3D-CT anatomy for VATS segmentectomy

Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Overview, Indications, and Techniques

Twenty years have passed since uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was first reported. Several reports have already proven the minimal invasiveness of uniportal VATS. In addition, two large clinical trials recently demonstrated the benefits of segmentectomy for small peripheral early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Uniportal VATS segmentectomy is considered the most beneficial minimally invasive surgery for patients with early-stage lung cancer. However, a high level of skill and experience are required to achieve this goal. Only a few reports have discussed specific techniques, particularly for complex segmentectomies. In this Special Issue, we reviewed previous reports on uniportal VATS segmentectomy regarding the indications, instrument selection, marking of the tumor location, methods of intersegmental plane identification, and lymph node dissection, including our own techniques with video content.

Saving Lives in Thoracic Surgery: Balancing Oncological Radicality and Functional Preservation, Transitioning from Standard Pneumonectomy to Targeted Sublobar Resection

This review chronicles the evolution of thoracic surgical interventions, from the standardized pneumonectomy to the precise approach of sublobar resections. It discusses the emergence and acceptance of minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgical techniques, highlighting their impact on improving outcomes beyond cancer and their influence on the surgical management of early-stage lung cancer. Evaluating historical developments alongside present methodologies, this review underscores the critical need for meticulous surgical planning and execution to optimize both oncological radicality and functional preservation. This evolution portrayed not only technical advancements but also a shift in the clinical approach towards tailored, organ-preserving methodologies, culminating in a contemporary framework promoting sublobar resections as the standard for specific patient profiles, signifying a new era of precision in thoracic surgery.

Harnessing 3D-CT Simulation and Planning for Enhanced Precision Surgery: A Review of Applications and Advancements in Lung Cancer Treatment

The clinical application of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) technology has rapidly expanded in the last decade and has been applied to lung cancer surgery. Two consecutive reports of large-scale prospective clinical trials from Japan and the United States have brought a paradigm shift in lung cancer surgery and may have led to a rapid increase in sublobar lung resections. Sublobar resection, especially segmentectomy, requires a more precise understanding of the anatomy than lobectomy, and preoperative 3D simulation and intraoperative navigation support it. The latest 3D simulation software packages are user-friendly. Therefore, in this narrative review, we focus on recent attempts to apply 3D imaging technologies, particularly in the sublobar resection of the lung, and review respective research and outcomes. Improvements in CT accuracy and the use of 3D technology have advanced lung segmental anatomy. Clinical applications have enabled the safe execution of complex sublobar resection through a minimally invasive approach, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and robotic surgery. However, currently, many facilities still render 3D images on two-dimensional monitors for usage. In the future, it will be challenging to further spread and advance intraoperative navigation through the application of 3D output technologies such as extended reality.

Tailored Practical Simulation Training in Robotic Surgery: A New Educational Technology

Purpose

We aimed to create a tailored robotic surgery training program that addresses current challenges, enhances patient outcomes, and focuses on skills, knowledge, and strategy.

Description

This study assesses the strengths and weaknesses of existing robotic surgery training methods and proposes a personalized simulation training approach for specific surgical situations. The program emphasizes technical and manual skill development, a robust medical knowledge foundation, and strategic planning using the development, demonstration, discussion, and sharing (3DS) concept.

Evaluation

Traditional training challenges, such as on-the-job training, animal models, and cadavers, are identified and addressed. The proposed tailored practical simulation training provides a cost-effective, realistic surgical experience, allowing surgeons to learn in a controlled environment and improving patient outcomes.

Conclusions

This comprehensive training program aims to enhance surgical outcomes and patient care in the rapidly evolving field of robotic surgery. Continuous education, industry collaboration, and knowledge sharing are vital to staying current with advances and optimizing surgical techniques and practices.

