Use of methylene blue and a spring microcoil in the preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules under CT guidance: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Methylene blue (MB) and spring microcoils are used for the preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules (SPNs). We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of these methods using published data. METHODS: We identified randomized controlled trials and observational studies that assessed preoperative SPN localization using MB or spring microcoil and compared these using a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Seven studies of 933 patients were identified, in whom 1081 SPNs were located. Four hundred twenty-four SPNs were located using MB (n = 359 participants), and 657 SPNs were located using the spring microcoil method (n = 574 participants). The prevalence of technical success of SPN localization was higher using MB (mean deviation [MD]: 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20, 0.93); the incidence of postoperative complications was lower (MD: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.65); and the time taken for removal was longer (MD: -12.37; 95% CI: -22.60, -2.13). There were no differences with respect to the successful wedge resection rate, the time taken for localization, the duration of the procedure, or the mean hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods can detect SPNs; however, MB is associated with a higher success rate and fewer postoperative complications, while spring microcoil localization is associated with more rapid removal.

A novel localization device for small pulmonary nodules in thoracoscopic wedge resection with adequate margin distance: a retrospective study.

Background: Thoracoscopic wedge resection of small pulmonary nodules (SPNs) is a common surgical procedure. Adequate surgical margin distance is challenging and key to successful resection for malignant nodules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel localization needle in wedge resection for SPNs with adequate margin distance. Methods: A retrospective review of needle localization cases from November 2021 to August 2022 was performed, in which 58 patients who underwent modified computed tomography (CT)-guided needle localization following thoracoscopic wedge resection were enrolled. Nodules were localized by placing a novel device characterized by a 4-hook anchor and a tricolored suture with a scale. The clinical characteristics were collected to evaluate the feasibility of the procedure in obtaining a sufficient margin distance. Results: A total of 68 SPNs were collected, and the median size of SPNs was 10.0 mm with a median depth of 18.9 mm. Needle localization was successful in 65 nodules (95.6%), and all nodules were completely removed. The median resection margin distance was 14 mm (range, 8-26 mm). There were 62 (91.2%) SPNs with a margin distance to tumor size ratio ≥1, 38 (92.7%) SPNs with a depth <20 mm, and 24 (88.9%) SPNs with a depth ≥20 mm, respectively. Regardless of the nodule depth, the median resection margin distances were both 14 mm. Conclusions: This study indicated that modified preoperative CT-guided 4-hook needle with scaled suture localization is a safe, efficient strategy for the wedge resection of SPNs via thoracoscopic surgery. Furthermore, it was considerably advantageous for obtaining adequate margins distance, especially for deep nodules.

Cryobiopsy and dye marking guided by electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy before resection of pulmonary nodule.

BACKGROUND: Our aims were to explore the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of peroperative transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) guided by electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and ENB-guided methylene blue marking of presumably non-palpable pulmonary nodules, and to assess its impact on video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and postoperative lung function. METHODS: This approach was applied to 16 consecutive patients (Group A, mean age 64 years) who were compared retrospectively to a historical group of 49 patients (Group B, mean age 62 years) with similar nodules resected without guidance. The usefulness of dye marking was graded. The success rates of both ENB-guided TBLC and nodule localization through dye marking were computed. The type of resection, volume of resected parenchyma, duration of procedures, and postoperative lung function were compared between groups. Unpaired t-test, chi-square test, unpaired Wilcoxon test, and exact Fisher test were used when appropriate. RESULTS: Malignancy was pathologically proven in all patients. TBLC revealed malignancy in 9 patients in Group A. The success rate of ENB-guided dye marking was 94%. Lobectomy was less frequently performed in Group A than in Group B (p = 0.022). Forced expiratory volume in 1 s and total lung capacity were significantly less reduced in Group A than in Group B (p = 0.006 and p = 0.019, respectively). Combined procedure was longer than surgery alone (p<0.001), but its surgical part was shorter than VATS without guidance (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Peroperative ENB-guided TBLC with methylene blue marking of non-palpable lung nodules is feasible. A sparing lung parenchyma procedure could be achieved thanks to the ENB-guided dye marking before VATS.

