA via flexible bronchoscopy as a novel modality for the management of malignant CAO. Methods: Therapeutic bronchoscopy with a flexible MWA probe was performed in 8 cases. We reviewed tumor size, previous ablative techniques, number of applications, ablation time, amount of energy delivered, rate of successful recanalization, complications, and 30-day follow-up. Results: Successful airway recanalization was achieved in all cases. No complications were noted. In 1 case, tumor in-growth within a silicone stent was ablated with no damage to the stent. Discussion: Endobronchial MWA is a novel technique for tumor destruction while maintaining an airway axis. The oven effect and air gap around a tumor allow for safe and effective tissue devitalization and hemostasis without a thermal effect on structures surrounding the airway.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Microwave Ablation for Malignant Central Airway Obstruction: A Pilot Study ; volume:101 ; number:7 ; year:2022 ; pages:666-674 ; extent:9 ; Respiration ; 101, Heft 7 (2022), 666-674 (gesamt 9)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Senitko, Michal ; Oberg, Catherine L. ; Abraham, George E. ; Hillegass, William B. ; Akhtar, Israh ; Folch, Erik

Further information

• DOI: 10.1159/000522544
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022071400223323991928
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:38 AM CEST