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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Electromagnetic Navigation Transthoracic Nodule Localization for Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Published on: May 4, 2022
Real-time AR navigation with dynamic tracking for millimeter-level pulmonary nodule localization: A randomized
Shenghao Huang1, Long Wang1, Xishi Wang1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Cell Reports. Medicine
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Augmented reality (AR) navigation offers a new method for locating small lung nodules for surgery. This study found AR guidance to be as accurate as computed tomography (CT) guidance, while reducing procedure time and radiation exposure.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Surgical Navigation
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Accurate localization of small pulmonary nodules is essential for successful surgical resection.
- Conventional computed tomography (CT)-guided localization has limitations, including radiation exposure and procedural complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy and efficiency of augmented reality (AR)-guided localization with conventional CT-guided localization for small pulmonary nodules.
- To evaluate secondary outcomes such as procedural time, radiation dose, and complication rates.
Main Methods:
- An open-label randomized controlled trial involving 168 participants with peripheral pulmonary nodules ≤2 cm.
- Comparison of AR-guided localization versus CT-guided localization.
- Primary outcome: localization accuracy; Secondary outcomes: success rate, procedural time, radiation dose, insertion attempts, complications.
Main Results:
- The AR group demonstrated significantly lower localization error compared to the CT group (4.50 ± 3.07 mm vs. 6.50 ± 3.54 mm).
- AR guidance resulted in shorter procedural times, reduced radiation exposure, and fewer needle adjustments.
- Both methods achieved high success rates with similar, low complication rates, and no severe adverse events.
Conclusions:
- AR-guided localization is a noninferior alternative to CT-guided localization for small pulmonary nodules.
- AR navigation enhances localization efficiency by reducing radiation exposure and procedural time.
- This technology supports a more efficient and potentially safer approach to pulmonary nodule localization for surgery.