Pulmonary nodules localization via microcoil and anchor with scaled suture guided by CT in thoracoscopic surgery: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To compare the effectiveness and safety of preoperative lung localization by microcoil and anchor with scaled suture. Methods    A total of 286 patients underwent CT-guided puncture localization consecutively between October 2019 and December 2020 in our hospital. According to the different methods of localization, they were divided into a microcoil group (n=139, including 49 males and 90 females, aged 57.92±10.51 years) and an anchor group (n=147, including 53 males and 94 females, aged 56.68±11.31 years). The clinical data of the patients were compared. Results    A total of 173 nodules were localized in the microcoil group, and 169 nodules in the anchor group. The localization success rate was similar in the two groups. However, the anchor group was significantly better than the microcoil group in the localization time (8.15±2.55 min vs. 9.53±3.08 min, P=0.001), the pathological receiving time (30.46±14.41 min vs. 34.96±19.75 min, P=0.029), and the hemoptysis rate (10.7% vs. 30.1%, P=0.001), but the pneumothorax rate was higher in the anchor group (21.3% vs. 11.0%, P=0.006). Conclusion    Preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules using anchor with suture is practical and safe. Due to its simplicity and convenience, it is worth of promotion in the clinic.

Identification of factors affecting the surgical margin in wedge resection using preoperative lipiodol marking.

BACKGROUND: The factors affecting the surgical margin distance in resection of small lung lesions after preoperative marking are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify these factors in wedge lung resection using a localization technique. METHODS: The subjects were 45 patients with small pulmonary nodules who underwent preoperative computed tomography-guided lipiodol marking followed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery between April 2017 and December 2019. Data were obtained for nodule size, depth from the pleural surface, imaging features, and procedure-related factors that could affect the surgical margin. Subjects were divided into groups with margin distances <10 and ≥10 mm. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the margin distance. RESULTS: Preoperative marking was performed using lipiodol prior to resection of 52 nodules (median size, 10.1 mm; range, 6.75-12.3 mm) in 45 patients (23 men, 22 women; median age, 65.4 years). The mean distance from the pleural surface to the pulmonary lesion was 13.8 mm (range, 5.44-22.2 mm). The 3D deviation of the radio-opaque nodule (lipiodol spot) from the lesion was the only significant difference in nodule- and procedure-related factors between the two groups. Multivariate analysis also showed that this 3D deviation was the most significant factor affecting the margin distance (odds ratio, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08-0.81; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this study may help to ensure a sufficient surgical margin after preoperative lipiodol marking, through recognition that the 3D deviation of the radio-opaque nodule from the target lesion has a particularly important influence on the margin distance.

The value of circulating tumor cells with positive centromere probe 8 in the diagnosis of small pulmonary nodules.

Circulating cancer cells (CTCs) can serve as a non-invasive liquid biopsy and provide opportunities for early cancer diagnosis and evaluation. However, the value of CTCs for diagnosis or prognosis of small pulmonary nodules (SPNs) is unclear. Fifty-three patients diagnosed with SPNs with a diameter less than 30 mm by CT examination were enrolled in the study. The CTC numbers, CT examination features, serum tumor marker concentrations, and histopathological characteristics were analyzed. Centromere probe 8 (CEP8) was used as a marker for CTC identification. The CTC numbers were significantly different in patients with malignant and benign SPNs and with early (0/Ⅰa) and advanced (Ⅰb/Ⅱ/Ⅲ) lung cancer stages. ROC analysis showed that the CTC numbers was effective on malignant SNP diagnosis. The combined use of CTCs and the density features of the nodules determined by CT further improved the overall screening, the diagnostic effectiveness for malignant SNPs, and determination of the pTNM (≤Ia vs.>Ia) stage. The CT morphology revealed that large, single, and solid SPNs were associated with significant CTC numbers and the CTC numbers were correlated with malignant histopathology. Using CEP8 as a marker resulted in detection of more CTC numbers in 22 patient samples triple stained for CEP8, EpCAM, and CKs. The CTCs determined by CEP8-positive staining could serve as potential screening and diagnostic markers for malignant SPNs.

