Small Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions Research Articles

Bronchial branch tracing navigation in ultrathin bronchoscopy-guided radial endobronchial ultrasound for peripheral pulmonary nodule

BackgroundMost malignant peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) are situated in the peripheral region of the lung. Although the ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) can access these areas, a robust navigation system is essential for precise localisation of these small peripheral PPLs. Since many UTB procedures rely on automated virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN), this study aims to determine the accuracy and diagnostic yield of the manual bronchial branch tracing (BBT) navigation in UTB-guided radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS) procedures.MethodsSingle-centre retrospective study of UTB-rEBUS patients with PPLs smaller than 3 cm over a two year period.ResultsOur cohort consisted of 47 patients with a mean age of 61.6 (SD 9.53) years and a mean target size of 1.91 (SD 0.53) cm. Among these lesions, 46.8% were located in the 6th airway generation, and 78.7% exhibited a direct bronchus sign. Navigation success using BBT was 91.5% based on positive rEBUS identification. The index diagnostic yield was 82.9%, increasing to 91.5% at 12 months of follow-up. Malignant lesions accounted for 65.1% of cases, while 34.9% were non-malignant. The presence of a direct bronchus sign was the sole factor associated with higher navigation success and diagnostic yield. Cryobiopsy outperformed forceps biopsy in non-concentric rEBUS lesions (90.9% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.05), but not in concentric orientated lesions. One pneumothorax occurred in our cohort.ConclusionsBBT as an exclusive navigation method for small PPLs in UTB-rEBUS procedures has proved to be safe and feasible. Combination of UTB with cryobiopsy remains efficient for eccentric and adjacently oriented rEBUS lesions.

Transbronchial Cryobiopsy Using the Ultrathin 1.1-mm Cryoprobe with Ultrathin Bronchoscopy under Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound Guidance for Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions

Introduction: Today, the increasing number of incidentally detected peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) within and outside lung cancer screening trials is a diagnostic challenge. This fact encourages further improvement of diagnostic procedures to increase the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy, which has been shown to have a low complication rate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new ultrathin 1.1 cryoprobe that can be placed through an ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) using fluoroscopy and radial endobronchial ultrasonography (rEBUS) navigation for assessing PPLs. Methods: Thirty-five patients with PPL less than 4 cm in diameter were prospectively enrolled to receive transbronchial cryobiopsies (TBCBs) using the ultrathin 1.1-mm cryoprobe. Navigation to the PPL was accomplished with the UTB. Under rEBUS and fluoroscopy guidance up to 4 cryobiopsies were obtained. The sample sizes of the biopsies were compared to a historic collective derived from a 1.9-mm cryoprobe and standard forceps. The feasibility and safety of the procedure, the cumulative and overall diagnostic yield, and the cryobiopsy sizes were evaluated. Results: After detection with the rEBUS, TBCB was collected from 35 PPLs, establishing a diagnosis in 25 cases, corresponding to an overall diagnostic yield of 71.4%. There was no difference in diagnostic yield for PPL <20 mm or ≥20 mm. All cryobiopsies were representative with a mean tissue area of 11.9 ± 4.3 mm2, which was significantly larger compared to the historic collective (p = 0.003). Six mild and four moderate bleeding events and 1 case of pneumothorax were observed. Conclusions: Using the ultrathin 1.1-mm cryoprobe combined with an UTB for rEBUS-guided TBCB of PPL is feasible and safe. This diagnostic approach improves bronchoscopic techniques for diagnosing peripheral lung lesions and may contribute to improve diagnosis of lung cancer even in small PPL.

