Fatal Complications During Photodynamic Bone Stabilization: A Case Report

Photodynamic bone stabilization (PBSS) is a minimally invasive technique used in patients with metastatic bone disease who are poor traditional surgery candidates. Although the procedure has a high success rate, we present a fatal case of cardiopulmonary collapse following balloon insufflation during PBSS. The patient had advanced malignancy and preexisting cardiopulmonary conditions and ultimately experienced pulseless electrical activity and hypoxemia. We propose that the likely etiology is embolic debris from medullary reaming. This case highlights the need for perioperative risk stratification, vigilant intraoperative monitoring, and heightened awareness of fatal embolic complications in high-risk patients undergoing PBSS.