Use of India Ink During Preoperative Computed Tomography Localization of Small Peripheral Undiagnosed Pulmonary Nodules for Thoracoscopic Resection

CT-guided blood tattoo for thoracoscopic excision of lung lesions in pediatric patients

Background

To describe a single-institutional experience with an innovative technique using CT-guided injection of autologous blood for localization of nonpleural-based pulmonary nodules prior to thoracoscopic excisional biopsy in pediatric patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients under the age of 18 with lung lesions suspected to be malignant that were not pleural-based lesions and were not of adequate size to visualize at thoracoscopy, who underwent CT-guided blood tattoo (CGBT) localization between 2006-2019. CGBT was performed under general anesthesia by injecting 0.5-10 mL of autologous blood into the area of the lesions. The patients were then immediately transferred from interventional radiology to the operating room for thoracoscopic excision of the lesion. Demographics, location of lesions, indication for biopsy, and pathology were reviewed.

Results

In eleven pediatric patients (ages ranging from 4-18 years), preoperative CGBT localization of pulmonary nodules resulted in successful thoracoscopic excisional biopsy. All resections were diagnostic and 82% (9/11 cases) represented a metastatic malignancy as confirmed by pathology. Malignant nodules ranged from 2 to 14 mm in size, while a 13 mm nodule in a patient with history of AML was determined to be an organizing pneumonia and a 12 mm nodule in a second patient revealed a caseating granuloma consistent with Crohn's disease. One patient with a failed attempt at excisional biopsy without preoperative localization then underwent CGBT one week later with successful thoracoscopic excision of the nodule.

Conclusions

CT-guided blood tattoo is a safe option for localization of nonpleural-based lung nodules prior to thoracoscopic excision in pediatric patients.

Polydopamine-modified dual-ligand nanoparticles as highly effective and targeted magnetic resonance/photoacoustic dual-modality thrombus imaging agents

Background

Platelet activation and subsequent aggregation are the initial stages of thrombosis. A molecular probe that specifically targets activated platelets and remains retained under high shear stress in vivo can enhance the imaging effect to achieve early and accurate diagnosis.

Methods and materials

In this study, we constructed nanoparticles (NPs) using polydopamine to carry two peptides that simultaneously bind integrin αIIbβ3 and P-selectin on activated platelets to enhance the targeting of NPs to thrombus.

Results

The targeting specificity and binding stability of the NPs on red and white thrombi were demonstrated in vitro using a simulated circulatory device and the targeting effect of the NPs on mixed thrombus was studied by  magnetic resonance (MR)/photoacoustic (PA) dual-modality imaging in vivo. NPs that were surface modified with both peptides have higher selectivity and retention to red and white thrombi in vitro than NPs with a single or no peptide, and the targeting effect was closely related to the number and distribution of activated platelets as well as the structure and type of thrombus. The NPs also have MR/PA dual-modality imaging functionality, significantly enhancing the imaging of mixed thrombus in vivo.

Conclusion

These dual-targeted NPs have improved targeting specificity and binding stability to different thrombi under high shear stress and are beneficial for the early diagnosis of thrombosis.

Image-guided Preoperative Localization of Pulmonary Nodules for Video-assisted and Robotically Assisted Surgery

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotically assisted surgery are used increasingly for minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic resection of pulmonary nodules. Unsuccessful localization of small, impalpable, or deep pulmonary nodules can necessitate conversion from VATS to open thoracotomy. Preoperative localization techniques performed by radiologists have improved the success rates of VATS resection for small and subsolid nodules. Any center at which VATS diagnostic resection of indeterminate pulmonary nodules is performed should be supported by radiologists who offer preoperative nodule localization. Many techniques have been described, including image-guided injection of radioisotopes and radiopaque liquids and placement of metallic wires, coils, and fiducial markers. These markers enable the surgeon to visualize the position of an impalpable nodule intraoperatively. This article provides details on how to perform each percutaneous localization technique, and a group of national experts with established nodule localization programs describe their preferred approaches. Special reference is made to equipment required, optimization of marker placement, prevention of technique-specific complications, and postprocedural treatment. This comprehensive unbiased review provides valuable information for those who are considering implementation or optimization of a nodule localization program according to workflow patterns, surgeon preference, and institutional resources in a particular center. ^©RSNA, 2019.