Transbronchial cryobiopsy for small peripheral pulmonary lesions using endobronchial ultrasonography and an ultrathin bronchoscope

BackgroundTransbronchial biopsy using an ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) has a high diagnostic yield for peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). When combined with peripheral transbronchial needle aspiration (pTBNA), it improves the diagnostic yield of “adjacent to” radial endobronchial ultrasonography (rEBUS) findings. However, pTBNA is a complicated technique, and the specimen volume is often inadequate for diagnostic and multiplex analyses. Recently, transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) using a 1.1-mm cryoprobe that could be inserted into an UTB has been available. We investigated whether TBCB combined with forceps biopsy using a 1.1-mm cryoprobe with an UTB improved the diagnostic yield of “adjacent to” lesions. MethodsThe data of 66 consecutive patients who underwent TBCB and forceps biopsy using UTB (hemostasis using two-scope method) under rEBUS for small PPLs (≤30 mm) were retrospectively analyzed. The histological diagnosis rate using TBCB and forceps biopsy, TBCB alone, or forceps biopsy alone was compared between cases where the rEBUS probe was “within” and “adjacent to” lesions. ResultsThe diagnosis rate using TBCB and forceps biopsy was 81.8 % for all lesions (“within” vs. “adjacent to” cases: 88.4 % vs. 69.6 %; p = 0.093). The corresponding rate using TBCB alone was 80.3 % (86.0 % vs. 69.6 %; p = 0.19), and that using forceps biopsy alone was 62.1 % (74.4 % vs. 39.1 %; p = 0.008). Bleeding leading to discontinuation of the examination occurred in four (6.1 %) patients; however, in all cases, bleeding could be controlled endoscopically. ConclusionForceps biopsy with TBCB during ultrathin bronchoscopy for small PPLs improved the diagnostic yield when the lesions were adjacent to the rEBUS probe.

A pilot study of intraoperative localization of peripheral small pulmonary tumors by cone-beam computed tomography: sandwich marking technique.

BackgroundIntraoperative identification of small pulmonary nodules has been an important technical issue. We aimed to develop a new localization method which is much safer and simple procedure compared with conventional methods.MethodsThis was a retrospective study including patients with resected peripheral pulmonary nodules between November 2017 and April 2021 at Teikyo University School of Medicine, and Saitama Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center. All surgical procedure was wedge resection, and the tumor size was equal to or less than 20 mm which were detected by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT; Philips Allura Xper FD 20, Philips). Some metal clips were put on several places of visceral pleura, where the target lesion was sandwiched by marking clips (sandwich marking technique). CBCT detected both the target lesion and metal clips, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was performed. Radiological and pathological findings were analyzed, and the correlation coefficient of tumor size was examined among pre-, intra-, and post-operative tumor sizes.ResultsThe average age of 90 patients was 65.2 years, and 47 were male (52.2%). All procedure was wedge resection including twelve bi-wedge resections, and one hundred nine peripheral pulmonary lesions were obtained by sandwich marking technique. The detection rate was 100%, and there was no marking-related complication.ConclusionsAll small peripheral pulmonary lesions were successfully detected and resected by using CBCT with no marking-related complication. Sandwich marking technique was demonstrated to provide safe, reliable, and simple localization procedure for small peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Guide sheath versus non-guide sheath method for endobronchial ultrasound-guided biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions: a multicentre randomised trial.

Guide sheaths (GSs) have been widely used during radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy (rEBUS-TBB) of peripheral pulmonary lesions. However, it remains unknown whether a GS enhances the diagnostic yield. We compared the diagnostic yields of small peripheral pulmonary lesions between rEBUS-TBB with and without a GS. In eight institutions, patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions ≤30 mm in diameter were enrolled and randomised to undergo rEBUS-TBB with a GS (GS group) or without a GS (non-GS group) using a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope, virtual bronchoscopic navigation and fluoroscopy. The primary end-point was the diagnostic yield of the histology specimens. A total of 605 patients were enrolled; ultimately, data on 596 (300 in the GS group and 296 in the non-GS group) with peripheral pulmonary lesions having a longest median diameter of 19.6 mm were analysed. The diagnostic yield of histological specimens from the GS group was significantly higher than that from the non-GS group (55.3% versus 46.6%; p=0.033). Interactions were evident between the diagnostic yields, procedures, lobar locations (upper lobe versus other regions; p=0.003) and lesion texture (solid versus part-solid nodules; p=0.072). The diagnostic yield for small peripheral pulmonary lesions afforded by rEBUS-TBB using a GS was higher than that without a GS.