Anatomy of the lung revisited by 3D-CT imaging

The anatomy of the lung was originally described based on data acquired from cadaveric studies and surgical findings. Over time, computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques have been developed, allowing for reconstruction and understanding of lung anatomy in a more intuitive way. The wide adoption of 3D-CT imaging technology has led to a variety of anatomical studies performed not only by anatomists but also by surgeons and radiologists. Such studies have led to new or modified classification systems, shed light on lung anatomy from a useful surgical viewpoint, and enabled us to analyze lung anatomy with a focus on particular anatomical features. 3D images also allow for enhanced pre- and intra-operative simulation, improved surgical safety, enhanced educational utility, and the capacity to perform large-scale anatomical studies in shorter time frames. We will review here the key features of 3D-CT imaging of the lung, along with representative anatomical studies regarding (I) general lung anatomy, (II) anatomy of the right and left lobes, and (III) features of interlobar vessels. The current surge of 3D imaging analysis shows that the field is growing, with the technology continuing to improve. Future studies using these new and innovative methodologies will continue to refine our understanding of lung anatomy while enhancing our ability to perform safe and effective surgical resections.

Use of a radiofrequency identification system for precise sublobar resection of small lung cancers

BACKGROUND

The incidence of sublobar resection is increasing because of the rise in the detection of small lung cancers. However, local recurrence needs to be addressed, and several methods are needed for the resection with secure margins of non-visible and non-palpable tumors.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the use of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) system in sublobar resection of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) at our institute.

RESULTS

From June 2020 to June 2022, 39 patients underwent sublobar resection for AIS or MIA. The median age was 69 years (interquartile range, 64-76). Among the 39 patients, 24 were diagnosed with AIS and 15 with MIA. Segmentectomy, subsegmentectomy, and wedge resection were performed in nine, six, and 24 patients, respectively. The median size of the target tumor was 9.0 mm (8.1-12.9) and the median distance between the tag and the tumor was 2.9 mm (0-7.5). The median pathological surgical margin was 15.0 mm (10-17.5). Complete resection of all lesions was performed with a secure surgical margin. The median follow-up duration was 6 months, during which no local recurrence was detected in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The RFID marking system accurately informed the surgeons of the tumor location and helped them to perform precise sublobar resection.

Three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction in video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy (DRIVATS): A prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Anatomical segmentectomy has been proven to be a viable surgical treatment for small-size peripheral lung nodules. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction computed tomography (CT) has been proposed as an effective approach to overcome the challenges of encountering pulmonary anatomical variations when performing segmentectomy. Therefore, to further investigate the usefulness of preoperative 3D reconstruction CT in segmentectomy, we will conduct this prospective, multicenter randomized controlled DRIVATS study to compare the use of 3D reconstruction CT with standard chest CT in video-assisted segmentectomy (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04004494).

METHODS

This study began in July 2019 and a total of 190 patients will be accrued from three clinical centers within 4 years. The main inclusion criteria are patients with a single peripheral nodule 0.8-2 cm with at least one of the following requirements: (i) histology of adenocarcinoma in situ; (ii) nodule has ≥50% ground-glass appearance on CT; (iii) radiologic surveillance confirms a long doubling time (≥400 days). Surgical procedures include segmental resection of the lesion and mediastinal lymph node sampling (subsegmental resection or combined subsegmental resection will not be included in this study). The primary endpoint is operative time. The secondary endpoints include incidence of change of surgical plan, intraoperative blood loss, conversion rate, operative accident event, incidence of postoperative complications, postoperative hospital stay, length of hospitalization, duration of chest tube placement, postoperative 30-day mortality, dissection of lymph nodes, overall survival, disease-free survival, preoperative lung function, and postoperative lung function.

DISCUSSION

This multicenter DRIVATS study aims to verify the usefulness of preoperative 3D reconstruction CT compared with standard chest CT in segmentectomy. If successfully completed, this multicenter prospective study will provide a higher level of evidence for the use of 3D reconstruction CT in segmentectomy.

Adoption of Robotic Core Technology in Minimally Invasive Lung Segmentectomy: Review

A recent randomized trial demonstrated the survival superiority of lung segmentectomy over lobectomy in patients with early stage, small-sized lung cancer. Hence, there is a pressing need for thoracic surgeons to gain familiarity with lung segmentectomy. However, lung segmentectomy, especially via minimally invasive surgery, is a technically challenging thoracic surgical procedure. The robotic surgery platform helps surgeons to improve their operative performance based on its core technological features: improved dexterity, precision, and visualization. Herein, we have discussed the key issues related to robotic lung segmentectomy, explicitly focusing on the technical features of complex segmentectomy under difficult conditions. We have also introduced our preferred surgical strategy for robotic lung segmentectomy with specific maneuvers.