False positive reduction in pulmonary nodule classification using 3D texture and edge feature in CT images.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary nodule detection can significantly influence the early diagnosis of lung cancer while is confused by false positives. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we focus on the false positive reduction and present a method for accurate and rapid detection of pulmonary nodule from suspective regions with 3D texture and edge feature. METHODS: This work mainly consists of four modules. Firstly, small pulmonary nodule candidates are preprocessed by a reconstruction approach for enhancing 3D image feature. Secondly, a texture feature descriptor is proposed, named cross-scale local binary patterns (CS-LBP), to extract spatial texture information. Thirdly, we design a 3D edge feature descriptor named orthogonal edge orientation histogram (ORT-EOH) to obtain spatial edge information. Finally, hierarchical support vector machines (H-SVMs) is used to classify suspective regions as either nodules or non-nodules with joint CS-LBP and ORT-EOH feature vector. RESULTS: For the solitary solid nodule, ground-glass opacity, juxta-vascular nodule and juxta-pleural nodule, average sensitivity, average specificity and average accuracy of our method are 95.69%, 96.95% and 96.04%, respectively. The elapsed time in training and testing stage are 321.76 s and 5.69 s. CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed method has the best performance compared with other state-of-the-art methods and is shown the improved precision of pulmonary nodule detection with computationaly low cost.

Safety and reliability of computed tomography-guided lipiodol marking for undetectable pulmonary lesions.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and reliability of percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided lipiodol marking for undetectable pulmonary lesions before video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the cases of CT-guided lipiodol marking followed by VATS in 9 institutes from May 2006 to March 2018. Lipiodol (0.2-0.5 ml) was percutaneously injected closely adjacent to undetectable pulmonary lesions with computed-tomography guidance. Lipiodol spots were identified using C-arm-shaped fluoroscopy during VATS. We grasped the lipiodol spots, including the target lesions, with ring-shaped forceps and resected them. RESULTS: Of 1182 lesions, 1181 (99.9%) were successfully marked. In 1 case, the injected lipiodol diffused, and no spot was created. Of the 1181 lesions, 1179 (99.8%) were successfully resected with intraoperative fluoroscopy. Two lipiodol spots were not detected because of the lipiodol distribution during the division of pleural adhesions. The mean lesion size was 9.1 mm (range 1-48 mm). The mean distance from the pleural surface was 10.2 mm (range 0-43 mm). Lipiodol marking-induced pneumothorax occurred in 495 (57.1%) of 867 cases. Of these, chest drainage was required in 59 patients (6.8%). The other complications were 19 (2.2%) cases of bloody sputum, 3 (0.35%) cases of intravascular air, 1 (0.12%) case of pneumonia and 1 (0.12%) case of cerebral infarction. There were no lipiodol marking-induced deaths or sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CT-guided lipiodol marking followed by VATS resection was shown to be a safe and reliable procedure with a high success rate and acceptably low severe complication rate.

Multicenter, prospective, observational study of a novel technique for preoperative pulmonary nodule localization.

OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive surgery provides an ideal method for pathologic diagnosis and curative intent of small pulmonary nodules (SPNs); however, the main problem with thoracoscopic resection is the difficulty in locating the nodules. The goal of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of a new localization technique tailored for SPNs. METHODS: A computed tomography (CT)-guided technique, which has a tri-colored suture and claw with 4 fishhook-shaped hooks, was designed to localize SPN preoperatively. Then a multicenter, prospective study was conducted to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this device. The primary endpoints included safety (asymptomatic/symptomatic pneumothorax or parenchymal hemorrhage, and unanticipated adverse effects) and success rate (precise placement and device fracture, displacement, or dislodgement). The secondary endpoints included feasibility (duration of the localization procedure and device fracture or fault) and patient comfort (pain). RESULTS: A total of 90 SPNs were localized from 80 patients. Overall, no symptomatic complications requiring medical intervention, with the exception of asymptomatic pneumothorax (n = 7 [7.8%]) and lung hemorrhages (n = 5 [5.6%]), were observed. The device was successfully placed without dislodgment or movement in 87 of 90 lesions (96.7%). The median nodule size was 0.70 cm (range, 0.30-1.0 cm). The median duration of the procedure was 15 minutes (range, 7-36 minutes). No patient complained of notable pain during or after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: This new device for SPNs is safe, and has a high success rate, feasibility and good tolerance.

