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Updated: Aug 25, 2025
Electromagnetic Navigation Transthoracic Nodule Localization for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Published on: May 4, 2022
Preoperative Localization for Small Pulmonary Nodules Using Anchor with Scaled Suture System
Jun Song1, Yu He2, Tangli Zhong2
1Department of Radiology, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 12, Changjia Alley, Fucheng District, Mianyang, China. 406313273@qq.com.
The anchor with a scaled suture (AWSS) system offers a safe and effective method for pre-operative computed tomography (CT)-guided localization of small pulmonary nodules. This technique demonstrated high accuracy and success rates in guiding video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resections.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Accurate pre-operative localization of small pulmonary nodules (sPNs) is crucial for successful minimally invasive resection.
- Traditional localization methods can have limitations in terms of accuracy and invasiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and describe a novel localization technique using an anchor with a scaled suture (AWSS) system.
- To evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and outcomes of CT-guided AWSS localization for sPNs prior to VATS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 328 patients undergoing CT-guided AWSS localization for sPNs.
- Localization was followed by wedge resection using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
- Complications and localization-VATS interval were assessed.
Main Results:
- Successful CT-guided AWSS implantation in all 328 cases.
- Localization procedure time averaged 12.4 minutes.
- Low rates of major complications (0% by CIRSE classification), with minor complications including pneumothorax (19.2%) and pulmonary hemorrhage (25.9%).
- 100% successful resection of nodules guided by AWSS palpation.
Conclusions:
- CT-guided pre-operative localization using the AWSS system is safe and effective for sPNs.
- The technique achieves high positioning accuracy and a high success rate for VATS resection.
- AWSS system provides a reliable method for guiding thoracic surgeons.
