Application of Laser, Electrocautery, Argon Plasma Coagulation, and Cryotherapy in Flexible Bronchoscopy

Several ablative therapies including argon plasma coagulation (APC), electrocautery (EC), laser photoresection, and cryotherapy exist in the interventional pulmonologist's armamentarium to tackle endobronchial lesions. This chapter focuses on the indications, contraindications, equipment, techniques, and outcomes of these therapeutic modalities in the management of central airway lesions. The amount of energy that is delivered to a lesion depends on the power setting of the laser expressed in watts, the distance from the laser tip to the target, and the duration of impact. APC is an electrosurgical technique similar to laser or EC, used to remove an obstructing lesion and/or to achieve hemostasis. Similar to laser or EC therapy, cryotherapy will relieve bronchial obstruction and prevent local complications, which is the cause of most deaths.