Preoperative Computed Tomography Data Research Articles

Analysis and Visualization of Inter-/Intra-surgeon Variability Using Surgical Simulation for Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Repair.

There may be inter-/intra-surgeon variability in the repair of congenital heart defects. The objective was to analyze and visualize inter-/intra-surgeon variability in the level of patch suture lines and in the shape and size of patches developed through surgical simulation for partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) repair using a patient-specific 3D-printed heart model. A patient with PAPVC and preoperative computed tomography data were selected, and a patient-specific heart model was obtained. Two different exposures on the model were tested. Two surgeons were enrolled. Both surgeons performed a single-patch repair on four heart models with one exposure and four models with the other. On the potential suture line, 20 points common in each model were allocated. The level of patch suture lines was represented as a deviation from the 20 points. The shape and size of the patches were analyzed and visualized using geometric morphometrics approaches, using the 20 points as landmarks to represent the patches. There was inter-surgeon variability in the level of patch suture lines, and the variability was higher in particular locations. There was inter-surgeon variability in the shape and size of patches, which was not affected by the exposures. The inter-surgeon variability in the shape of patches was higher in particular locations. There was intra-surgeon variability in the shape of patches. Inter-/intra-surgeon variability was analyzed and visualized by the surgical simulation using geometric morphometrics approaches. Further studies are needed to scrutinize whether the variability affects postoperative hemodynamics in actual surgery.

Computed tomography-based radial endobronchial ultrasound image simulation of peripheral pulmonary lesions using deep learning.

Radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) plays an important role during transbronchial sampling of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). However, existing navigational bronchoscopy systems provide no guidance for R-EBUS. To guide intraoperative R-EBUS probe manipulation, we aimed to simulate R-EBUS images of PPLs from preoperative computed tomography (CT) data using deep learning. Preoperative CT and intraoperative ultrasound data of PPLs in 250 patients who underwent R-EBUS-guided transbronchial lung biopsy were retrospectively collected. Two-dimensional CT sections perpendicular to the biopsy path were transformed into ultrasonic reflection and transmission images using an ultrasound propagation model to obtain the initial simulated R-EBUS images. A cycle generative adversarial network was trained to improve the realism of initial simulated images. Objective and subjective indicators were used to evaluate the similarity between real and simulated images. Wasserstein distances showed that utilizing the cycle generative adversarial network significantly improved the similarity between real and simulated R-EBUS images. There was no statistically significant difference in the long axis, short axis, and area between real and simulated lesions (all P > 0.05). Based on the experts' evaluation, a median similarity score of ≥4 on a 5-point scale was obtained for lesion size, shape, margin, internal echoes, and overall similarity. Simulated R-EBUS images of PPLs generated by our method can closely mimic the corresponding real images, demonstrating the potential of our method to provide guidance for intraoperative R-EBUS probe manipulation.

Automated CT quantification of interstitial lung abnormality in patients with resectable stage I non-small cell lung cancer: Prognostic significance.

In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) have been linked to mortality and can be identified on computed tomography (CT) scans. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of automatically quantified ILA based on the Fleischner Society definition in patients with stage I NSCLC. We retrospectively reviewed 948 patients with pathological stage I NSCLC who underwent pulmonary resection between April 2009 and October 2022. A commercially available deep learning-based automated quantification program for ILA was used to evaluate the preoperative CT data. The Fleischner Society definition, quantitative results, and interdisciplinary discussion led to the division of patients into normal and ILA groups. The sum of the fibrotic and nonfibrotic ILA components constituted the total ILA component and more than 5%. Of the 948 patients with stage I NSCLC, 99 (10.4%) patients had ILA. Shorter overall survival and recurrence-free survival was associated with the presence of ILA. After controlling for confounding variables, the presence of ILA remained significant for increased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.91-5.00; p < 0.001) and the presence of ILA remained significant for increased recurrence (HR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.16-3.30; p = 0.012). The automated CT quantification of ILA, based on the Fleischner Society definition, was significantly linked to poorer survival and recurrence in patients with stage I NSCLC.

