Feasibility and safety of argon plasma coagulation as hemostatic tool during medical thoracoscopy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Medical thoracoscopy (MT) is a minimally invasive procedure used for diagnosing and managing undiagnosed pleural effusions. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a non-contact electrosurgical technique widely used in gastrointestinal and bronchoscopic procedures, yet its application in MT remains underreported. This study describes the APC technique during MT for hemostasis and evaluates its safety and feasibility.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent MT with APC at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, between December 1, 2022 and April 4, 2024. Patient demographics, procedural details, and pleural fluid analysis were recorded. Hemostasis was achieved using a rigid APC applicator, with bleeding severity assessed using the Valida

SUBMITTER: Abia-Trujillo D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12780407 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature