The arterial-ligation-alone method for identifying the intersegmental plane during thoracoscopic anatomic segmentectomy

Comparison of Early Functional Recovery Following Triportal Robot-Assisted and Uniportal Video-Assisted Segmentectomy in Patients With Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) is more precise and flexible than video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. This study compared the early postoperative functional recovery of patients who underwent triportal RATS with that of patients who underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (UVATS) for segmentectomy.

METHODS

This observational, prospective study included 172 patients with clinical stage I or II peripheral NSCLC who underwent RATS or UVATS segmentectomy. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance differences between groups. The functional recovery data were collected during the first 4 weeks after discharge via portable devices and questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, Christensen Fatigue Scale, MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, and Leicester Cough Questionnaire).

RESULTS

After PSM, the baseline characteristics were consistent between the groups. RATS was associated with shorter operation time and lower total drainage volume compared to UVATS. However, RATS was associated with more cases of severe postoperative pain. Despite this, patients who underwent RATS recovered well, showed good short-term outcomes in fatigue and physical function, and experienced few postoperative adverse events. The differences in average daily step count and sleep duration were not significant. In terms of global health status (GHS), RATS was slightly but nonsignificantly advantageous.

CONCLUSIONS

In the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway, triportal RATS has potential benefits in terms of perioperative and early postoperative functional recovery after segmentectomy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of Shandong Province: 2022-580; Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2300067977.

Delineation of intersegmental plane: application of blood flow blocking method in pulmonary segmentectomy

BACKGROUND

The Modified Inflation-Deflation Method (MIDM) is widely used in China in pulmonary segmentectomies. We optimized the procedure, which was named as Blood Flow Blocking Method (BFBM), also known as "No-Waiting Segmentectomy". This method has produced commendable clinical outcomes in segmentectomies. The aim of this research is to confirm whether the intersegmental planes formed by MIDM and BFBM techniques during segmentectomies have high degree of concordance.

METHODS

We utilized the Open Sequential Test design in our study. Using both MIDM and BFBM techniques, intersegmental planes were created in the same patient, one after the other. The degree of alignment between the planes formed by the two techniques was assessed by two experienced chief surgeons. Based on the results obtained in each case, a test line was plotted until it intersected the effective or ineffective line.

RESULTS

In every case studied, the intersegmental planes created by the MIDM and BFBM displayed high congruity. The test line crossed the effective line during the 12th case. When comparing the time taken to form the intersegmental plane using either MIDM or BFBM technique, no significant difference was observed. However, the application of the BFBM technique resulted in an average time savings of 13.8 min.

CONCLUSIONS

In segmentectomies, the intersegmental planes formed by MIDM and BFBM techniques exhibit high concordance. However, given that BFBM affords a time-saving advantage, we propose that BFBM could potentially replace MIDM in performing lung segmentectomies.

Indocyanine green fluorescence identification of the intersegmental plane by the target segmental vein-first single-blocking during thoracoscopic segmentectomy

BACKGROUND

Innovative attempt to explore the feasibility and accuracy of using indocyanine green fluorescence (ICGF) to identify the intersegmental plane by the target segmental veins preferential ligation during thoracoscopic segmentectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 32 consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy with intersegmental plane identification using both ICGF and inflation-deflation method after target segmental veins prioritized blocking at Nanjing Chest Hospital from December 2022 to June 2023. Preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction was used to identify the target segment and the anatomical structure of the arteries, veins, and bronchi. After ligating the target segmental veins during surgery, the first intersegmental plane was immediately identified and marked with an electrocoagulation device using an inflation-deflation method. Subsequently, the second intersegmental plane was determined using the ICGF method. Finally, the consistency of the two intersegmental planes was evaluated.