Transbronchial needle aspiration with endobronchial ultrasonography and ultrathin bronchoscopy for peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Although the efficacy of lung cancer treatment has improved, it is dependent on a reliable diagnosis via bronchoscopy. Transbronchial biopsy using ultrathin bronchoscopy can help detect small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs), with a high diagnostic yield. However, the diagnosis rate using forceps biopsy when the radial endobronchial ultrasonography (rEBUS) probe is adjacent to a lesion tends to be low. Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) may improve the diagnostic yield from adjacent lesions. Recently, PeriView FLEX, a new TBNA needle that can be inserted into ultrathin bronchoscopes, has become available. We examined whether TBNA with PeriView FLEX and forceps biopsy improved adjacent lesion diagnosis when using ultrathin bronchoscopes. We retrospectively examined 51 consecutive patients who underwent TBNA and forceps biopsy using ultrathin bronchoscopes under rEBUS for small PPLs at the Hakodate Goryoukaku Hospital between November 2019 and August 2020. The histological diagnosis rate using TBNA and forceps biopsy, TBNA alone, or forceps biopsy alone was compared between cases where the rEBUS probe was "Within" and "Adjacent To" the lesions. The diagnosis rate using TBNA and forceps biopsy was 86.3% (95.7% vs. 78.6%; p=0.08) for all lesions (Within cases vs. Adjacent To cases). The corresponding rate using TBNA alone was 68.6% (69.6% vs. 67.9%; p=0.57), and that using forceps biopsy alone was 72.5% (91.3% vs. 57.1%; p=0.0067). Forceps biopsy with TBNA during ultrathin bronchoscopy for small PPLs improved the diagnostic yield when lesions were adjacent to the rEBUS probe.

Efficacy of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy without guide sheath for small peripheral pulmonary lesions (≤15 mm): A retrospective cohort study.

Endobronchial ultrasonography-guided transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-TBB) with guide sheath (GS) is an effective procedure for diagnosing small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) (≤20mm in the largest diameter). However, samples obtained using EBUS-TBB with GS are small, and the diagnostic yield of small PPLs biopsied using EBUS-TBB with GS is unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of small PPLs using EBUS-TBB without GS compared to that with GS. Between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2015, 276 consecutive lesions were biopsied using EBUS-TBB with GS or without GS. We retrospectively compared EBUS-TBB with and without GS in terms of the diagnostic yield and complications related to small PPLs (≤20mm). Of the 276 lesions who underwent EBUS-TBB with or without GS, we identified 80 lesions with small PPLs (≤20mm). Sixty-two lesions were successfully diagnosed by EBUS-TBB (77.5%, diagnostic yield). The diagnostic yield of PPLs using EBUS-TBB without GS was not significantly higher than that using EBUS-TBB with GS (34/41=82.9% and 28/39=71.7%, respectively; p=0.233). However, according to size (≤15mm or>15mm), location (upper, middle/lingular, or lower area), and structure (solid nodule or ground-glass opacity), the diagnostic yield of small PPLs (≤15mm) using EBUS-TBB without GS was significantly higher than with GS (21/26=80.7% vs. 8/16=50.0%, p=0.036). There were no complications among the two groups. EBUS-TBB without GS is an effective and safe procedure for diagnosing small PPLs (≤15mm) compared to that with GS.

Thoracoscopic Localization of Small Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions Using Percutaneous Computed Tomography-guided Pleural Dye Marking: A Retrospective Analysis.

