Novel Thoracoscopic Navigation System With Augmented Real-Time Image Guidance for Chest Wall Tumors

Persistent racial disparities in refusal of resection in non-small cell lung cancer patients at high-volume and Black-serving institutions

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is the standard of care for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Black patients have higher surgical refusal rates than White patients. We evaluated factors associated with the refusal of resection and subsequent non-small cell lung cancer outcomes.

METHODS

We identified patients with non-small cell lung cancer stages IA to IIIA eligible for surgical resection (lobectomy or pneumonectomy) listed between 2004 and 2017 in the National Cancer Database. We stratified hospitals by the proportion of Black patients served and lung cancer resection volume. We used multivariable regression models to identify factors associated with refusal of resection and assessed 5-year mortality using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard modeling.

RESULTS

Of 221,396 patients identified, 7,753 (3.5%) refused surgery. Black race was associated with increased refusal (adjusted odds ratio 2.06, 95% confidence interval 1.90-2.22). Compared to White race, Black race was associated with increased refusal across the highest (adjusted odds ratio 2.29, 95% confidence interval 1.94-2.54), intermediate (adjusted odds ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 1.78-2.37), and lowest (adjusted odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.58-1.99) volume tertiles. Similarly, Black race was associated with increased refusal across the highest (adjusted odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.78-2.17), intermediate (adjusted odds ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.80-2.40), and lowest (adjusted odds ratio 1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.06) Black-serving tertiles. However, surgical resection yielded similar 5-year survival for Black and White patients.

CONCLUSION

Racial disparities in non-small cell lung cancer surgery refusal persist regardless of hospital volume or proportion of Black patients served. These findings suggest that a better understanding of patient and patient-provider level interventions could facilitate a better understanding of treatment decision-making.

Collaborative Virtual Reality Real-Time 3D Image Editing for Chest Wall Resections and Reconstruction Planning

The integration of extended reality (XR) technologies into health care procedures presents transformative opportunities, particularly in surgical processes. This study delves into the utilization of virtual reality (VR) for preoperative planning related to chest wall resections in thoracic surgery. Leveraging the capabilities of 3-dimensional (3D) imaging, real-time visualization, and collaborative VR environments, surgeons gain enhanced anatomical insights and can develop predictive surgical strategies. Two clinical cases highlighted the effectiveness of this approach, showcasing the potential for personalized and intricate surgical planning. The setup provides an immersive, dynamic representation of real patient data, enabling collaboration among teams from separate locations. While VR offers enhanced interactive and visualization capabilities, preliminary evidence suggests it may support more refined preoperative strategies, potentially influence postoperative outcomes, and optimize resource management. However, its comparative advantage over traditional methods needs further empirical validation. Emphasizing the potential of XR, this exploration suggests its broad implications in thoracic surgery, especially when dealing with complex cases requiring multidisciplinary collaboration in the immersive virtual space, often referred to as the metaverse. This innovative approach necessitates further examination, marking a shift toward future surgical preparations. In this article, we sought to demonstrate the technique of an immersive real-time volume-rendered collaborative VR-planning tool using exemplary case studies in chest wall surgery.

Development of a cadaveric head and neck cancer model and three-dimensional analysis of margins in surgical navigation-aided ablations

INTRODUCTION

The adequacy of the surgical resection is the main controllable variable that is in the hands of the surgical team. There exists an unmet need to increase the rate of negative margins, particularly in cancers invading the craniofacial area. The study aimed 1) at developing a gross tumor model to be utilized for research, educational, and training purposes and 2) establishing the 3-dimensional relationship between the outer surface of the surgical specimen and tumor surface and test the effect of guiding ablations on cadavers with surgical navigation (SN).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seven cadaver heads were employed to create 24 craniofacial tumor models. Simulation of tumor resections was performed by 8 surgeons. Fourteen and 10 resections were performed with and without SN-guidance, respectively. Gross specimens underwent computed tomography and 3-dimensional analysis through dedicated software. Task load was assessed through a validated questionnaire. Tumor model reliability was studied based on visual analogue scale rate by surgeons and radiologists.

RESULTS

SN reduced the rate of margin involvement, particularly by decreasing the percentage of the gross specimen outer surface involvement in areas uncovered by normal bony structures. The workload of SN-aided ablations was found to be medium-to-somewhat-high. Tumor model reliability was deemed satisfactory except for the extension to bony structures.

CONCLUSIONS

A gross tumor model for head and neck cancers involving the craniofacial area was developed and resulted satisfactorily reliable from both a surgical and radiologic standpoint. SN reduced the rate of margin involvement, particularly by improving delineation of bone-uncovered areas.

Augmented Reality and Intraoperative Navigation in Sinonasal Malignancies: A Preclinical Study

Objective

To report the first use of a novel projected augmented reality (AR) system in open sinonasal tumor resections in preclinical models and to compare the AR approach with an advanced intraoperative navigation (IN) system.

Methods

Four tumor models were created. Five head and neck surgeons participated in the study performing virtual osteotomies. Unguided, AR, IN, and AR + IN simulations were performed. Statistical comparisons between approaches were obtained. Intratumoral cut rate was the main outcome. The groups were also compared in terms of percentage of intratumoral, close, adequate, and excessive distances from the tumor. Information on a wearable gaze tracker headset and NASA Task Load Index questionnaire results were analyzed as well.

