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Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Use of Electromagnetic Navigational Transthoracic Needle Aspiration (E-TTNA) for Sampling of Lung Nodules
Published on: May 23, 2015
[Systemic air embolism after CT-guided transthoracic biopsy using a cutting needle]
G Ferretti1, P Lavagne, B Delafosse
1Service de radiologie et imagerie médicale, CHU Grenoble. gferretti@chu-grenoble.fr
Abstract:
The authors report a case of systemic air embolism after CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy using an 18G cutting needle. CT performed immediately after the occurrence of neurological signs showed air within the left ventricle but no air within the cerebral arteries. Radiologists must be aware of this extremely rare but potentially severe complication to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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