Small pulmonary lesions are often difficult to localize during thoracoscopic surgery. We describe a new com-puted tomography (CT)-guided pleural dye-marking method for small peripheral pulmonary lesions that does not involve a visceral pleural puncture. We used this technique for 23 lesions (22 patients) who underwent tho-racoscopic partial lung resection (Nov. 2016-Jan. 2018). With the patient in the lateral decubitus position, pre-operative CT-guided marking on the skin over the lesion was performed. During the surgery, we marked the visceral pleura with a skin marker directly or with an infant-size nutrition catheter with crystal violet at the tip through a venous indwelling needle inserted perpendicular to the skin marking. We localized and resected the lesions in all cases, without complications. The median nodule size measured histopathologically was 8 (4-20) mm overall, and 7 (0-20) mm of the solid part; the median distance from the visceral pleura to the nodule was 9 (1-33) mm. The median operation time was 67 (37-180) min. The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 (3-11) days. Our CT-guided pleural dye-marking method is useful and safe for the localization of small periph-eral pulmonary lesions in thoracoscopic partial lung resections.

The Value of Additional Conventional Transbronchial Biopsy in the Negative Results of Rapid On-site Evaluation During Endobronchial Ultrasound With Guide Sheath to Diagnose Small Peripheral Lung Cancer.

Objective: The accuracy of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) during endobronchial ultrasonography with guide sheath (EBUS-GS) was reported to be approximately 90% for diagnosing small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). When ROSE during EBUS-GS for diagnosing small peripheral lung cancer is carried out and does not include malignant cells in a position whereby the probe was located within or adjacent to the lesion, the best technique for overcoming the lower diagnostic yield remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate factors affecting positive results of ROSE during EBUS-GS in such a probe position. Moreover, when the results of ROSE were consistently negative, we evaluated the effectiveness of conventional transbronchial biopsy (TBB) in addition to EBUS-GS alone. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-GS combined with ROSE for diagnosing small peripheral lung cancer (≤30 mm). We classified the results of ROSE into two groups based on the presence of malignant cells: the ROSE positive group (included malignant cells) and the ROSE negative group (did not include malignant cells). The significant predictors of positive ROSE results during EBUS-GS were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: We identified 67 lesions (43 lesions in the ROSE positive group and 24 lesions in the ROSE negative group, respectively). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the significant factor affecting positive ROSE results was lesion size (>15 mm) (OR = 9.901). The diagnostic yield of additional conventional TBB to EBUS-GS was significantly higher than that of EBUS-GS alone (75.0% vs 33.3%, P = .041). Conclusion: The positive results of ROSE during EBUS-GS were significantly influenced by lesion size (>15 mm). When the results of ROSE during EBUS-GS were consistently negative in a position whereby the probe was located within or adjacent to the lesion, additional conventional TBB was effective to improve the diagnostic yield compared with EBUS-GS alone.

Bronchoscopic navigation and tissue diagnosis.

Diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer has become increasingly important as the detection of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) grows with widespread adoption of CT-based lung cancer screening. Although CT-guided transthoracic needle aspiration has been the standard diagnostic approach for PPLs, transbronchial sampling by bronchoscopy is often performed due to its reduced rate of adverse events. However, the diagnostic yield of conventional bronchoscopy is often poor. Various bronchoscopic technologies have emerged over recent years to address this limitation, including thin/ultrathin bronchoscopes, radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS), virtual navigation bronchoscopy (VBN), electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), and robotic bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopic transparenchymal nodule access (BTPNA) and transbronchial access tool (TBAT) are novel techniques that leverage navigational bronchoscopic technologies to further improve access to lesions throughout the lung. The devices used for sampling tissue have similarly evolved, such as the introduction of cryobiopsy. These innovative bronchoscopic techniques allows higher diagnostic yield even in small PPLs. Given the complexity of these new techniques and technologies, it is important for physicians to understand their strengths and limitations.