Results

A total of 335 cuts were simulated. Intratumoral cuts were observed in 20.7%, 9.4%, 1.2,% and 0% of the unguided, AR, IN, and AR + IN simulations, respectively (p < 0.0001). The AR was superior than the unguided approach in univariate and multivariate models. The percentage of time looking at the screen during the procedures was 55.5% for the unguided approaches and 0%, 78.5%, and 61.8% in AR, IN, and AR + IN, respectively (p < 0.001). The combined approach significantly reduced the screen time compared with the IN procedure alone.

Conclusion

We reported the use of a novel AR system for oncological resections in open sinonasal approaches, with improved margin delineation compared with unguided techniques. AR improved the gaze-toggling drawback of IN. Further refinements of the AR system are needed before translating our experience to clinical practice.

Minimally invasive surgery versus thoracotomy for resectable stage II and III non-small-cell lung cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to compare the long-term oncological efficacy and perioperative outcomes of patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancers who underwent minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or thoracotomy.

METHODS

Cochrane Library, PubMed and EMBASE databases, ClinicalTrials.gov and reference lists were searched for relevant studies. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the studies. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) and perioperative outcomes were synthesized. Random-effects models were used to summarize hazard ratios (HRs), relative risks and standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Twenty-three retrospective cohort studies were reviewed with a total of 3281 patients, of whom 1376 (41.9%) received MIS and 1905 (58.1%) received thoracotomy. Meta-analysis showed no significant differences in both RFS (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.89-1.17; P = 0.78) and OS (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.80-1.03; P = 0.15) between MIS versus thoracotomy approaches. Similar results were observed in propensity score matched studies (RFS, HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.73-1.20; P = 0.62; OS, HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.72-1.30; P = 0.81). No significant difference was found in lymph node clearance and margin positivity. As for perioperative outcomes, MIS was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative complications (relative risk, 0.83; P = 0.01), intraoperative blood loss (standardized mean difference, -0.68; P = 0.007), chest tube drainage (standardized mean difference, -0.38; P = 0.03) and length of hospital stay (standardized mean difference, -0.79; P = 0.002) when compared with thoracotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of MIS for resectable stage II and III non-small-cell lung cancers is an eligible alternative to conventional thoracotomy without compromising the long-term survival and short-term outcomes.

An integrated augmented reality surgical navigation platform using multi-modality imaging for guidance

An integrated augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation system that potentially improves intra-operative visualization of concealed anatomical structures. Integration of real-time tracking technology with a laser pico-projector allows the surgical surface to be augmented by projecting virtual images of lesions and critical structures created by multimodality imaging. We aim to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the performance of a prototype interactive AR surgical navigation system through a series of pre-clinical studies. Four pre-clinical animal studies using xenograft mouse models were conducted to investigate system performance. A combination of CT, PET, SPECT, and MRI images were used to augment the mouse body during image-guided procedures to assess feasibility. A phantom with machined features was employed to quantitatively estimate the system accuracy. All the image-guided procedures were successfully performed. The tracked pico-projector correctly and reliably depicted virtual images on the animal body, highlighting the location of tumour and anatomical structures. The phantom study demonstrates the system was accurate to 0.55 ± 0.33mm. This paper presents a prototype real-time tracking AR surgical navigation system that improves visualization of underlying critical structures by overlaying virtual images onto the surgical site. This proof-of-concept pre-clinical study demonstrated both the clinical applicability and high precision of the system which was noted to be accurate to <1mm.

Developing a virtual reality simulation system for preoperative planning of thoracoscopic thoracic surgery

Background

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become a standard approach for the treatment of lung cancer. However, its minimally invasive nature limits the field of view and reduces tactile feedback. These limitations make it vital that surgeons thoroughly familiarize themselves with the patient’s anatomy preoperatively. We have developed a virtual reality (VR) surgical navigation system using head-mounted displays (HMD). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential utility of this VR simulation system in both preoperative planning and intraoperative assistance, including support during thoracoscopic sublobar resection.

Methods

Three-dimensional (3D) polygon data derived from preoperative computed tomography data was loaded into BananaVision software developed at Colorado State University and displayed on an HMD. An interactive 3D reconstruction image was created, in which all the pulmonary structures could be individually imaged. Preoperative resection simulations were performed with patient-individualized reconstructed 3D images.

Results

The 3D anatomic structure of pulmonary vessels and a clear vision into the space between the lesion and adjacent tissues were successfully appreciated during preoperative simulation. Surgeons could easily evaluate the real patient’s anatomy in preoperative simulations to improve the accuracy and safety of actual surgery. The VR software and HMD allowed surgeons to visualize and interact with real patient data in true 3D providing a unique perspective.

Conclusions

This initial experience suggests that a VR simulation with HMD facilitated preoperative simulation. Routine imaging modalities combined with VR systems could substantially improve preoperative planning and contribute to the safety and accuracy of anatomic resection.

Augmented reality for image guidance in transoral robotic surgery

With the advent of precision surgery, there have been attempts to integrate imaging with robotic systems to guide sound oncologic surgical resections while preserving critical structures. In the confined space of transoral robotic surgery (TORS), this offers great potential given the proximity of structures. In this cadaveric experiment, we describe the use of a 3D virtual model displayed in the surgeon's console with the surgical field in view, to facilitate image-guided surgery at the oropharynx where there is significant soft tissue deformation. We also utilized the 3D model that was registered to the maxillary dentition, allowing for real-time image overlay of the internal carotid artery system. This allowed for real-time visualization of the internal carotid artery system that was qualitatively accurate on cadaveric dissection. Overall, this shows that virtual models and image overlays can be useful in image-guided surgery while approaching different sites in head and neck surgery with TORS.