Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopic dye marking for localization of small subsolid nodules: Retrospective...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Thoracoscopic resection of small subsolid nodules presents localization challenges.
• Preoperative localization is crucial for successful minimally invasive resection.
• Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) offers potential for precise nodule targeting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ENB-guided dye marking for small subsolid pulmonary nodules.
• To identify factors influencing the accuracy of ENB-guided dye marking.
• To assess the success rates of dye marking and subsequent thoracoscopic resection.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients undergoing thoracoscopic resection after ENB-guided dye marking.
• Dye marking performed at the pleura adjacent to the nodule.
• Navigation accuracy assessed by target distance; factors analyzed using linear regression.

Main Results:

• High success rates for dye marking (93.1%) and nodule localization (95.8%).
• Complete thoracoscopic resection achieved in 95.8% of cases without conversion.
• No ENB-related complications (pneumothorax, hemorrhage); approach angle <90° predicted greater accuracy.

Conclusions:

• ENB-guided dye marking is an effective and safe method for localizing small subsolid nodules.
• This technique facilitates thoracoscopic resection, improving procedural success.
• Optimizing pathway selection (approach angle <90°) enhances navigation accuracy for better outcomes.