Vascular and Non-Vascular Intervention in the Pediatric Chest: An Update

In pediatric patients, thoracic intervention can involve aerodigestive tract, pleura, pulmonary parenchymal, mediastinal, systemic or pulmonary vasculature and even lymphatics. The procedures themselves may be technically straightforward, such as drainages or biopsies, or be complex and intricate such as with bronchial artery or pulmonary arteriovenous malformation intervention. Regardless of complexity, how unwell the child is and the size of the child often plays an important factor in planning and managing these cases. Refinements in technique, new innovations and more published outcomes has led to updated recommendations and changes in practice. This review article will demonstrate the common indications, pathophysiology and crucially the current interventional techniques for treating a wide variety of conditions in the pediatric chest.