Therapeutic Ablation

Thermal Ablative Therapies

Highlights device physics, energy delivery parameters, patient selection, and combination approaches for malignant and benign airway pathology.

Laser therapy • APC • CryotherapyReading time · 29mWord count · 3,849

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Exam mapping & scope

This chapter covers immediate‑effect thermal modalities used in interventional bronchoscopy for central airway disorders: medical lasers, electrocautery (EC), and argon plasma coagulation (APC). It maps to AABIP blueprint domains on management of malignant central airway obstruction (CAO), benign stenosis, hemostasis, device physics/safety, anesthesia/ventilation strategies, procedural technique, outcomes, and complication management.

Focus this round

Energy selection
Safety protocols
Technique pearls

Interactive chapter

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Thermal Ablative Therapies

Exam mapping & scope

Focus this round

Exam Mapping & Scope

By the end, learners should be able to:

Most testable matchups:

Indications (common):

Relative contraindications:

Pre‑Procedure Evaluation

Equipment & Setup (typical)

Universal safety checks (before any energy):

Laser‑assisted mechanical debulking (rigid‑preferred):

Electrocautery:

APC:

Troubleshooting & Intra‑Procedure Management

Post‑Procedure Care & Follow‑Up

Complications (Prevention-Recognition-Management)

Special Populations

Evidence & Outcomes

Parallel bullet algorithm

Algorithm 2 — Endobronchial Hemoptysis (Central Source)

Parallel bullet algorithm

Table 2. Thermal Modalities at a Glance

Table 3. Airway Fire & Procedure Safety Checklist (Thermal Modalities)

Imaging & Figure Callouts (Placeholders)

Cases & Applied Learning

Question Bank (MCQs)

Controversies, Variability, and Evolving Evidence

Take‑Home Checklist

Abbreviations & Glossary

References (AMA)