The L-shaped Zygomatic Reduction with Oblique or Vertical Resection: Which One is the Optimal Choice?

This study aims to investigate the optimal surgical techniques in reduction malarplasty by comparing the difference between the L-shaped osteotomy with vertical and oblique bone resection. One hundred and twenty patients who visited our department for L-shaped osteotomy with either vertical (Group Ⅰ) or oblique bone resection (Group Ⅱ) from 2015 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The preoperative and postoperative spiral computed tomography (CT) data were analyzed. The preoperative CT data was also used to simulate the virtual and model surgery. The results showed that a broken-bridge-like structure with a bony gap of 2.86±1.03 mm at the zygomatic arch root was observed in Group Ⅰ, and a mortice and tenon joint structure with a bone overlap of 2.28±0.58 mm was formed in Group Ⅱ. The zygoma in Group Ⅰ displaced significantly in the vertical direction and horizontal direction during the follow-up. Simultaneously, the incidence of complications was higher in Group Ⅰ. In the mechanism analysis through virtual and model surgery, the zygomatic segment was shifted anteriorly and inferiorly in Group Ⅰ, and a bony gap was detected at the zygomatic arch root. Conversely, a superior and posterior movement was performed in Group Ⅱ and it maintained the zygomatic complex integral with bone overlap at the zygomatic arch root upon repositioning. This study suggested that L-shaped osteotomy with oblique bone resection could be the optimal choice for reducing zygomatic prominence.

Robotic-assisted right upper lobectomy with systemic pulmonary vein anomaly: a case report

BackgroundWhile the role of low-dose computed tomography (CT) in lung cancer screening is established, its limitations in detailing pulmonary vascular variations are less emphasized. Three-dimensional reconstruction technology allows surgeons to reconstruct a patient’s bronchial and pulmonary vascular structures using CT scan results. However, low-dose CT may not provide the same level of clarity as enhanced CT in displaying pulmonary vascular details. This limitation can be unfavorable for preoperative detection of potential pulmonary vascular variations, especially in cases involving planned segmentectomy.Case PresentationWe report a case of a 58-year-old female with lung cancer, initially planned for Da Vinci robot-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy. Unexpectedly, during surgery, a pulmonary vein variation in the right upper lobe was discovered, leading to a change in the surgical method to a lobectomy. The patient had four variant right upper lobe veins draining into the superior vena cava and one into the left atrium. The surgery was complicated by significant bleeding and postoperative pulmonary congestion. Postoperative pathology confirmed adenocarcinoma.ConclusionsThis case highlights the importance of meticulous intraoperative exploration, particularly in cases involving planned segmentectomy, as unexpected pulmonary vein variations can significantly affect surgical decision-making. While three-dimensional reconstruction based on preoperative CT data is a valuable tool, it may not capture the full complexity of the anatomical variations. We discuss potential preoperative imaging techniques, including contrast-enhanced CT and CT angiography, as methods to better identify these variations. The enhanced visualization provided by robot-assisted surgery plays a crucial role in identifying and adapting to these variations, underscoring the advantages of this surgical approach. Our report contributes to the existing literature by providing a detailed account of how these principles were applied in a real-world scenario, reinforcing the need for surgical adaptability and awareness of the limitations of low-dose CT in complex cases.

Preoperative CT radiomic model combined with clinical and CT imaging features to predict the spread through air spaces in T1 invasive lung adenocarcinoma.