OA01.06 Cone Beam CT Imaging for Transbronchial Navigation in Small Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions

OA01.06 Cone Beam CT Imaging for Transbronchial Navigation in Small Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions

Combination of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided biopsy with a novel staining for peripheral pulmonary lesions

BackgroundThe diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) is a challenging task for pulmonologists, especially for small PPLs. Conventional localization of these small PPLs, which are > 1 cm away from the visceral pleura in operation, is quite difficult. Currently used methods inevitably damage the visceral pleura and may cause a series of complications, such as pneumothorax and hemothorax. Hence, the present study aimed to find out an intraoperative localization method with no damage to the visceral pleura.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 21 patients with PLLs who underwent electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided biopsy plus a new methylene blue staining with the help of massage (Massage Staining) in our department between August 2017 and December 2018.ResultsThe median age of these 21 patients was 51.3 ± 2.1 years. The diameter of the PPLs was 8.2 ± 2.3 mm. The rate of successful biopsy was 76.2%, and the rate of excellent or satisfactory of Massage Staining was 81.0%, while all lesions of these 21 cases were included in the range of staining, and the median distance from the edge of the stained site to the edge of the lesion was 29 ± 18 mm. The duration of ENB-guided biopsy plus Massage Staining was 26.7 ± 5.3 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 3.3 ± 1.5 ml. No pneumothorax, hemorrhage, and tracheal injury occurred intraoperatively.ConclusionsThe ENB-guided biopsy combined with Massage Staining is an innovative one-stop strategy designed to enhance the precision of thoracic surgery. The Massage Staining avoids damage to the visceral pleura, causes the low incidence of complications, but yields precise localization of PPLs.

Use of an Ultrathin vs Thin Bronchoscope for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: A Randomized Trial

When evaluating peripheral pulmonary lesions, a 3.0-mm ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) with a 1.7-mm working channel is advantageous regarding good access to the peripheral airway, whereas a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope provides a larger 2.0-mm working channel, which allows the use of various instruments including a guide sheath (GS), larger forceps, and an aspiration needle. This study compared multimodal bronchoscopy using a UTB and a thin bronchoscope with multiple sampling methods for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. Patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions≤ 30mm in diameter were recruited and randomized to undergo endobronchial ultrasonography, virtual bronchoscopy, and fluoroscopy-guided bronchoscopy using a 3.0-mm UTB (UTB group) or a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope (thin bronchoscope group). In the thin bronchoscope group, the use of small forceps with a GS or standard forceps without the GS was permitted. In addition, needle aspiration was performed for lesions into which an ultrasound probe could not be inserted. A total of 360 patients were enrolled, and 356 were included in the analyses (median largest lesional diameter, 19mm). The overall diagnostic yield was significantly higher in the UTB group than in the thin bronchoscope group (70.1%vs58.7%, respectively; P= .027). The procedure duration was significantly shorter in the UTB group (median, 24.8 vs26.8 min, respectively; P= .008). The complication rates were 2.8%and 4.5%, respectively (P= .574). Multimodal bronchoscopy using a UTB afforded a higher diagnostic yield than that using a thin bronchoscope in the diagnosis of small peripheral pulmonary lesions. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry; No.: UMIN000010133; URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/.

The Utility of Virtual Bronchoscopy Using a Computed Tomography Workstation for Conducting Conventional Bronchoscopy: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Practice

Background: Recent clinical trials demonstrated the benefits of several guided-bronchoscopy technologies for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). However, introduction of these technologies is expensive. Therefore, in clinical practice, these are unavailable in many hospitals. In contrast, virtual bronchoscopy (VB) using the computed tomography (CT) workstation can be made available immediately without additional cost as many hospitals already have the CT scan facility. However, the effectiveness of VB alone remains to be shown. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of VB using the CT workstation in hospitals performing conventional bronchoscopy. Methods: Results from consecutive patients who underwent bronchoscopy for small PPLs (major diameter ≤30 mm) were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-nine patients who underwent bronchoscopy without VB from April 2014 to March 2015 and 56 patients who underwent bronchoscopy with VB from April 2015 to December 2015 were assigned to non-VB and VB groups, respectively. We compared the two groups and analyzed the factors affecting the diagnostic yield. Results: The VB group had a significantly higher diagnostic yield than the non-VB group (57.1 vs. 33.3%; p = 0.008). In the multivariate analysis, VB was identified as a significant factor affecting the diagnostic yield (odds ratio: 3.30, p = 0.011). Conclusions: In the conventional bronchoscopy settings, VB using the CT workstation is efficient for the diagnosis of PPLs when other guided-bronchoscopy techniques are unavailable.