Comparison of cyanoacrylate and hookwire for localizing small pulmonary nodules: A propensity-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Localizing small pulmonary nodules (SPNs) is a challenge during thoracoscopic resection, but preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided localization using either cyanoacrylate or hookwire can be helpful. This study compared the safety, efficiency, and operability of the two techniques. METHODS: From September 2013 to November 2018, 269 patients (269 SPNs) who underwent preoperative CT-guided SPN localization were enrolled. A propensity-matched analysis, incorporating 13 variables, was performed to control potential selection bias. RESULTS: All the patients were divided into two groups: CT-guided cyanoacrylate localization group (Group C, n = 149) and CT-guided hookwire localization group (Group H, n = 120). Eighty-six patients were propensity-matched in each group. All SPNs were successfully removed thoracoscopically, and no conversion was required. Localization-related complications in the two groups were similar, including intrapulmonary focal hemorrhage (p = 0.823), pneumothorax (p = 1.000), or hemoptysis (p = 0.121). For pain assessment and management, the cyanoacrylate localization saw a lower pain score (p < 0.001) and less morphine use (p < 0.001). In Group H, the localization took a significantly longer time (p < 0.001). Covering only the patients in Group C, the sub-analysis found that cyanoacrylate localization on the day before surgery did not compromise the accuracy of intraoperative targeting or increase the incidence of complications, compared with the localization on the day of surgery (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared to hookwire localization, CT-guided cyanoacrylate localization decreased pain and morphine use and allowed flexible surgical schedules, suggestive of its preferability for the resection of SPNs.

Computed tomography-guided preoperative semi-rigid hook-wire localization of small pulmonary nodules: 74 cases report.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the success rate, utility, practicality and results of pre-operative CT (computed tomography)-guided semi-rigid single hook-wire placement and the pathology results of small pulmonary nodules (SPN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-four patients with 81 small pulmonary nodules underwent CT-guided semi-rigid single hook wire localization consecutively between 2016 and 2017 were reviewed. VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) resection of lung tissue containing each pulmonary nodule and were performed in the direction of hook wire. The success rate and utility of the localization, hook wire related complications, the histopathology of SPN are analyzed. RESULTS: The semi-rigid hook wire was performed successfully in all 81 small pulmonary nodules within mean time of 10 min (8-13 min, SD: 1.58 min). Compared with solid nodules, GGOs (ground-glass opacity) were more frequently malignant (p < 0.05), with an OR (odds ratio) 8.59 (95%CI, 0.967, 412.845). Of the pure GGOs, 9 (25%) nodules were classified as AIS, 10 (27.8%) nodules were classified as MIA and 22 (57.9%) of the mGGOs were lung cancer. According to multivariate analysis, the malignant hazard was as high as 6.533-fold higher in nodules with a size larger than 10 mm compared with those smaller than 10 mm. GGOs with tiny blood vessels showed a statistically significant correlation with malignancy. Surprisingly, no statistically significant difference in the incidence of lung cancer in age. No major complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules using semi-rigid single hook wire was found to be practical and safe, which allows for proper diagnosis. Incidental small pulmonary nodule, especially GGO larger than 10 mm needs to be taken seriously.

Computed tomography-guided cyanoacrylate localization of small pulmonary nodules: feasibility and initial experience.

OBJECTIVES: We report our initial technical experience with computed tomography (CT)-guided cyanoacrylate localization for resection of small pulmonary nodules (SPNs) and evaluate the feasibility of this technique. METHODS: Between June 2016 and December 2017, the diagnostic results of 55 consecutive patients (69 SPNs) who underwent preoperative CT-guided cyanoacrylate localization and consequent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection were retrospectively evaluated. Localization-related outcomes and perioperative outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Preoperative CT-guided cyanoacrylate localization was successfully performed in all the cases. Simultaneous localization was achieved in 8 (14.5%) patients with 2 nodules and 3 (5.5%) patients with 3 nodules. The mean size of the nodules was 8.5 ± 3.2 mm (range 5-20 mm), and their mean depth from the nearest pleural surface was 10.9 ± 7.7 mm (range 2-36 mm). The overall mean localization procedural time was 13.7 ± 7.2 min (range 6-37 min). Two localization-related complications (intrapulmonary focal haemorrhage and pneumothorax) were observed in 7 (12.7%) and 12 (21.8%) patients, respectively. All patients with complications were asymptomatic and received conservative treatment only. All SPNs were resected under VATS without any conversion to minithoracotomy or thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided cyanoacrylate localization is a feasible procedure to localize SPNs. The advantages of this technique include flexibility between insertion and excision, the ability to be applied to the whole lung field, a high success rate, patient comfort after insertion and a fast learning curve. Further studies are warranted to confirm the efficacy of this technique.