Clinical and anatomical features of the lateral costal artery and vein

The lateral costal artery and vein are under recognized yet potentially important vessels for physicians, especially cardiothoracic surgeons. This study sought to determine the prevalence and clinical, anatomical, and radiological features of lateral costal vessels. We retrospectively analyzed lateral costal vessels based on intraoperative images in patients who underwent thoracic surgery at our institute between January 2016 and March 2020. Clinical data and surgical videos were analyzed for patient characteristics, prevalence, length, laterality, and additional anatomical and radiological features. The overall prevalence of lateral costal vessels was 19% and was significantly higher in males than females (22% vs. 14%, p = 0.003). The lateral costal vessels extended beyond the 2nd intercostal space in 74% of the cases, with differing length between the right and left sides in bilateral cases. Lateral costal vessels could be identified intraoperatively using indocyanine green or preoperatively through three-dimensional computed tomography. The prevalence of lateral costal vessels is relatively high and should be acknowledged by physicians prior to procedures involving the vessels.

Thoracoscopic segmentectomy and lobectomy assisted by three-dimensional computed-tomography bronchography and angiography for the treatment of primary lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Anatomical segmentectomy has been proposed as a substitution for lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer. However, it requires technical meticulousness due to the complex anatomical variations of segmental vessels and bronchi.

AIM

To assess the safety and feasibility of three-dimensional computed-tomography bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) in performing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung cancers.

METHODS

In this study, we enrolled 123 patients who consented to undergo thoracoscopic segmentectomy and lobectomy assisted by 3D-CTBA between May 2017 and June 2019. The image data of enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans was reconstructed three-dimensionally by the Mimics software. The results of preoperative 3D-CTBA, in combination with intraoperative navigation, guided the surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 59 women and 64 men were enrolled, of whom 57 (46.3%) underwent segmentectomy and 66 (53.7%) underwent lobectomy. The majority of tumor appearance on CT was part-solid ground-glass nodule (pGGN; 55.3%). The mean duration of chest tube placement was 3.5 ± 1.6 d, and the average length of postoperative hospital stay was 6.8 ± 1.8 d. Surgical complications included one case of pneumonia and four cases of prolonged air leak lasting > 5 d. Notably, there was no intraoperative massive hemorrhage, postoperative intensive-care unit stay, or 30-d mortality. Preoperative 3D-CTBA images can display clearly and vividly the targeted structure and the variations of vessels and bronchi. To reduce the risk of locoregional recurrence, the application of 3D-CTBA with a virtual 3D surgical margin help the VATS surgeon determine accurate distances and positional relations among the tumor, bronchial trees, and the intersegmental vessels. Three-dimensional navigation was performed to confirm the segmental structure, precisely cut off the targeted segment, and avoid intersegmental veins injury.

CONCLUSION

VATS and 3D-CTBA worked in harmony in our study. This combination also provided a new pattern of transition from lesion-directed location of tumors to computer-aided surgery for the management of early lung cancer.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Segmentectomy

Although lobectomy remains the gold-standard surgical treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer, the frequency of thoracoscopic segmentectomy is increasing. Multiple factors must be considered in the choice of the procedure, ranging from adequate surgical planning or simulation, tumor localization, and identification of the intersegmental plane to severing the intersegmental plane to achieve an oncologically safe surgical margin with no or minimal manual palpation and different landmarks. In this article, we present an overview of methods for each procedural step of thoracoscopic segmentectomy, from preoperative planning to division of the intersegmental plane.

