Taming Cryoablation for Lung Tumors

This chapter details the indications, uses, and techniques of using percutaneous cryoablation to treat lung tumors. The chapter reviews the role of ablative therapy for primary lung cancers as well as metastatic disease to the lung. It reviews the basic physical principles of cryoablation and the advantages of percutaneous cryoablation compared to other percutaneous heat-based ablative modalities. Patient selection criteria and post-ablation follow-up protocols are discussed. The chapter reviews procedural considerations, including choice of anesthesia, patient positioning, probe trajectory, and post-procedural recovery. It also details techniques that can be used to minimize and treat complications as well as tips for treating more challenging lesions.