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of preoperative computed tomography (CT) radiomic models combined with clinical and CT imaging features for predicting spread through air spaces (STAS) in patients with T1 lung adenocarcinoma. The preoperative CT and clinical data of 219 patients with T1 invasive lung adenocarcinoma confirmed by surgery were retrospectively analyzed and randomly divided into training and test sets at a ratio of 7:3. Univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed on the clinical and CT manifestations to screen independent predictive factors for STAS (+), and a clinical model was constructed. Radiomic features were extracted from the tumor (T), peritumoral (P) and tumor-peritumoral (TP) regions to construct radiomic models (Model T, Model P and Model TP), and the optimal radiomic model was identified. A combined model was then built on the basis of the best radiomic score (Radscore) and clinically independent predictors. For each model, the effectiveness in predicting STAS (+) was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, including calculation of the area under the curve (AUC), and a nomogram was created. Calibration curve analysis was used to assess model calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical value of the model. Emphysema, the preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, and the consolidation tumor ratio (CTR) were identified as independent predictors of STAS (+) (all P < 0.01). Model T was considered the optimal radiomic model. In the training set, the AUC of the combined model was greater than that of the clinical model (0.93 vs. 0.85, P < 0.01). However, no significant difference in the AUC was found between the combined model and Model T (0.93 vs. 0.92, P > 0.05). In the test set, the AUC of the combined model was greater than that of the clinical model (0.92 vs. 0.85, P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference compared to the AUC of Model T (0.92 vs. 0.90, P = 0.13). The AUC of Model T was greater than that of the clinical model in the training set (0.92 vs. 0.85, P < 0.01), but this difference was not significant in the test set (0.90 vs. 0.85, P = 0.35). The clinical model, radiomic Model T, and combined model all had high degrees of calibration. Finally, the clinical net benefit of the combined model was greater than that of the other two models with the threshold ranged from 0.10 to 0.40. The preoperative CT radiomics model combined with clinical and CT imaging features can effectively predict STAS in T1 invasive lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Navigated ultrasound bronchoscopy with integrated positron emission tomography-A human feasibility study.

Patients suspected to have lung cancer, undergo endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy (EBUS) for the purpose of diagnosis and staging. For presumptive curable patients, the EBUS bronchoscopy is planned based on images and data from computed tomography (CT) images and positron emission tomography (PET). Our study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a multimodal electromagnetic navigation platform for EBUS bronchoscopy, integrating ultrasound and segmented CT, and PET scan imaging data. The proof-of-concept study included patients with suspected lung cancer and pathological mediastinal/hilar lymph nodes identified on both CT and PET scans. Images obtained from these two modalities were segmented to delineate target lymph nodes and then incorporated into the CustusX navigation platform. The EBUS bronchoscope was equipped with a sensor, calibrated, and affixed to a 3D printed click-on device positioned at the bronchoscope's tip. Navigation accuracy was measured postoperatively using ultrasound recordings. The study enrolled three patients, all presenting with suspected mediastinal lymph node metastasis (N1-3). All PET-positive lymph nodes were displayed in the navigation platform during the EBUS procedures. In total, five distinct lymph nodes were sampled, yielding malignant cells from three nodes and lymphocytes from the remaining two. The median accuracy of the navigation system was 7.7 mm. Our study introduces a feasible multimodal electromagnetic navigation platform that combines intraoperative ultrasound with preoperative segmented CT and PET imaging data for EBUS lymph node staging examinations. This innovative approach holds promise for enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of EBUS procedures.

A preoperative CT radiomics model to predict disease-free survival in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Imaging has demonstrated capabilities in the diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) but its utility for prognostic prediction has not been elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to build a radiomics model using preoperative computed tomography (CT) data that may help predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) or overall survival (OS) in patients with pNET. Radiomics features of preoperative CT data obtained from patients with surgically resected pNET were extracted using 3D-Slicer® software with manual segmentation. Discriminant features were selected with penalized regression using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method with training on tumor Ki67 rate (≤2 or >2). Selected features were used to build a radiomics index ranging from 0 to 1. A receiving operator curve was built to select optimal cut-off value of radiomics index to predict patient RFS and OS. RFS and OS were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Thirty-seven patients (median age, 61 years; 20 men) with 37 pNETs (Grade1, 21/37 [56%]; Grade 2, 11/37 [29%]; Grade 3, 4/37 [10%]) were included. Patients with a radiomics index >0.4 had a shorter median RFS (36 months; range: 1-133) than those with a radiomics index ≤0.4 (84 months; range: 9-148) (P = 0.013). No associations were found between radiomics index and OS (P = 0.86). The proposed radiomics index allows identifying patients with shorter RFS after pNET surgery. This result, however, requires prospective validation but may improve patient' care by intensifying imaging follow-up for those identified at high risk of recurrence.