Anatomical variants of pulmonary segments and uni-portal thoracoscopic segmentectomy for lung cancer in a patient with Kartagener syndrome: a case report

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is an extremely uncommon congenital disease where the major organs of the body are transposed through the sagittal plane. Kartagener syndrome is a complication of SIT with immotility of bronchial cilia, bronchiectasis, and chronic sinusitis. There is no report describing patients with Kartagener syndrome who accept uni-portal segmentectomies for lung cancer in past studies. Here we report a 74-year-old female patient with both Kartagener syndrome and a small early-stage lung cancer lesion located in the apical segment of the left upper lobe (LS¹). The pulmonary segment anatomy of the left upper lobe in this case, which had very rare variants, was presented and interpreted in detail. This patient underwent an anatomic segmentectomy to the LS¹ and a partial excision to the left middle lobe with bronchiectasis through a single 3 cm length incision. We believe that the case can give surgeons some experience and inspiration.

Technical Advances in Segmentectomy for Lung Cancer: A Minimally Invasive Strategy for Deep, Small, and Impalpable Tumors

With the increased detection of early-stage lung cancer and the technical advancement of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the field of thoracic surgery, lung segmentectomy using MIS, including video- and robot-assisted thoracic surgery, has been widely adopted. However, lung segmentectomy can be technically challenging for thoracic surgeons due to (1) complex segmental and subsegmental anatomy with frequent anomalies, and (2) difficulty in localizing deep, small, and impalpable tumors, leading to difficulty in obtaining adequate margins. In this review, we summarize the published evidence and discuss key issues related to MIS segmentectomy, focusing on preoperative planning/simulation and intraoperative tumor localization. We also demonstrate two of our techniques: (1) three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT)-based resection planning using a novel 3DCT processing software, and (2) tumor localization using a novel radiofrequency identification technology.

Three-dimensional virtual planning for nodule resection in solid organs: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the effects of 3D-imaging virtual planning for nodule resection in the following solid organs: lung, liver, and kidney.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched through September 31, 2020 to include randomized and non-randomized controlled studies that compared outcomes of surgical resection of lung, liver, or kidney nodule resection with and without 3D virtual planning with computed tomography. From each article, the mean operation time (OT), mean estimated blood loss (EBL), mean postoperative hospital stay (POHS), and the number of postoperative events (POE) were extracted. The effect size (ES) of 3D virtual planning vs. non-3D planning was extracted from each study to calculate the pooled measurements for continuous variables (OT, EBL, POHS). Data were pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 2397 studies and 10 met the inclusion criteria with a total of 897 patients. There was a significant difference in OT between groups with a moderate ES favoring the 3D group (ES,-0.56; 95%CI: 0.91,-0.29; I² = 83.1%; p < .001). Regarding EBL, there was a significant difference between 3D and non-3D with a small ES favoring IGS (ES,-0.18; 95%CI: 0.33,-0.02; I² = 22.5%; p = .0236). There was no difference between the 3D and non-3D groups for both POHS (POHS ES,-0.15; 95%CI: 0.39,0.10; I² = 37.0%; p = .174) and POE (POE odds ratio (OR),0.80; 95%CI:0.54,1.19; I² = 0.0%; p = .0.973).

CONCLUSIONS

3D-imaging planning for surgical resection of lung, kidney, and liver nodules could reduce OT and EBL with no effects on immediate POHS and POE. Improvements in these perioperative variables could improve medium and long-term postoperative clinical outcomes.

Bronchial Sleeve Resection with Complete Pulmonary Preservation: A Single-Center Experience

Purpose

Bronchial sleeve resection with complete pulmonary preservation (BSRCPP) is a classic surgical method for the treatment of benign or low-grade bronchial tumors. For elderly patients and patients with poor cardiopulmonary function, BSRCPP is particularly advantageous because some of these patients may not tolerate lobectomy or pneumonectomy. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 20 patients who underwent BSRCPP during the past 7 years. This report presents the experience with BSRCPP in our department.

Patients and Methods

We collected the data of 20 patients who underwent BSRCPP. Of these 20 patients, 17 underwent thoracotomy and 3 underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The study cohort comprised 7 male and 13 female patients with an average age of 44 years (range, 4–71 years). All patients underwent a systematic preoperative examination to confirm the surgical indications and methods. Regular follow-up was conducted after the operation.

Results

All patients survived and remained clinically well. Two of the 20 patients (10%) were re-admitted to the hospital because of pulmonary air leakage, which was resolved after thoracic drainage. No patients developed tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

BSRCPP may be an effective treatment for selected patients with bronchial tumors. Notably, however, many technical key points require improvement, especially in VATS. Therefore, thoracoscopic minimally invasive treatment requires more practice and exploration.