VATS segmentectomy: past, present, and future

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has gradually been implemented in thoracic surgery, and the VATS approach has now been extended to technically challenging procedures, such as segmentectomy. The definition of VATS segmentectomy is changing over time, and the repertoire of segmentectomy is getting wider with increasing reports on atypical segmentectomy. VATS segmentectomy bears surgical, oncological, and technical advantages; however, there are still areas of controversy, particularly regarding oncological outcomes. The indication of VATS segmentectomy is diverse and is used for treating lung cancer, metastatic lung tumors, or a variety of nonmalignant diseases. It is particularly valuable for the lung-sparing resection of deeply located small nodules or repeated surgery for multiple lung lesions. VATS segmentectomy requires a thorough analysis of segmental anatomy and a tailored preoperative planning with the assessment of surgical margins. Technical challenges include intraoperative navigation, methods to identify and dissect the intersegmental plane, and the prevention of air leakage. This review will discuss the present state of VATS segmentectomy, with a focus on past studies, current indications and techniques, and future view.

CT localization for a patient with a ground-glass opacity pulmonary nodule expecting thoracoscopy: a mixture of lipiodol and India ink

Small and deeply seated pure ground-glass opacity (GGO) pulmonary nodules (PNs) are not discernible during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Moreover, pathologists have difficulty in detecting these nodules due to insufficient localization. We percutaneously injected a mixture of lipiodol and India ink during preoperative CT-guided localization in a 52-year-old female patient presenting with a pure GGO PN. A black-pigmented tattoo lesion was clearly identified, and thoracoscopic wedge resection was performed without difficulty. Pathologic results were also discernible, thus allowing the target lesion to be identified without interruption for microscopic analysis. We introduce a novel method using a mixture of lipiodol and India ink with satisfactory results for preoperative localization of GGO PNs prior to VATS.

Techniques of stapler-based navigational thoracoscopic segmentectomy using virtual assisted lung mapping (VAL-MAP)

Anatomical segmentectomies play an important role in oncological lung resection, particularly for ground-glass types of primary lung cancers. This operation can also be applied to metastatic lung tumors deep in the lung. Virtual assisted lung mapping (VAL-MAP) is a novel technique that allows for bronchoscopic multi-spot dye markings to provide "geometric information" to the lung surface, using three-dimensional virtual images. In addition to wedge resections, VAL-MAP has been found to be useful in thoracoscopic segmentectomies, particularly complex segmentectomies, such as combined subsegmentectomies or extended segmentectomies. There are five steps in VAL-MAP-assisted segmentectomies: (I) "standing" stitches along the resection lines; (II) cleaning hilar anatomy; (III) confirming hilar anatomy; (IV) going 1 cm deeper; (V) step-by-step stapling technique. Depending on the anatomy, segmentectomies can be classified into linear (lingular, S6, S2), V- or U-shaped (right S1, left S3, S2b + S3a), and three dimensional (S7, S8, S9, S10) segmentectomies. Particularly three dimensional segmentectomies are challenging in the complexity of stapling techniques. This review focuses on how VAL-MAP can be utilized in segmentectomy, and how this technique can assist the stapling process in even the most challenging ones.

CT-guided microcoil VATS resection of lung nodules: a single-centre experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is standard of care for small lung resections at many centres. Computed tomography (CT)-guided insertion of microcoils can aid surgeons in performing VATS resections for non-palpable lung nodules deep to the lung surface.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of CT-guided microcoil insertions prior to VATS lung resection at a single institution from October 2008 to January 2014.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients were included (37% male, mean age 61.6±11.4 years). Forty-two patients (67%) had a history of smoking, with 10 current smokers. Sixty one (97%) patients underwent wedge resection and 3 (5%) patients had segmentectomy. Three (5%) patients required intra-operative staple line re-resection for positive or close margins. Eleven (17%) patients had a completion lobectomy, 5 of which were during the same anaesthetic. The average time between the CT-guided insertion and start of operation was 136.6±89.0 min, and average operative time was 84.0±53.3 min. The intra-operative complication rate was 5% (n=3), including 1 episode of hemoptysis, and 2 conversions to thoracotomy. The post-operative complication rate was 8% (5 patients), and included 2 air leaks, 1 hemothorax (drop in hemoglobin), 1 post chest tube removal pneumothorax, and one venous infarction of the lingula after lingula-sparing lobectomy requiring completion lobectomy. . Average post-operative length of stay was 2.2 days. A diagnosis was made for all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CT-guided microcoil insertion followed by VATS lobectomy is safe, with short operative times, short length of stay and 100% diagnosis of small pulmonary nodules. This technique will become more important in the future with increasing numbers of small nodules detected on CT as part of lung cancer screening programs.

