Pulmonary function testing before ablative methods

Laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) and radio-frequency rhermoablation (RFTA) are increasingly used for pulmonary interventions. Primarily patients with severe functional limitations precluding a sutgical approach are selected for these procedures. In this patient group a valid preinterventional risk assessment is of paramount importance. The occurrence of a pneumothorax is one of the most important complications associated with these procedures. Therefore, the functional capacity and pulmonary reserve of these patients should allow for at least short periods of lung collapse. The periinterventional risk of these patients can be estimated from basic lung function studies when certain comorbidities are excluded.