What counts more: the patient, the surgical technique, or the hospital? A multivariable analysis of factors affecting perioperative complications of pulmonary lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery from a large nationwide registry

OBJECTIVES

Inherent technical aspects of pulmonary lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) may limit surgeons' ability to deal with factors predisposing to complications. We analysed complication rates after VATS lobectomy in a prospectively maintained nationwide registry.

METHODS

The registry was queried for all consecutive VATS lobectomy procedures from 49 Italian Thoracic Units. Baseline condition, tumour features, surgical techniques, devices, postoperative care, complications, conversions and the reasons thereof were detailed. Univariable and multivariable regressions were used to assess factors potentially linked to complications.

RESULTS

Four thousand one hundred and ninety-one VATS lobectomies in 4156 patients (2480 men, 1676 women) were analysed. The median age-adjusted Charlson index of the patients was 4 (interquartile range 3-6). Grade 1 and 2 and Grade 3-5 complications were observed in 20.1% and in 5.8%, respectively. Ninety-day mortality was 0.55%. The overall conversion rate was 9.2% and significantly higher in low-volume centres (<100 cases, P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between intermediate- and high-volume centres under this aspect. Low-volume centres were significantly more likely to convert due to issues with difficult local anatomy, but not significantly so for bleeding. Conversion, lower case-volume, comorbidity burden, male gender, adhesions, blood loss, operative time, sealants and epidural analgesia were significantly associated with increased postoperative morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

VATS lobectomy is a safe procedure even in medically compromised patients. An improved classification system for conversions is proposed and prevention strategies are suggested to reduce conversion rates and possibly complications in less-experienced centres.

Three-dimensional computed tomography and indocyanine green-guided technique for pulmonary sequestration surgery

Patients with pulmonary sequestration are at risk of life-threatening bleeding during lung resection. To perform safe and adequate lung resection in patients with pulmonary sequestration, we utilized the following combination of techniques: (1) three-dimensional computed tomographic (3D-CT) imaging for preoperative planning and intraoperative identification of blood vessels, including aberrant arteries, and (2) intraoperative intravenous administration of indocyanine green (ICG). We describe our surgical technique through three cases who underwent lung resection for pulmonary sequestration using 3D-CT and fluorescence navigation with ICG. Intraoperative identification and division of the aberrant arteries, draining veins, and resection margins of the lungs were successfully completed.

Near-infrared intraoperative imaging with indocyanine green is beneficial in video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy for patients with chronic lung diseases: a retrospective single-center propensity-score matched analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy using near-infrared fluorescence imaging had better intersegmental plane visualization and peri-operative outcome in patients with chronic lung diseases.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively from March 2014 and August 2019. A total of 92 patients with pulmonary nodules underwent near-infrared fluorescence guided uni-port thoracoscopic segmentectomy(NIF-VATS), 149 patients underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy with inflation-deflation method(ID-VATS). After 1:1 propensity matching, perioperative outcomes between NIF-VATS and ID-VATS was compared.

RESULTS

Incision size was 3 cm in both group.Mean operative time was 79 min in NIF-VATS group and 96 min in ID-VATS group. The intersegmental plane was not clear in 33 cases of ID-VATS group, and no clear boundary was found after prolonged waiting time. Emphysema or pulmonary bullae could be found in chest CT scan in these patients, they all were diagnosed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In NIF-VATS group, the intersegmental plane was not clear in 8 cases. Under the guidance of three-dimensional reconstruction and preoperative positioning, the oncological margin length of both groups met the requirements of surgical quality control. The intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph node resection, showed no statistical difference between the two groups. Postoperative air leakage was more often observed in ID-VATS group. The postoperative drainage duration, postoperative hospitalization time was shorter in ID-VATS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with inflation-deflation method, segmentectomy using NIF imaging is feasible for patients with chronic lung diseases with better intersegmental plane, shorter operation time, less complications, it might lead to faster recovery.

