Fatal air embolism as a complication of laser-induced hyperthermia

Laser-induced hyperthermia is a new treatment modality for malignancies. When large tumors are treated with laser thermia, relatively high laser powers (4-6 W) must be used to accomplish destruction of the cancerous cells. Overheating and burning of the laser fibers and contact tips during laser thermia treatment must be prevented by using coaxial gas or fluid flow. The present report describes a case of fatal air embolism as a complication of laser thermia using coaxial gas. The authors warn all surgeons performing this procedure not to use coaxial air flow for cooling the contact tips because of the potential risk of air embolism.