Background: It can be difficult to perform CT guided biopsy of small pulmonary nodules especially if the position is behind a costa or close to the diaphragm and respiratory movements may hamper the procedure. During apneic oxygenation with a pulmonary standstill these movements can be hindered.
Methods: Six patients with decreased lung function and suspicious lung nodules are presented. Under general anesthesia including a muscle relaxant and a cuffed tube in the trachea CT guided biopsy was prepared. Just before the biopsy the ventilation mode was switched to a continuous positive airway pressure of 5-10 cm H2O, maintaining 100% oxygen delivery without ventilation. If the position of the lung nodule was inconvenient for biopsy the pressure was increased to up to 17 cm H2O to expand the lungs to a better biopsy position. After retrieving the biopsy controlled ventilation was re-established and a finishing control CT-scan was performed. Blood gas analyses were performed with few minutes interval.
Results: All biopsies were diagnostic. All patients survived the procedure with no major complications, but 3 patients developed pneumothorax. The length of apneic oxygenation was median 10 minutes (8-10 minutes). No major changes in vital parameters were observed, and in all patients the peripheral oxygen saturation was 100% throughout the procedure. The arterial oxygen tension rose to very high values and the lowest pH was 7.18.
Conclusions: It is possible to perform lung biopsies in selected patients with decreased lung function during apneic oxygenation in at least 10 minutes in a safe way.