Additive value of split-bolus single-phase CT scan protocol for preoperative assessment of lung cancer patients referred for video-assisted thoracic surgery

We aimed to assess the additive value of the split-bolus single-phase computed tomography (CT) scan protocol to preoperatively assess patients with lung cancer, who were referred for video-assisted thoracic surgery, when compared to a standard staging CT protocol. We included 160 patients with lung cancer who underwent a split-bolus single-phase CT scan protocol (split-bolus protocol), which can acquire whole-body staging CT and pulmonary artery-vein separation CT angiography (PA-PV CTA) in a single acquisition and 160 patients who underwent whole-body staging CT (standard protocol). We compared the quality of the staging CT images of hepatic parenchyma, portal vein, and hepatic vein between both protocols. We also investigated image quality on PA-PV CTA images in the split-bolus protocol and recorded the number of patients that underwent the 3D PA-PV CTA imaging process. The split-bolus protocol for staging CT images demonstrated a slightly higher enhancement with regard to the hepatic parenchyma (p = 0.007) and hepatic vein (p = 0.006) than the standard protocol. There was no significant difference in the quality of the staging CT images between both protocols (p = 0.067). The mean CT number for the main pulmonary artery and the left atrium for the PA-PV CTA images in the split-bolus protocol were 289.1 HU and 172.8 HU, respectively. Among the images associated with the split-bolus protocol, 98.1% were of appropriate quality for 3D PA-PV CTA imaging. The split-bolus protocol is a dose-efficient protocol to acquire the staging CT and PA-PV CTA images in a single session and provides sufficient image quality for preoperative assessment in patients with lung cancer.

Nanoparticle-based CT visualization of pulmonary vasculature for minimally-invasive thoracic surgery planning

Purpose

To evaluate CF800, a novel lipid-based liposomal nanoparticle that co-encapsulates indocyanine green (ICG) and iohexol, for CT imaging of pulmonary vasculature in minimally-invasive thoracic surgery planning.

Methods

CF800 was intravenously administered to 7 healthy rabbits. In vivo CT imaging was performed 15 min post-injection, with a subset of animals imaged at 24h, 48h, and 72h post injection. Signal-to-background ratios (SBR) were calculated at the inferior vena cava and compared across time-points. A similar protocol was applied to 2 healthy pigs to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy in a large animal model. To evaluate the feasibility of clinical application, a survey was completed by 7 surgical trainees to assess pre- and post-injection CT images of rabbits and pigs. Responses on the discernibility of pulmonary vasculature sub-branches and comfort level to use the images for pre-operative planning were collected and analyzed.

Results

CF800 injection improved visualization of pulmonary vessels in both rabbit and pig models. The SBR of rabbit pulmonary vasculature was significantly higher after CF800 injection (range 3.7–4.4) compared to pre-injection (range 3.3–3.8, n = 7; p<0.05). SBR remained significantly different up to 24 hours after injection (range 3.7–4.3, n = 4; p<0.05). Trainees’ evaluation found the post-injection CT images had significantly higher discernibility at the second vessel branch generation in both rabbit and pig models. Trainees identified smaller vasculature branch generations in the post-injection images compared to the pre-treatment images in both rabbit (mean 6.7±1.8 vs 5.4±2.1; p<0.05) and pig (mean 6.7±1.8 vs 5.4±2.1; p<0.05). Trainees were significantly more comfortable using post-injection images for surgical planning compared to the pre-injection images (rabbit: 8.1±1.1 vs. 4.7±2.1; pig: 7.6±2.1 vs. 4.9±2.2; p<0.05).

Conclusion

CF800 provides SBR and contrast enhancement of pulmonary vasculature which may assist in pre-surgical CT planning of minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Planning and marking for thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomies

Although sublobar resection (SLR) for treating non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is still controversial, thoracoscopic segmentectomy is rising. Performing it by closed chest surgery is complex as it means confirming the location of the lesion, identifying vascular and bronchial structures, preserving venous drainage of adjacent segments, severing the intersegmental plane and ensuring an oncological safety margin with no manual palpation and different landmarks. Accurate planning is mandatory. We discuss in this article the interest of 3D reconstruction and mapping technics to enhance safety and reliability of these procedures.

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.