A Novel Laser Angle Selection System for Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsies

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology
• Surgical Technology and Innovation

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) is a crucial diagnostic procedure.
• Improving the efficiency and safety of PTNB remains an ongoing challenge in interventional radiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel laser angle selection system (LASS) in enhancing CT-guided PTNB.
• To compare the procedural efficiency and patient outcomes between LASS-assisted and conventional freehand PTNB.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study involving 38 patients undergoing CT-guided PTNB.
• Patients were divided into two groups: LASS-assisted puncture (18 patients) and conventional freehand puncture (20 patients).
• Key metrics including puncture time, number of control CT scans, and radiation dose were compared.

Main Results:

• LASS-assisted PTNB significantly reduced mean operation time (12.0 vs 28.8 min) and control scans (1.7 vs 3.5).
• Total procedure time and patient radiation dose were significantly lower in the LASS group (7.9 vs 10.1 mSv).
• First-pass accuracy improved substantially with LASS (56% vs 10%).

Conclusions:

• The novel laser angle selection system (LASS) demonstrates superior efficiency in CT-guided PTNB compared to conventional methods.
• LASS leads to fewer needle adjustments, reduced procedure times, and decreased radiation exposure for patients.
• This technology offers a promising advancement for improving percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy procedures.