Clinical application of planar puncture template-assisted computed tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy for small pulmonary nodules.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical application of planar puncture template (PPT) in computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 56 patients with small pulmonary nodules who received CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy assisted by PPT were included in the study. Five steps were included in the study: fixing position, CT scanning and designing needle pathway, installing navigation system and template, puncturing fixation needle, and performing biopsy needle insertion and biopsy. The success rate of puncture, pathological results, and complications were analyzed. In addition, the factors that influenced the success rate and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Biopsy was successfully completed in all 56 patients. The nodule diameter was 0.45-3 cm. The fixation needle technique was applied in 47 cases. Biopsy was performed 1 time in 50% of patients and 2 times in 38% of patients. For pathology, only one case showed no positive result, with a puncture success rate of 98%. The diagnostic rate of malignant tumor was 73%. For complications, the incidence of needle tract bleeding was 68%, the incidence of pneumothorax was 30%, and the thoracic drainage was required in two patients. Hemoptysis was observed in two cases. Univariate analysis: The nodule size was related to both the rate of 1-time biopsy and incidence of complications. Smaller nodule was relevant to lower rate of 1-time biopsy (P = 0.01) and higher incidence of complications (P < 0.05). The fixation needle was related to 1-time biopsy rate. The 1-time biopsy rate was significantly higher in patients with fixation needle than those without fixation needle (P = 0.001). Meanwhile, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of complications in different number of fixation needles (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PPT-assisted lung biopsy technology can provide high success rate and low complication incidence. It would be helpful to make the puncture procedures more standard for better clinical applications.

Application of regional localization method in thoracoscopic resection of small pulmonary nodule / 重庆医学

Objective To study the application of regional localization method in the thoracoscopic resection of small pulmonary nodule.Methods Sixty-eight cases of small pulmonary nodules were located by applying the small pulmonary nodules regional localization method,and the clinical effect was intraoperatively observed.The ROC curve was used to find the best node for the nodule maximum diameter and minimum distance from the pleural.Results The once successful localization was obtained in 65 cases with the success rate of 95.6％.The best node of the maximum diameter of small pulmonary nodules was 1.0 cm,and the shortest distance from the pleura was 1.3 cm.Conclusion The regional localization method in the thoracoscopic resection of small pulmonary nodule has high accuracy.

Volume versus diameter assessment of small pulmonary nodules in CT lung cancer screening.

Currently, lung cancer screening by low-dose chest CT is implemented in the United States for high-risk persons. A disadvantage of lung cancer screening is the large number of small-to-intermediate sized lung nodules, detected in around 50% of all participants, the large majority being benign. Accurate estimation of nodule size and growth is essential in the classification of lung nodules. Currently, manual diameter measurements are the standard for lung cancer screening programs and routine clinical care. However, European screening studies using semi-automated volume measurements have shown higher accuracy and reproducibility compared to diameter measurements. In addition to this, with the optimization of CT scan techniques and reconstruction parameters, as well as advances in segmentation software, the accuracy of nodule volume measurement can be improved even further. The positive results of previous studies on volume and diameter measurements of lung nodules suggest that manual measurements of nodule diameter may be replaced by semi-automated volume measurements in the (near) future.

The clinical application of CT-guided microcoil positioning of small pulmonary nodules in video-assisted thoracic surgery / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To assess the clinical value of preoperative CT-guided microcoil positioning of small solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) in assisting video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) procedure to more quickly and more precisely remove small pulmonary lesions.Methods The clinical data of 90 patients with SPN,who were admitted to authors' hospital during the period from June 2014 to May 2016 to receive VATS,were retrospective analyzed.Preoperative CT-guided microcoil positioning of SPN was employed in 45 patients (group A),while other 45 patients (group B) did not receive preoperative positioning of SPN.The pulmonary lobar wedge resection time,the transfer rate of changing to open chest operation,postoperative hospitalization time,the success rate of microcoil positioning of SPN,complications,etc.of both groups were statistically analyzed.The safety of preoperative CT-guided microcoil positioning of SPN was evaluated,and its benefit-enhancing value for VATS was discussed.Results In group A,the success rate of VATS was 100％ and the success rate of SPN positioning was 95.6％.Postoperative complications included pneumothorax (n=5),pulmonay surface hemorrhage (n=6),and dislodgement of microcoil (n=2).In group B,the success rate of VATS was 84.4％ and the transfer rate of changing to open chest operation was 15.6％.In group A,the manipulation time of VATS was (17.7±2.8) min,the postoperative hospitalization time was (6.2±1.7) days,and the transfer rate of changing to open chest operation was 0％,which were strikingly lower than those in group B;the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion Preoperative CT-guided microcoil positioning of small SPN can assist VATS procedure to remove small pulmonary lesions more quickly and more precisely,it can effectively reduce the transfer rate of changing to open chest operation,shorten the manipulation time of VATS as well as the postoperative hospitalization time.

