Cryoablation in Locoregional Management of Complex Unresectable Chest Neoplasms

The aim of our retrospective study was to assess the safety and feasibility of cryoablation in high-risk patients with complex chest neoplastic lesions. Twenty patients with complex chest malignancies, both primary and secondary, located in the mediastinum, lung, and chest wall, underwent percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation treatments. Procedural success as well as complications were evaluated. A total of 24 neoplastic lesions were treated (mean diameter: 27 mm; range: 7-54 mm). Technical success was obtained in all patients, without major complications or intraprocedural death. A pneumothorax not requiring a drainage tube placement was registered in 50% of patients, while 3/24 patients had a grade 3 pneumothorax requiring a chest tube placement. Percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation seems a safe and feasible treatment for complex thoracic lesions.