Percutaneous localization of pulmonary nodules for thoracoscopic lung resection

A limiting factor in removing pulmonary nodules by videothoracoscopic techniques is the inability to locate lesions deep within the substance of the lung. We describe a technique in which a hook wire commonly used to localize nonpalpable breast lesions is placed percutaneously into the lung nodule preoperatively. Using the wire anchored into the lung as a guide, the target lesion can be successfully identified and removed thoracoscopically.