Virtual bronchoscopic navigation as an aid to CT-guided transbronchial biopsy improves the diagnostic yield for small peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) entails the provision of a virtual display of the bronchial routes that lead to small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL). It has been predicted that a combination of computed tomography (CT)-guided transbronchial biopsy (CT-TBB) with VBN might improve the diagnostic yield for small PPL. This study sought to investigate that prediction. A total of 100 patients with small PPL (<20 mm) were enrolled for CT-TBB and randomly allocated to either a VBN+ or VBN- group (50 subjects per group). Group results were then compared in terms of diagnostic yield, whole procedure time, times at which the first CT scan and biopsy were taken and the number of lung biopsy specimens retrieved. The diagnostic yield for small PPL was significantly higher in the VBN+ group versus VBN- group (84% vs 58%, respectively (P = 0.013)), with no significant difference in (whole) examination time between groups (VBN+: 32:53 (32 min and 53 s) ± 12:01 vs VBN-: 33:06 ± 10:08 (P = NS)). However, the time periods between commencing the examination and either the first CT scan or first biopsy were significantly shorter for the VBN+ group, while the net biopsy time tended to be longer for this group with a significantly higher number of specimens collected (VBN+: 3.54 ± 1.07 specimens vs VBN-: 2.98 ± 1.06 specimens (P = 0.01)). Combining VBN with CT-TBB significantly improved the diagnostic yield for small PPL.

Combination of virtual bronchoscopic navigation, endobronchial ultrasound, and rapid on-site evaluation for diagnosing small peripheral pulmonary lesions: a prospective phase II study.

The diagnostic yield of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) by flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is still insufficient. To improve the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy, several techniques such as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN), and rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) have been examined. The primary purpose of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of combining EBUS, VBN, and ROSE for diagnosing small PPLs. Patients with PPLs 30 mm or less on chest computed tomography (CT) were prospectively enrolled. We determined the responsible bronchus for the target lesions using VBN before bronchoscopy was performed. EBUS and ROSE were performed during the examination to determine whether the bronchus and specimen were adequate. On the basis of previous studies, we assumed that the diagnostic yield of 85% among eligible patients would indicate potential usefulness, whereas, the diagnostic yield of 75% would indicate the lower limit of interest. The required number of patients was estimated as 45 for a one-sided α value of 0.2 and a β value of 0.8. The primary study endpoint was the diagnostic yield. Between June 2014 and July 2015, we enrolled 50 patients in the present study, and we excluded 5 patients. The total diagnostic yield of 45 PPLs was 77.7%. In cases of lung cancer, the diagnostic yield was 84.2%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ROSE were 90.6%, 92.3%, 96.7%, and 80.0%, respectively. The diagnostic yield of PPLs from 20 to 30 mm was 87.5%, and the diagnostic yield of PPLs less than 20 mm was 66.7%. PPLs for which the probe was located within the lesion had the highest diagnostic yield. We could not demonstrate usefulness for diagnosing small PPLs by combining EBUS, VBN, and ROSE. However, combining these techniques may be useful for diagnosing lung cancer.

Small lung lesions invisible under fluoroscopy are located accurately by three-dimensional localization technique on chest wall surface and performed bronchoscopy procedures to increase diagnostic yields.

