The Role of a Vibration Response Imaging Device in the Selection of Patients for Lung Resection Surgery.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Simpler and radiation free alternatives have been researched to estimate postoperative lung functions. Objective of the study is to investigate the reliability of predicted postoperative (ppo) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) calculated by vibration response imaging (VRI) to guide the selection of patients for lung resection surgery in comparison with quantitative perfusion scintigraphy (Q scan). METHODS: 35 candidates for lung resection were enrolled in the study for preoperative and postoperative evaluation of FEV₁ and DLCO. RESULTS: Totally 25 patients had preoperative tests. VRI measurements showed strong correlation with Q scan measurements of predicted postoperative (ppo) FEV₁% (r= .87, p<.001), ppo FEV₁(L) (r=.90, p<.001) and ppo DLCO% (r=.90, p<.001). There was a correlation between ppo FEV₁ (% and L) calculated by Q scan and postoperative actual FEV₁ (% and L) (r=.47, p<.05; r=.73, p<.001). There was no difference between VRI measurements of ppo FEV₁(% and L) and postoperative actual FEV₁ values. There was a correlation between ppo FEV₁ (% and L) calculated by VRI and postoperative actual FEV₁(% and L) (r= .52, p<.05; r= .79, p<.001). The mean differences between ppo and postoperative actual FEV₁ values was 49ml for VRI versus 230ml for Q scan. Both VRI and Q scan ppo DLCO% did not show agreement with postoperative actual DLCO%. CONCLUSIONS: VRI, which is a non-invasive, radiation free and simple test, may be valuable in the preoperative evaluation of lung resection surgery. It may be a good alternative to Q scan.