CT-guided microcoil localization for pulmonary nodules in the scapula-shadowed area before Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and safety of CT-guided microcoil localization for pulmonary nodules in the scapula-shadowed area before video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Materials and Methods Forty-seven patients (18 males, 19 females; mean age 57.5 years) with 48 pulmonary nodules covered by the scapulae were consecutively enrolled in this study. Successful targeting, localization, and VATS were defined as implantation of microcoil at the target site on CT image obtained immediately after the marking procedure, visualization of nodule location during VATS, and complete resection of the target nodule with adequate margin, respectively. Meanwhile, the procedure-related complication rate was also recorded. Results The rates of successful targeting and localization were 95.8% (46/48) and 89.6% (43/48), respectively. Of all nodules, 47 were successfully resected with VATS (30 wedge resections; 17 anatomic resections) and 1 nodule was converted to open thoracotomy for diffuse pleural adhesion, thus the successful VATS rate was 97.9% (47/48). With respect to procedure-related complications, only minor complications (including localized pneumothorax and intrapulmonary hemorrhage) were developed and the rate of overall procedure-related complications was 37.5% (18/48), including minor pneumothorax developed in 15 of 48 nodules (31.3%) and intrapulmonary hemorrhage in 6 of 48 nodules (12.5%). Conclusions CT-guided microcoil technique is a safe and effective localization method prior to VATS for the nodules in the scapula-shadowed area.