Simulation to determine the approach of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients undergoing hemodialysis

PurposeThe present study investigated potential access vessels in patients receiving hemodialysis who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement and determined which approaches were most suitable for performing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing hemodialysis with aortic valve stenosis who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement were included. Preoperative computed tomography data were analyzed to assess the vessel diameter and calcification. Simulations were conducted to determine the feasibility of inserting the 14-F eSheath of Sapien 3 via transfemoral, trans-cervical, trans-subclavian, and direct aorta approaches.ResultsA total of 72 patients were included in this study. The access route was characterized by severe calcification of the common iliac artery. The transfemoral approach was feasible in 77.8% of the cases, but the rate decreased to 33% when the calculations were based on the maximum sheath extension diameter. The trans-cervical, trans-subclavian, and direct aortic approaches were suitable for many patients. Lower extremity artery disease was identified as a risk factor for the unsuitability of the transfemoral approach.ConclusionsCommon iliac artery calcification in patients undergoing hemodialysis restricts the use of the transfemoral approach. Therefore, some patients require alternative approaches.

Volumetric Analysis of Unilateral Alveolar Bone Defect Using Modified Subtraction in Older Chinese Patients.

A large number of older patients (≥13y old) with alveolar clefts missed the optimal alveolar bone grafting time period in China. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and repeatability of modified computer-aided engineering subtraction for volumetric measurement of these patients. In addition, the study aimed to determine whether the volume of defect is correlated with cleft type (cleft lip and alveolus, cleft lip and palate), cleft location, age, and sex. Preoperative computed tomography data from 100 patients of unilateral alveolar cleft patients without secondary alveolar bone grafting were measured using 2 methods. The maxillary resin model around the alveolar cleft was printed using the 3-dimensional (D) printing method, and the volume of the defect was measured using the drainage method. In the modified subtraction method, Mimics software was used to simulate fracture filling by layer drawing, and the defect volume was determined by subtracting the preoperative fracture template from the filled 3D skull template. The mean time taken to calculate an alveolar cleft defect volume by modified subtraction method was 3.2 minutes. The average defect volume measured using the 3D printing and modified subtraction methods were 1.58±0.41 and 1.55±0.42cm 3 , respectively. Findings suggest that cleft location and age do not affect the defect volume of older patients with alveolar cleft, unlike cleft type and sex. The modified computer-aided subtraction method provides good accuracy, consistency, and reproducibility in measuring alveolar ridge defect volume. Moreover, this method is more efficient and cost-effective than the 3D-printed model method.

Three-dimensional Analysis of the Temporal Bone Morphology in Patients with Craniofacial Microsomia.

To characterise the morphology of temporal bone in patients with craniofacial microsomia (CFM). A retrospective study. A craniofacial centre. Ninety-four patients with unilateral craniofacial microsomia. Mimics 21.0 (Materialise Inc., Belgium) was used to locate temporal bone landmarks on preoperative computed tomography data. The spatial Cartesian coordinate system was established in 3-matic 13.0 (Materialise Inc., Belgium). The coordinates of each landmark and the distances and angles between the landmarks were calculated. A classification system was used to quantify the severity of the zygomatic arch deformity. The bilateral differences in coordinates, linear and angular measurements, and the severity of temporal bone deformity (TTL δ, Psag δ, Paxiδ, and Tsag δ) among the groups were compared using the paired t-test and Kruskal-Wallis test, respectively. Compared to those of the unaffected side, the landmarks of the inner ear and petrous part on the affected side showed a decrease in the Z-coordinate or an increase in the X-coordinate. A superolateral rotation tendency of the temporal bone on the affected side was found. There were no significant differences in the linear and angular measurements between the groups. The degree of zygomatic arch deformation was lower in the mild group; however, no significant difference was found between the moderate and severe groups. In patients with CFM, asymmetry of the temporal bone and its inner organs (vestibulocochlear organ, facial nerve, and vessels) exists in multiple dimensions; its severity is not completely consistent with the degree of mandibular involvement.

