Increasing peripheral pulmonary nodules are detected given the growing adoption of chest CT screening for lung cancer. The invention of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscope provides a new diagnosis and treatment method for pulmonary nodules, which has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe, and the technique of microwave ablation through bronchus is gradually maturing. The one-stop diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules can be completed by the combination of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy and microwave ablation, which will help achieve local treatment through the natural cavity without trace.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the application effect of CT-guided Hook-wire localization and CT-guided microcoil localization in pulmonary nodules surgery. MethodsThe literatures on the comparison between CT-guided Hook-wire localization and CT-guided microcoil localization for pulmonary nodules were searched in PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, VIP and CNKI databases from the inception to October 2021. Review Manager (version 5.4) software was used for meta-analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of studies.ResultsA total of 10 retrospective cohort studies were included, with 1 117 patients including 473 patients in the CT-guided Hook-wire localization group and 644 patients in the CT-guided microcoil localization group. The quality of the studies was high with NOS scores>6 points. The result of meta-analysis showed that the difference in the localization operation time (MD=0.14, 95%CI ?3.43 to 3.71, P=0.940) between the two groups was not statistically significant. However, the localization success rate of the Hook-wire group was superior to the microcoil group (OR=0.35, 95%CI 0.17 to 0.72, P=0.005). In addition, in comparison with Hook-wire localization, the microcoil localization could reduce the dislocation rate (OR=4.33, 95%CI 2.07 to 9.08, P<0.001), the incidence of pneumothorax (OR=1.62, 95%CI 1.12 to 2.33, P=0.010) and pulmonary hemorrhage (OR=1.64, 95%CI 1.07 to 2.51, P=0.020). ConclusionAlthough Hook-wire localization is slightly better than microcoil localization in the aspect of the success rate of pulmonary nodule localization, microcoil localization has an obvious advantage compared with Hook-wire localization in terms of controlling the incidence of dislocation, pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage. Therefore, from a comprehensive perspective, this study believes that CT-guided microcoil localization is a preoperative localization method worthy of further promotion.
The possibility of solitary pulmonary nodules tending to lung cancer is very high in the middle and late stage. In order to detect the middle and late solitary pulmonary nodules, we present a new computer-aided diagnosis method based on the geometric features. The new algorithm can overcome the disadvantage of the traditional algorithm which can't eliminate the interference of vascular cross section. The proposed algorithm was implemented by multiple clustering of the extracted geometric features of region of interest (ROI) through K-means algorithm, including degree of slenderness, similar degree of circle, degree of compactness and discrete degree. The 232 lung CT images were selected from Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) database to do contrast experiment. Compared with the traditional algorithm, the detection rate of the new algorithm was 92.3%, and the error rate was 14.8%. At the same time, the detection rate of the traditional algorithm was only 83.9%, and the error rate was 78.2%. The results show that the proposed algorithm can mark the solitary pulmonary nodules more accurately and reduce the error rate due to precluding the disturbance of vessel section.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and application value of three-dimensional reconstruction for localization of pulmonary nodules in thoracoscopic lung wedge resection.MethodsThe clinical data of 96 patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung wedge resection in our hospital from January 2019 to August 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed, including 30 males and 66 females with an average age of 57.62±12.13 years. The patients were divided into two groups, including a three-dimensional reconstruction guided group (n=45) and a CT guided Hook-wire group (n=51). The perioperative data of the two groups were compared.ResultsAll operations were performed successfully. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the failure rate of localization (4.44% vs. 5.88%, P=0.633), operation time [15 (12, 19) min vs. 15 (13, 17) min, P=0.956], blood loss [16 (10, 20) mL vs. 15 (10, 19) mL, P=0.348], chest tube placement time [2 (2, 2) d vs. 2 (2, 2) d, P=0.841], resection margin width [2 (2, 2) cm vs. 2 (2, 2) cm, P=0.272] or TNM stage (P=0.158). The complications of CT guided Hook-wire group included pneumothorax in 2 patients, hemothorax in 2 patients and dislodgement in 4 patients. There was no complication related to puncture localization in the three-dimensional reconstruction guided group.ConclusionBased on three-dimensional reconstruction, the pulmonary nodule is accurately located. The complication rate is low, and it has good clinical application value.
Objective To analyze the benign-malignant outcomes of pulmonary nodules in surgical patients and their influencing factors, and provide evidence and ideas for optimizing and improving the integrated management model of pulmonary nodules. Methods From October to December 2023, a convenience sampling method was used to select patients who underwent lung surgery at West China Hospital, Sichuan University between July 2022 and June 2023 for this study. The malignancy rate of postoperative pathological results of pulmonary nodules and its influencing factors were analyzed using univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression. Results A total of 4600 surgical patients with pulmonary nodules were included, with a malignancy rate of 88.65% (4078/4600) and a benign rate of 11.35% (522/4600). Univariate analysis showed significant differences in malignancy rates among different genders, ages, methods of pulmonary nodule detection, and smoking histories (P<0.05); however, no significant difference was found regarding place of birth or family history of lung cancer (P>0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that females [odds ratio (OR)=1.533, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.271, 1.850)], older age groups [61-75 vs. ≤30 years: OR=1.640, 95%CI (1.021, 2.634); >75 vs. ≤30 years: OR=2.690, 95%CI (1.062, 6.814)], and pulmonary nodules detected during physical examinations [OR=1.286, 95%CI (1.064, 1.554)] were high-risk factors for malignancy, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion In the integrated management of pulmonary nodules, it is crucial not to overlook females or older patients, as they may be more significant influencing factors than smoking; furthermore, lung examinations are effective means of early detection of malignant lung tumors and are worth promoting and popularizing.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety and effectiveness of a precise marking method based on body surface mesh and three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 22 patients in our hospital from October 2018 to October 2019. There were 13 males and 9 females aged 58.5 (37-72) years. All patients underwent a precise marking of pulmonary nodules based on body surface mesh and 3D image reconstruction. Then, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was performed to resect the nodules. The clinical data, including positioning success rate and operation time were analyzed.ResultsA total of 22 small pulmonary nodules were removed. The average diameter of small nodules was 12±3 mm, and the average distance from the visceral pleura was 17±6 mm. The localization success rate was 86.4%. The operation time was 110±43 min, and there was no surgery-related complication.ConclusionThe method of marking pulmonary nodules based on body surface mesh and 3D image reconstruction is a safe and reliable technology, which reduces the risk of hemopneumothorax caused by CT-guided lung puncture.
