Percutaneous Computed Tomography-Guided Lung Biopsies using a Virtual Navigation Guidance: Our Experience.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Percutaneous lung biopsies are crucial for diagnosing lung nodules.
• Traditional CT-guided biopsies can be limited by radiation exposure, procedure time, and complication rates, particularly for small lesions.
• Advancements in navigation systems aim to improve the safety and efficacy of these procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a virtual CT-guided navigation system (Sirio-MASMEC Biomed) against traditional CT-guided procedures for lung biopsies.
• To specifically evaluate performance in biopsies of lesions smaller than 1 cm.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 200 patients undergoing percutaneous lung biopsies.
• 100 patients were assigned to the Sirio navigation system group, and 100 to the traditional CT-guided group.
• Comparison metrics included absorbed radiation dose, procedure duration, complication rates, and diagnostic success (non-diagnostic specimens).

Main Results:

• The Sirio system demonstrated a significant reduction in absorbed radiation dose and procedure times (p < 0.05).
• Fewer complications and non-diagnostic specimens were observed with the Sirio system compared to the traditional method.
• The Sirio system proved effective for biopsies of lesions ≤10 mm, enhancing diagnostic success.

Conclusions:

• The Sirio virtual CT-guided navigation system offers a statistically significant improvement over traditional percutaneous procedures for lung biopsies.
• Key benefits include reduced procedural time, lower complication rates, decreased radiation exposure, and improved diagnostic yield, particularly for small pulmonary lesions.
• These advantages make the Sirio system a safer, less invasive, and more efficient option for interventional procedures, potentially increasing daily throughput.