Analysis of factors affecting successful microcoil localization for pulmonary nodules

This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting successful microcoil localization for subsequent thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary small nodules and ground-glass nodules. Microcoil has been useful for preoperative localization. Nevertheless, microcoil may dislocate before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

The medical data of patients with pulmonary solid nodules and ground-glass nodules, who underwent computed tomography-guided microcoil localization before thoracoscopic surgery, were retrospectively reviewed. Factors including clinical data, imaging data, surgical data, and technical data of microcoil localization were collected for stepwise logistic regression analysis.

A total of 206 nodules in 192 patients were included in this study. Microcoil dislocation was identified on video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery exploration in six patients (2.9%), resulting in a successful localization rate of 97.1%. The insertion depth of Chiba needle, transfissure needle tract, and pneumothorax after localization were implicated as significant factors for successful microcoil localization. Based on logistic regression, the insertion depth of Chiba needle and pneumothorax after localization were identified as the independent factors for successful microcoil localization.

The insertion depth of Chiba needle and pneumothorax after localization were the independent factors affecting successful microcoil localization for subsequent thoracoscopic resection. Special care should be taken in terms of the sufficient insertion depth of Chiba needle during microcoil localization and the risk of dislocation.