Handheld single photon emission computed tomography (handheld SPECT) navigated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery of computer tomography-guided radioactively marked pulmonary lesions

OBJECTIVES

Radioactive marking can be a valuable extension to minimally invasive surgery. The technique has been clinically applied in procedures involving sentinel lymph nodes, parathyroidectomy as well as interventions in thoracic surgery. Improvements in equipment and techniques allow one to improve the limits. Pulmonary nodules are frequently surgically removed for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons; here video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is the preferred technique. VATS might be impossible with nodules that are small or located deep in the lung. In this study, we examined the clinical application and safety of employing the newly developed handheld single photon emission tomography (handheld SPECT) device in combination with CT-guided radioactive marking of pulmonary nodules.

METHODS

In this pilot study, 10 subjects requiring surgical resection of a pulmonary nodule were included. The technique involved CT-guided marking of the target nodule with a 20-G needle, with subsequent injection of 25-30 MBq (effective: 7-14 MBq) Tc-99m MAA (Macro Albumin Aggregate). Quality control was made with conventional SPECT-CT to confirm the correct localization and exclude possible complications related to the puncture procedure. VATS was subsequently carried out using the handheld SPECT to localize the radioactivity intraoperatively and therefore the target nodule. A 3D virtual image was superimposed on the intraoperative visual image for surgical guidance.

RESULTS

In 9 of the 10 subjects, the radioactive application was successfully placed directly in or in the immediate vicinity of the target nodule. The average size of the involved nodules was 9 mm (range 4-15). All successfully marked nodules were subsequently completely excised (R0) using VATS. The procedure was well tolerated. An asymptomatic clinically insignificant pneumothorax occurred in 5 subjects. Two subjects were found to have non-significant discrete haemorrhage in the infiltration canal of the needle. In a single subject, the radioactive marking was unsuccessful because the radioactivity spread into the pleural space.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series of 10 patients, it was demonstrated that using handheld SPECT in conjunction with VATS to remove radioactively marked pulmonary nodules is feasible. The combination of proven surgical techniques with a novel localization device (handheld SPECT) allowed successful VATS excision of pulmonary nodules which, due to their localization and small size, would typically have required thoracotomy.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02050724, Public 01/29/214, Joachim Müller.

Needlescopic resection of small and superficial pulmonary nodule after computed tomographic fluoroscopy-guided dual localization with radiotracer and hookwire

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a needlescopic resection for small and superficial pulmonary nodules after dual localization with radiotracer and hookwire.

METHODS

Computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided dual marking with hookwire and (99m)Tc-phytate was performed on 36 small and superficial pulmonary nodules of 34 patients, just before the needlescopic procedure. This method was carried out through one introducer needle, after an initial single puncture. After detection of the hookwire-marked site through needlescopy, the precise lesion was confirmed using a thoracoscopic gamma probe by calculating the highest radioactivity. The pulmonary nodule was resected and diagnosed by pathologic examination.

RESULTS

The mean size of the nodules was 12.5 ± 5.4 mm (range 3-20), and their mean distance from the pleural surface was 5.6 ± 5.8 mm (range 0-18.7). The time of the dual localization procedure was 10.8 ± 3.6 min (range 5-18). Pneumothorax was developed in 6 of 34 patients (17.6 %) after preoperative localization, but did not require any treatment. Seven hookwires dislodged during the operation. Nevertheless, radiotracer markings detected on a gamma probe guided a successful wedge resection without difficulty in all seven cases. All nodules were successfully resected under needlescopy, except conversion to the 5-mm-sized thoracoscopy in four patients due to pleural adhesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Dual marking with radiotracer and hookwire under CT fluoroscopy is a safe and not time-consuming procedure, and has made needlescopy-assisted lung resection for small and superficial nodules or ground-glass opacity lesions easier, more convenient, and less hazardous.

Use of virtual assisted lung mapping (VAL-MAP), a bronchoscopic multispot dye-marking technique using virtual images, for precise navigation of thoracoscopic sublobar lung resection

OBJECTIVE

We have developed a novel bronchoscopic multiple marking technique to assist resection of hardly palpable lung tumors. Because 3-dimensional virtual images were used and multiple markings made on the lung surface to provide "geometric" information, we termed this technique "virtual assisted lung mapping" (VAL-MAP). The safety and efficacy of VAL-MAP were evaluated.

METHODS

Virtual bronchoscopy was used to select 2 to 4 appropriate bronchial branches for marking. Bronchoscopy was conducted with the patient under local anesthesia. A metal-tip catheter was inserted into a selected bronchus and advanced to the pleura. The location of the catheter tip was fluoroscopically confirmed, and 1 mL of indigo carmine was injected. This procedure was repeated to complete all the planned markings. Post-VAL-MAP computed tomography was used to visualize the localization of the multiple markings on 3-dimensional virtual images, which were used as references in the subsequent operation.