Preoperative localization of additional pulmonary nodules in suspected lung cancer patients / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To study CT-guided localization of additional pulmonary nodules with microcoils prior to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection in patients with suspected lung cancer.Methods Eleven patients suspected lung cancer underwent preoperative microcoils localization towards additional small pulmonary nodules.The head of microcoil was pinpointed adjacent to the target nodule while its end tail remained above the visceral pleura.VATS were performed within 24 hours, and comprehensive assessments were conducted according to surgical and pathological outcomes of primary and additional lesions, and suitable surgical processes were followed.Results All 11 localizing pulmonary nodules (4-15 mm in diameter) were successfully removed after VATS, 9 microcoils'' end tails of which were placed above visceral pleural surface.There were no serious complications related with localizing procedure.Other 16 lesions including 11 primary ones were resected.The surgical and pathological outcomes for lung lesions were utterly assessed.Conclusion Microcoil preoperative localization provides helpful orientation for complete resection and assessment of multiple pulmonary lesions in patients with suspected lung cancer.

The application of CT-guided localization of small pulmonary nodules by using double-hook-wire before video-assisted thoracoscopic resection / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To discuss the clinical application of CT-guided localization of small pulmonary nodules (SPNs) by using double-hook-wire before the performance of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) resection.Methods Before the performance of VATS resection,CT-guided localization by using doublehook-wire was carried out in 54 patients with SPNs (67 small pulmonary nodules in total) and CT-guided localization by using single-hook-wire was employed in 63 patients with SPNs(81 small pulmonary nodules in total).The location success rate and complication rate of the double-hook-wire technique and the singlehook-wire technique were calculated.Results The location success rate of CT-guided localization for SPNs by using double-hook-wire performed before VATS resection in 54 patients was 100％.The incidences of pneumothorax and hemorrhage were 29.6％ (16/54) and 48.1％ (26/54) respectively.In 63 patients receiving single-hook-wire technique,the location success rate for SPNs was 98.4％ (62/63).The incidences of pneumothorax and hemorrhage were 28.5％ (18/63) and 25.4％ (16/63) respectively.Conclusion CT-guided localization for SPNs by using double-hook-wire before VATS resection can reduce the risk of failure in positioning the hook-wire,and this technique is an important supplement for other localization techniques.

A convenient method for identifying a small pulmonary nodule using a dyed swab and geometric mapping.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT)-guided lung needle marking is useful to identify pulmonary nodules. However, certain complications sometimes trigger severe after-effects or death. So, we present a convenient and safe method by which small pulmonary nodules can be identified using a particular dye [2% (w/v) gentian violet]. METHODS: A patient is initially placed in the lateral operative position. Under CT guidance, a "magic marker" is used to identify the skin above the pulmonary nodule. During the operation, the chest wall is punctured on that mark using a needle loop retractor (Mini Loop Retractor II). A swab saturated in the dye solution is attached to a silk thread and passed through the loop. The loop and string are subsequently retracted. The dye-stamp is apparent on the lung surface above the nodule after the lung is inflated. If the scapula, any vertebra, or the clavicle compromised access to a nodule, we used our geometric technique to locate that nodule. RESULTS: We used this technique to treat 51 lesions of 50 patients presenting from 2013 to 2015. Mean tumor diameter was 7 mm. All lesions were identified via thoracoscopy, all nodules were constrained by ring forceps, and wedge resections were performed using a stapler. All lesions lay very close to the staple markings, as judged by finger or instrument palpation. No complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of our technique are that it is simple and easy, air emboli are not an issue, the skin marking is rapid, safety is assured, and the skin marking does not require hospitalization. Our method is also useful such as following situations; it defines the margins of the cut line upon anatomical segmentectomy, indicates where a skin incision is required, and identifies impalpable nodules, which aids the lung resection but provides frozen sections to the pathologist.