Image-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic resection (iVATS): Translation to clinical practice-real-world experience

We developed a novel approach for localization and resection of lung nodules, using image-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (iVATS). We report our experience of translating iVATS into clinical care.

Methodology and workflow for iVATS developed as part of the Phase I/II trial were used to train surgeons, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and radiology technologists. Radiation dose, time from induction to incision, placement of T-bar to incision and incision to closure, hospital stay, and complication rates were recorded.

Fifty patients underwent iVATS for resection of 54 nodules in a clinical hybrid operating room (OR) by six surgeons. Fifty-two (97%) nodules were successfully resected. Forty-two (84%) patients underwent wedge resection, four (7%) lobectomies, and two (4%) segmentectomy all with lymph node dissection. Median time from induction to incision was 89 minutes (range: 13-256 minutes); T-bar placement was 14 minutes (10-29 minutes); and incision to closure, 107 minutes (41-302 minutes). Average and total procedure radiation dose were: median = 6 mSieverts (range: 2.9-35 mSieverts). No deaths were reported and median length of stay was 3 days (range: 1-12 days).

Translation of iVATS into clinical practice has been initiated using a safe step-wise process, combining intraoperative C-arm computed tomography scanning and thoracoscopic surgery in a hybrid OR.