RESULTS

Of the 95 marking attempts made for 37 tumors in 30 patients, 88 (92.6%) were identified and contributed to the surgery. No clinically evident complications were associated with the procedure. A total of 15 wedge resections and 18 segmentectomies were thoracoscopically conducted, with a successful resection rate of 100%. Multiple markings of the VAL-MAP were complementary, enabling us to achieve complete resection even when 1 of the markings failed. The markings were visible even on interlobar fissures, at the apex, and on the diaphragm, which conventional percutaneous marking can hardly reach.

CONCLUSIONS

VAL-MAP was safely conducted with satisfactory outcomes in our early experience. Additional confirmation of its safety and efficacy is necessary.

Lung tattooing combined with immediate video-assisted thoracoscopic resection (IVATR) as a single procedure in a hybrid room: our institutional experience in a pediatric population

BACKGROUND

Analysis of small pulmonary nodules in children poses an important diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience of lung tattooing with immediate video-assisted thoracoscopic resection (IVATR) performed as a single procedure in a hybrid room for technical difficulties, complications and diagnostic yield of the procedure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 31 children (16 boys, 15 girls) who underwent lung tattooing of various lesions from January 2001 to July 2011. Data were collected from the Interventional Radiology database, Electronic Patient Chart (EPC) and PACS.

RESULTS

A total of 34 lesions were treated in 31 children. Tattooing was performed on lung lesions with median size 3 mm and median depth 2 mm from pleura. Technical success was 91.1% and diagnostic yield was 100%. In seven children, it was combined with other interventional radiologic procedures. The median procedure time for lung tattooing and IVATR was 197 min.

CONCLUSION

Lung tattooing with IVATR as a single procedure in a hybrid room is safe and effective in children with several inherent advantages, including avoiding the need to move the child from the interventional radiology suite to the operating room.

Molecular mechanisms involved in the aging of the T-cell immune response

T-lymphocytes play a central role in the effector and regulatory mechanisms of the adaptive immune response. Upon exiting the thymus they begin to undergo a series of phenotypic and functional changes that continue throughout the lifetime and being most pronounced in the elderly. The reason postulated for this is that the dynamic processes of repeated interaction with cognate antigens lead to multiple division cycles involving a high degree of cell differentiation, senescence, restriction of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, and cell cycle arrest. This cell cycle arrest is associated with the loss of telomere sequences from the ends of chromosomes. Telomere length is reduced at each cell cycle, and critically short telomeres recruit components of the DNA repair machinery and trigger replicative senescence or apoptosis. Repetitively stimulated T-cells become refractory to telomerase induction, suffer telomere erosion and enter replicative senescence. The latter is characterized by the accumulation of highly differentiated T-cells with new acquired functional capabilities, which can be caused by aberrant expression of genes normally suppressed by epigenetic mechanisms in CD4+ or CD8+ T-cells. Age-dependent demethylation and overexpression of genes normally suppressed by DNA methylation have been demonstrated in senescent subsets of T-lymphocytes. Thus, T-cells, principally CD4+CD28^null T-cells, aberrantly express genes, including those of the KIR gene family and cytotoxic proteins such as perforin, and overexpress CD70, IFN-γ, LFA-1 and others. In summary, owing to a lifetime of exposure to and proliferation against a variety of pathogens, highly differentiated T-cells suffer molecular modifications that alter their cellular homeostasis mechanisms.

Not palpable? Role of radio-guided video-assisted thoracic surgery for nonpalpable solitary pulmonary nodules

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of radio-guided localization for thoracoscopic resection of small nonpalpable lung nodules.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with a solitary nodule were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were maximum nodule diameter <15 mm, distance from nearest pleural surface of 20-40 mm, nonsolid or partly solid nodule, and/or posterior location. Under computed tomography (CT) guidance, the nodule was identified and a needle was inserted to reach lesional or perilesional tissue. A solution of (99m)Tc macro-aggregates albumin diluted with iodized contrast medium was injected. After injection, CT and gamma scintigraphy were performed to confirm precise staining. Localization complications were minimal.

RESULTS

At thoracoscopy, the gamma detector probe allowed localization of nodules in all patients, with the radioactive signal being converted by the system into audio and visual numeric signals. Resection was performed, and suture margins were checked with the probe to search for residual hyperabsorption. All specimens underwent frozen section. Mean time to detect nodules with the gamma probe was 6 min (range 3-9 min). Frozen section revealed primary pulmonary tumors in eight cases, secondary lesions in four cases, and a benign nodule in the remaining seven cases.

CONCLUSION

Radio-guided localization is a simple, safe procedure for localizing nonpalpable solitary pulmonary nodules.