Protective Capnothorax During Transthoracic Needle Biopsy

Purpose Transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) is an established procedure in the management of pulmonary nodules. The most common complications are directly related to crossing the lung or visceral pleura during the biopsy. In this study, we describe the use of carbon dioxide instead of room air to create a protective “capnothorax” during TTNB.