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Updated: May 10, 2025

Electromagnetic Navigation Transthoracic Nodule Localization for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Published on: May 4, 2022
Improving outcomes in electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided transbronchial microwave ablation for pulmonary
Yaochen Huang1, Lin Zhou1, Yongyong Wang1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Background:
Studies have shown the potential of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided transbronchial microwave ablation (MWA) for treating pulmonary nodules. The role of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the procedure remains unknown.
Objectives:
To investigate the efficacy and safety of employing CBCT during ENB-guided transbronchial MWA for pulmonary nodules.
Design:
Retrospective analysis of clinical records.
Methods:
Patients who underwent ENB-guided transbronchial MWA at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital. Patients were categorized into two groups: those who received CBCT during the procedure and those who did not. Technical and ablation success rates, complication rates, and patient characteristics were assessed.
Results:
A total of 283 patients with 371 nodules were included in the final analysis. The technical success rate was significantly higher in the CBCT group (97.0%) compared to the non-CBCT group (91.5%, p = 0.034). The overall ablation success rate was 88.1%, with the CBCT group demonstrating a higher rate (90.9% vs 81.5%, p = 0.018). Complication rates were similar between the two groups, with no significant differences.
Conclusion:
The use of CBCT in ENB-guided transbronchial MWA significantly increases the technical and ablation success rates without raising complication rates. These findings underscore the potential advantages of CBCT in enhancing procedural outcomes for patients with pulmonary nodules. Further validation through larger, multi-center studies with longer follow-up is warranted.