BackgroundNowadays, small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) are frequently detected and the prognosis of lung cancer depends on the early diagnosis. Because of the high fee and requiring specialized training, many advanced techniques are not available in many developing countries and rural districts.MethodsThree sets of opaque soft copper wires visible under the fluoroscopy (Flu) in the Flu-flexible bronchoscopy (FB) group (n = 24), which determined the three planes of the lesion, were respectively placed firmly on the surface of the chest wall with adhesive tape on the chest wall. The FB tip was advanced into the bronchus toward the crosspoint of the three perpendicular planes under Flu with careful rotation of a C-arm unit. Then the specimen were harvested focusing around the crosspoint for pathologic diagnosis. The rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) procedure was also performed. The average Flu time during FB procedures were recorded and diagnostic accuracy rates in the Flu-FB group were compared with the other group guided by radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) (n = 23).ResultsThe location of the core point of the lesion, whether it was visible or not under the fluoroscopy could be recognized by three-dimensional localization technique. The accuracy rates of diagnostic yields were 62.5% in the Flu-FB group, and was similar as 65.2% in the R-EBUS group (P > 0.05). However, in the Flu-FB group, there was a decreasing tendency on accurate diagnosis rates of lower lobe (LL) lesions when comparing with non-LL lesions (3/8 = 37.5% vs 12/16 = 75%, P = 0.091) while in the R-EBUS group it was similar (9/12 = 75% vs 6/11 = 54.6%, P = 0.278). In the Flu-FB group, fluoroscopy time was negatively correlated with the lesion length (r = −0.613, P = 0.001), however, there was no significant difference between the lesions invisible or not (5.83 ± 1.45 min vs 7.67 ± 2.02 min, P = 0.116) under the fluoroscopy, as well as no significant difference among SPN, mGGO and GGO (6.12 ± 2.05 min, 7.25 ± 1.33 min and 7.80 ± 2.02 min, P > 0.05).ConclusionsSmall PPL whether it is visible or not under fluoroscopy can be located accurately by our three-dimensional localization technique on chest wall surface and performed bronchoscopy procedures to increase diagnostic yields. It is more convenient, economical and reliable with the similar diagnostic yields than R-EBUS guided method.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ChiCTR-DDD-16009715. The date of registration: 3rd Nov, 2016. Retrospectively registered.

肺末梢小型病変の診断と治療におけるバーチャル気管支鏡による診療支援(第27回日本呼吸器内視鏡学会総会 : シンポジウム1-2)

肺末梢小型病変の診断と治療におけるバーチャル気管支鏡による診療支援(第27回日本呼吸器内視鏡学会総会 : シンポジウム1-2)

Localizating and Extracting Small Peripheral Nodules of Lung with Simulating Radiaotherapy Combining Methylene Blue Staining

背景与目的随着肺癌早期筛查的广泛开展及高分辨率计算机断层扫描（comouted tomography, CT）的普及，临床上微小结节型肺癌在可手术的肺癌中所占的比例大幅增加。如何在术中快速而准确地找到病灶是近年来胸外科医生经常面临的问题。为此我们开展此项研究，旨在探索利用放射治疗计划系统模拟引导穿刺染色定位外周肺部微小结节，并评估这一新方法的定位效率和临床应用价值。方法2012年2月-2015年1月我们对97例患者共100枚直径1 cm内的肺部周围型微小病灶，术前利用放射治疗计划系统，对病灶进行CT模拟定位，患者麻醉后依据术前放疗计划标记的穿刺位点、角度和深度，向病灶注射亚甲蓝，继而手术，在胸腔镜下根据染色标记楔形切除病灶区域肺组织。剖视标本并快速病理检查。统计穿刺注射亚甲蓝的时间、染料注射完毕至剖胸寻视到染色斑的时间、色斑中心点与病灶边缘的距离、定位成功率和并发症率等数据。结果100枚病灶共完成定位96枚，成功率为96%。麻醉后皮肤定位点穿刺注射亚甲蓝的时间为（4.85±1.25）min；染料注射结束至入胸寻找到染色斑的时间为（16.36±2.36）min；色斑中心点与病灶边缘的距离为（4.78±2.34）mm；所有患者无并发症。结论放疗计划系统模拟定位引导穿刺亚甲蓝注射法对肺部周围型微小结节的定位成功率较高，无相关并发症。此方法可避免患者清醒状态下穿刺定位的恐惧和疼痛，并可明显减少患者的辐射危害。

Bronchoscopic Diagnosis of Small Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions

Bronchoscopic Diagnosis of Small Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions