Artificial Pneumothorax Using the Liver-Directed Approach and Seldinger’s Technique: Technical Feasibility and Safety

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of artificial pneumothorax induction for percutaneous procedures using the liver-directed approach and Seldinger’s technique. Materials and methods The data of 25 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous procedures after inducing artificial pneumothorax were reviewed retrospectively. The liver surface was punctured with an 18-gauge indwelling needle via the intercostal space in the inferior thoracic cavity under ultrasound guidance, avoiding the lung parenchyma and leaving the catheter in place. After a deep inhalation pulled the catheter tip into the pleural cavity, a hydrophilic guidewire was inserted through the catheter. Finally, a small-diameter catheter was inserted into the pleural cavity over the guidewire to induce artificial pneumothorax. Procedure time (the time from local anesthesia to completion of the procedure), technical success (successful induction of artificial pneumothorax), clinical success (successful completion of the percutaneous procedure), and complications (categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification) were evaluated in this study. Results The artificial pneumothorax induction was successful in all cases. Clinical success was achieved in 23 of 25 procedures (92%). No severe complications were observed. Conclusion The liver-directed approach and Seldinger’s technique for inducing artificial pneumothorax was safe and feasible for avoiding lung injury.