A Patient-Specific Reference Tracker for Noninvasive Electromagnetic Navigation of Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery.

Owing to the possibility of nonrigid head fixation, electromagnetic navigation (EM) is a mainstay for endoscopic skull base surgery. The currently available dynamic reference trackers (RTs) are invasive or inaccurate. To investigate the feasibility and stability of this innovative oral tracker (OT), which is adhesive to the hard palate in comparison with a commercially available skin adhesive tracker (ST). A prospective series of 31 patients with intrasellar lesions who underwent surgery between 2019 and 2021 using a pure endoscopic transsphenoidal approach were evaluated. A patient-specific palatal mold was designed from preoperative computed tomography data. The OT was cast using a biocompatible algin with an integrated EM tracker assembly. In comparison with a skull-mounted RT, which served as a gold standard, the deviations of OT vs those of the ST with the RT were continuously assessed. The OT showed significantly lower deviations from the RT than the ST during the surgical steps: start of endoscopic surgery (OT vs ST: 0.62 mm, IQR 0.36-0.89 vs 1.65 mm, IQR 1.35-2.32, P < .001), drilling phase (OT vs ST: 0.81 mm, IQR 0.51-1.32 vs 1.89 mm, IQR 1.6-2.74, P < .001), and end of endoscopic surgery (OT vs ST: 1.1 mm, IQR 0.68-1.64 vs 1.9 mm, IQR 1.6-2.72, P < .001). The OT showed significantly higher intraoperative stability than the ST. Therefore, this noninvasive and patient-specific tool could be used to achieve accurate EM guidance during endoscopic skull base surgeries.

Radiographs Are Comparable With 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography-Based Models as a Modality for the Preoperative Planning of the Arthroscopic Lateral Acromioplasty: A Retrospective Comparative Study

PurposeTo compare plain radiographs with 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) data for preoperative planning of arthroscopic lateral acromioplasty (ALA) for patients in whom ALA was performed along with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).MethodsPatients older than 25 years old who underwent ALA along with ARCR in our institution between October 2019 and February 2021 were included in this study. Preoperative ALA simulations were performed on plain radiographs and 3D models based on CT data. The critical shoulder angle (CSA) was compared between simulations based on radiographs and those based on 3D models. The ALA procedure was performed using the 3D model simulation, along with ARCR. The CSA after surgery was investigated using radiographs.ResultsWe evaluated 11 shoulders in 10 patients. There was no significant difference between the mean preoperative CSA on radiographs and 3D models (38.0° ± 2.6° vs 38.6° ± 1.8°, respectively; P = .55). The mean CSA after 4-mm ALA simulation using radiographs was not significantly different to that using 3D models (34.1° ± 2.6° vs 34.3° ± 2.5°, respectively; P = .84). Four cases (36.4%) required 8-mm ALA to reduce the CSA to <35° on radiographic analysis, and 2 (18.2%) required 8-mm ALA on 3D model analysis. The mean CSA on postoperative radiographs was significantly smaller than that on preoperative radiographs (32.1° ± 2.7° vs 38.0° ± 2.6°, respectively; P < .01).ConclusionsThere was no significant difference between the mean CSA after a 4-mm ALA simulation using radiographs and that using 3D models based on preoperative CT data, which suggests that radiographs are comparable with 3D CT data models as a reliable modality for the preoperative simulation of ALA.Level of EvidenceIII, retrospective comparative study.

