Long-term survival after endobronchial fire during treatment of severe malignant airway obstruction with the Nd:YAG laser

Abstract

We present a case of Nd:YAG laser treatment of nearly total airway obstruction by malignant tumor in which an endobronchial fire occurred. The patient survived without complications of the fire and was followed-up until death over 22 months after the fire. The events leading to the fire are presented and recommendations provided to prevent similar occurrences.