Peripheral lung nodules: fluoroscopically guided video-assisted thoracoscopic resection after computed tomography-guided localization using platinum microcoils.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to test the safety and efficacy of fluoroscopically guided, video-assisted, thoracoscopic resection after computed tomography (CT)-guided localization using platinum microcoils.


BACKGROUND
Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) resection of small pulmonary nodules >5 mm deep to the visceral pleura fails to locate the nodule and requires conversion to open thoracotomy in two thirds of cases. Therefore, we developed a new technique for intraoperative localization of these nodules using CT-guided placement of platinum microcoils. This study tests the safety and efficacy of this technique in a Phase I human study.


METHODS
Twelve patients with undiagnosed growing pulmonary nodules <20 mm were marked preoperatively using percutaneously placed CT-guided platinum microcoils. The coil was deployed adjacent to the nodule with the distal end of the coil placed deep to the nodule and the superficial end coiled on the pleural surface. The nodule and coil were excised using endostaplers guided by VATS and fluoroscopy. Histopathologic diagnosis was performed immediately after resection.


RESULTS
CT-guided microcoil localization was successful in all patients. A small hemothorax and a pneumothorax requiring a chest tube occurred in 2 patients. Mean distance from visceral pleura to the deep edge of the nodule was 30.9 +/- 15.4 mm. VATS resection of the nodules (size = 11.8 +/- 3.2 mm) was successful in all patients. Mean microcoil localization, fluoroscopy, and operative times were 42 +/- 14, 3.1 +/- 2.0, and 67 +/- 27 minutes. A diagnosis of primary nonsmall cell bronchogenic carcinoma was made in 6 patients who then received a completion lobectomy. Six patients (hamartoma: 2, reactive lymph node: 1, bronchoalveolar cell carcinoma: 2, metastatic sarcoma: 1) did not receive further resections.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules using percutaneous CT-guided platinum microcoil insertion combined with operative fluoroscopic visualization is a safe, effective technique that increases the success rate of VATS excision.
Powell
Tom I
TI
Department of Surgery, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre University of British Columbia, Canada.
Jangra
Dalbhir
D
Clifton
Joanne C
JC
Lara-Guerra
Humberto
H
Church
Neal
N
English
John
J
Evans
Ken
K
Yee
John
J
Coxson
Harvey
H
Mayo
John R
JR
Finley
Richard J
RJ
D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010984:Platinum; D011300:Preoperative Care; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D003074:Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D010984:Platinum