Intraoperative Ultrasonography for Surgery of Cranial Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma: Technical Note

Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) in traumatic brain injury is a fast, easy, and low-cost technique that has been poorly investigated so far even though it could potentially answer many of the intraoperative needs of the surgeon. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IOUS in patients undergoing surgery for traumatic acute subdural hematoma (aSDH), focusing on its influence on intraoperative surgical strategy, particularly regarding the management of intracerebral contusions (ICCs) associated with aSDH. Data of patients who consecutively underwent surgical evacuation of traumatic aSDH with IOUS assistance at our institution from May 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were dichotomized into an ICC group (ICCs associated with aSDH on preoperative computed tomography scan) and no ICC group (no ICCs associated with aSDH on preoperative computed tomography scan). The study included 41 patients. Before aSDH evacuation, IOUS findings were similar to preoperative computed tomography data. After aSDH evacuation, IOUS detected a new-onset ICC in 13% of patients in the no ICC group and a volume increase of the known ICCs in 22% of patients in the ICC group. Therefore, IOUS made it possible to evacuate these new-onset or expanding hematomas in the same operation, changing our surgical strategy and avoiding a delayed reintervention. Our study suggests that IOUS in patients undergoing surgery for traumatic aSDH can promptly identify possible evolution of a primary head injury, leading to early and effective treatment.

Reconstruction of orbital wall fractures with superior orbital fissure syndrome using individualized preformed titanium mesh: a pilot study

The aim was to preliminarily evaluate the effect of individualized preformed titanium mesh in the treatment of orbital wall fractures with superior orbital fissure syndrome (SOFS). This study consisted of 10 patients of orbital wall fracture and SOFS who were treated at the Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University. On the basis of preoperative computed tomography data, individualized titanium mesh was produced by mirror engineering and rapid prototyping, and it was implanted into defects in the orbital walls to restore the normal anatomy. Early orbital wall reconstruction was performed to improve the SOFS. Postoperatively, the ocular and facial appearance and eye function were evaluated. The orbital structure, volume, and size of the SOF were restored in the 10 patients using the individualized titanium mesh. The symptoms of SOFS completely disappeared in all patients with no severe postoperative complications. Significant recovery of ocular and facial appearance and eye function was reported. This pilot study demonstrated that individualized preformed titanium mesh can accurately restore the orbital walls and the structure and size of the SOF, and it is useful in the treatment of SOFS without intraorbital bone fragment displacement.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Ideal Entry Point for Sacral Alar Iliac Screws.

This is a virtual three-dimensional (3D) imaging study examining computed tomography (CT) data to investigate instrumentation placement. In this study, we aim to clarify the ideal entry point and trajectory of the sacral alar iliac (SAI) screw in relationship to the dorsal foramen at S1 and the respective nerve root. To the best of our knowledge, there is yet no detailed 3D imaging study on the ideal entry point of the SAI screw. Despite the evidence suggesting that the dorsal foramen at S1 is a landmark on the sacrum, the S1 nerve root disruption is a general concern during the insertion of SAI screws. No other study has been published examining the nerve root location at the S1and SAI screw insertions. Preoperative CT data from 26 patients pertaining to adult spinal deformities were investigated in this study. We applied a 3D image processing method for a detailed investigation. Virtual cylinders were used to mimic SAI screws. These were placed to penetrate the sacral iliac joint without violating the other cortex. We then assessed the trajectory of the longest SAI screw and the ideal entry point of SAI using a color mapping method on the surface of the sacrum. We measured the location of the nerve root at S1 in relation to the foramen at S1 and the sacral surface. As per the results of our color mapping, it was determined that areas that received high scores are located medially and caudally to the dorsal foramen of S1. The mean angle between a horizontal line and a line connecting the medial edge of the foramen and nerve root at S1 was 93.5°. The mean distances from the dorsal medial edge of the foramen and sacral surface to S1 nerve root were 21.8 mm and 13.9 mm, respectively. The ideal entry point of the SAI screw is located medially and caudally to the S1 dorsal foramen based on 3D digital mapping. It is also shown that this entry point spares the S1 nerve root from possible iatrogenic injuries.

Patient-specific simulation for tracheobronchial reconstruction procedures using 3-dimensional operable models: A proof-of-concept study.

Patient-specific simulation for tracheobronchial reconstruction procedures using 3-dimensional operable models: A proof-of-concept study.