The widespread use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in lung cancer screening has enabled more and more lung nodules to get identified of which more than 20% are multiple pulmonary nodules. At present, there is no guideline or consensus for multiple pulmonary nodules whose management is based primarily on the pulmonary imaging characteristics and associated risk factors. Herein, this review covers the imaging methods, CT appearances and management of multiple pulmonary nodules.
ObjectiveTo study the feasibility and safety of CT-guided preoperative Hookwire localization of pulmonary nodules in clinical application.MethodsClinical data of 102 patients who were scheduled to undergo surgical treatment for pulmonary nodules from June 2015 to April 2020 in the North Ward of Thoracic Surgery Department of Ruijin Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 38 males and 64 females, aged 23-82 (53.2±12.8) years.ResultsAll 102 patients with pulmonary nodules underwent CT-guided preoperative Hookwire localization successfully, with a localization success rate of 100.0%. The localization time was 27.0 (11-67) min; the number of times to adjust the angle during the positioning process was 6.9 (3-14); the needle depth of the positioning needle was 41.5 (16.3-69.1) mm. A total of 48 (47.1%) patients had a small amount of bleeding in the lung tissue in the positioning area after positioning; 53 (51.9%) patients had a small amount of pneumothorax after positioning; 16 (15.7%) patients were found that the positioning needle completely shedded from the lung tissue in the subsequent surgery. One patient was transferred to open thoracotomy because of extensive dense adhesion in the thorax, and the remaining 101 patients were operated on under thoracoscopy. Postoperative pathology showed that 5 (4.9%) patients were adenocarcinoma in situ, 28 (27.5%) were microinvasive adenocarcinoma, 36 (35.3%) patients were invasive carcinoma and 32 (31.3%) patients were benign lesions. No patients had complications or adverse events related to preoperative positioning.ConclusionPreoperative CT-guided localization of Hookwire intrapulmonary nodules is safe and effective, and can meet the intraoperative localization needs of thoracic surgeons in most clinical situations, and is not inferior to other preoperative localization methods currently used in clinics.
In thoracoscopic pulmonary nodule resection surgery, precise preoperative planning is crucial. Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technologies have shown great potential in this area. AI-assisted 3D reconstruction technologies can provide accurate, personalized models of the pulmonary vasculature and bronchial anatomy, assisting surgeons in detailed surgical planning and thus enhancing the precision and safety of surgeries. This article reviews the application progress of AI-assisted 3D reconstruction technologies in pulmonary nodule surgery, including their applications in preoperative diagnosis, surgical planning, and intraoperative navigation, as well as the advancements in AI-assisted 3D reconstruction technologies. It analyzes the technical features of all kinds of 3D reconstruction methods, their clinical applications, and the challenges they face.
Objective To discuss the main pathological types and imaging characteristics of pulmonary nodules that are highly suspected to be malignant in clinical practice but are pathologically confirmed to be benign. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients with pulmonary nodules who were initially highly suspected of malignancy but were subsequently pathologically confirmed to be benign. These patients were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from December 2020 to April 2023. Based on the outcomes of preoperative discussions, the patients were categorized into a benign group and a suspicious malignancy group. The clinical data and imaging characteristics of both groups were compared. Results A total of 232 patients were included in the study, comprising 112 males and 120 females, with a mean age of (50.7±12.0) years. Among these, 127 patients were classified into the benign group, while 105 patients were categorized into the suspicious malignancy group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, gender, symptoms, smoking history, or tumor history (P>0.05). However, significant differences were noted in nodule density, CT values, margins, shapes, and malignant signs (P＜0.05). Further analysis revealed that in the suspicious malignancy group, solid nodules were predominantly characterized by collagen nodules and fibrous tissue hyperplasia (33.3%), followed by tuberculosis (20.4%) and fungal infections (18.5%). In contrast, non-solid nodules were primarily composed of collagen nodules and fibrous tissue hyperplasia (41.2%) and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (17.7%). ConclusionBenign pulmonary nodules that are suspected to be malignant are pathologically characterized by the presence of collagen nodules, fibrous tissue hyperplasia, tuberculosis, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, and fungal infections. Radiologically, these nodules typically present as non-solid lesions and may exhibit features suggestive of malignancy, including spiculation, lobulation, cavitation, and pleural retraction.