Novel Deep Learning Radiomics Model for Preoperative Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Differentiation Based on Computed Tomography Data

Introduction: The evaluation of tumor differentiation is an urgent clinical issue that would facilitate the establishment of individualized therapeutic strategies. Our aims were to develop a deep learning radiomics model based on computed tomography(CT) data for preoperative evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) differentiation(low vs high grade), and to preliminarily explore the biological basis of the radiomics model. Methods: A total of 1234 HCC patients with contrast-enhanced CT images were recruited from two institutions. Radiomics features were extracted from preoperative venous-phase CT data and selected in terms of reproducibility, relevance and redundancy. The random forest(RF) algorithm was applied to establish a radiomics signature. The deep learning model was constructed based on a VGG network. Clinical characteristics of the subjects were used to construct a clinical model. The fused model integrated a tripartite prediction based on a logistic regression algorithm. Analysis was performed to explore the association between radiomics features and biological variables based on multiomics levels. Results: The radiomics signature established with the RF algorithm comprised 25 radiomics features. The AUCs in the training, internal validation, and independent test cohorts were 0.82, 0.76 and 0.75 respectively for the radiomics signature; 0.85, 0.81 and 0.75 respectively for the deep learning model; and 0.89, 0.83 and 0.80 respectively for the fused model. Multiomics analysis showed the selected radiomics features contained abundant biological information was related to tumor differentiation. Conclusions: Our deep learning radiomics model can serve as a noninvasive tool of preoperative HCC differentiation evaluation to guide clinical decision-making and prognostic stratification.

Efficacy of surgical navigation in zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures: randomized controlled trial

Accurate reduction is of vital importance in the treatment of zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. Computer-assisted navigation systems (CANS) have been employed in ZMC fractures to improve the accuracy of surgical reduction. However, randomized controlled trials on this subject are rare and the benefits of CANS remain controversial. The aim of this study was to compare reduction errors between navigation-aided and conventional surgical treatment for ZMC fractures. Thirty-eight patients with unilateral type B ZMC fractures were enrolled. Preoperative computed tomography data were imported into ProPlan software for virtual surgical planning. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed with CANS (experimental group) or without CANS (control group). Postoperative computed tomography scans were obtained to examine the difference between surgical planning and the actual postoperative outcome, namely reduction errors. The median translational reduction errors in the X, Y, and Z axes were 0.80 mm, 0.40 mm, and 0.80 mm, respectively, in the experimental group and 0.53 mm, 0.86 mm, and 0.83 mm, respectively, in the control group (P > 0.05). The median rotational reduction errors in pitch, roll, and yaw were 0.92°, 2.47°, and 1.54°, respectively, in the experimental group and 1.45°, 3.68°, and 0.76°, respectively, in the control group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, compared with conventional reduction surgery, navigation-aided surgery showed no significant improvement in reduction accuracy in the treatment of type B ZMC fractures (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number ChiCTR1800015559).

Perfusion Strategy for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has a number of proven advantages compared to median sternotomy. Safe cannulation and perfusion are some of the main components of the success of MICS.&#x0D; The aim. To present our perfusion strategy and describe the methods of cannulation, technical features, contraindications and potential complications.&#x0D; Materials and methods. We examined the results of 1088 adult patients who underwent primary cardiac surgery in our hospital (coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery, aortic surgery, left ventricle repair, congenital cardiac surgery and combined procedures) from July 2017 to May 2021. Of these, 851 patients were qualified for MICS. To select a safe cannulation strategy, we performed contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the aorta and main branches for all the patients, also we calculated the body surface area according to the DuBois and DuBois formula.&#x0D; Results. We performed 838 minimally invasive on-pump procedures, which is 98.5% of all patients qualified for MICS. According to the results of the preoperative CT scan, 13 (1.5%) patients were not operated with the minimally invasive approach due to the hazards related to the provision of cardiopulmonary bypass. Peripheral cannulation was performed in 754 (90%) patients and an alternative cannulation site was selected in 62 (8.2%) patients based on preoperative CT data. There were 10 (1.32%) patients who developed major complications (stroke, acute aortic dissection, acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis) after peripheral cannulation.&#x0D; Conclusions. Preoperative CT scan is mandatory for planning a perfusion strategy in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. The required surgical techniques should include cannulation of the right and left femoral and right axillary arteries.