RESULTS

All the 32 patients successfully completed thoracoscopic segmentectomy without ICG-related complications and perioperative death. The average operation time was (98.59 ± 20.72) min, the average intraoperative blood loss was (45.31 ± 35.65) ml, and the average postoperative chest tube removal time was (3.5 ± 1.16) days. The average postoperative hospital stay was (4.66 ± 1.29) days, and the average tumor margin width was (26.96 ± 5.86) mm. The intersegmental plane determined by ICGF method was basically consistent with inflation-deflation method in all patients.

CONCLUSION

The ICGF can safely and accurately identify the intersegmental plane by target segmental veins preferential ligation during thoracoscopic segmentectomy, which is a beneficial exploration and important supplement to the simplified thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy.

Enhancing surgical precision in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: A novel approach through temporary pulmonary vascular occlusion

BACKGROUND

To evaluate a novel intraoperative localization technique utilizing temporary pulmonary arteriovenous occlusion for enhancing the precision of sublobar resections in early-stage NSCLC.

METHODS

Conducted from January to November 2023, this study involved 140 patients. During the surgery, key pulmonary vessels were identified using preoperative three-dimensional (3D) imaging and temporarily occluded with noninvasive clamps to isolate the target lung segment. Following vascular occlusion, indocyanine green (ICG) was administered intravenously to precisely delineate the resection margins. After visually confirming the marked areas, the clamps were released, and a targeted partial resection was performed on the delineated segment. Surgical data, including operation times, surgical margins, and hospitalization costs, were collected and compared with those from a historical control group of 110 patients who underwent traditional pulmonary wedge resections.

RESULTS

In the study group, the median surgical margin achieved was 16 mm, which was statistically significant compared to 15 mm in the control group (p < 0.05). Operation times were reduced to an average of 58.43 ± 12.962 min, showing a decrease from the control group's average of 69.50 ± 17.544 min (p < 0.05). Hospitalization costs were also lower, averaging $4772.98 ± 624.339 for the study group versus $5161.34 ± 856.336 for the control group (p < 0.05). Patient safety was maintained with no increase in surgical complications.

CONCLUSION

The technique, leveraging temporary pulmonary arteriovenous occlusion, offered a significant advancement in the surgical treatment of peripheral early-stage NSCLC. It reduced operation time and lowered overall surgical costs. This method represented a promising alternative to traditional surgical approaches.

Application of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for segmentectomy in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: A narrative review

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS) segmentectomy has emerged as an effective approach for managing early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Compared to conventional open and thoracoscopic surgeries, this minimally invasive surgical technique offers multiple benefits, including reduced postoperative discomfort, shorter hospital stays, expedited recovery, fewer complications, and superior cosmetic outcomes. Particularly advantageous in preserving lung function, UVATS segmentectomy is a compelling option for patients with compromised lung capabilities or limited pulmonary reserve. Notably, it demonstrates promising oncological results in early-stage NSCLC, with long-term survival rates comparable to those of lobectomies. Skilled thoracic surgeons can ensure a safe and effective execution of UVATS despite the potential technical challenges posed by complex tumor locations that may hinder visibility and maneuverability within the thoracic cavity. This study provided a comprehensive review of the literature and existing studies on UVATS segmentectomies. It delves into the evolution of the technique, its current applications, and the balance between its benefits and limitations. This discussion extends the technical considerations, challenges, and prospects of UVATS segmentectomy. Furthermore, it aimed to update advancements in segmentectomy for treating early-stage NSCLC, offering in-depth insights to thoracic surgeons to inform more scientifically grounded and patient-specific surgical decisions.

V6 vein-preserving superior segmentectomy: A potentially preferable option

Objective

The increasing identification of pulmonary nodules has led to a growing emphasis on segmentectomy. Nevertheless, the surgical process for segmentectomy is complex and optimizing segmentectomy is a critical clinical concern. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and short- and long-term efficacy of V6-preserving superior segmentectomy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent thoracoscopic superior segmentectomy at our hospital between January 2019 and June 2020. Eligible patients were categorized into an V6 vein-preserving segmentectomy (VVPS) group and a Non V6 vein-preserving segmentectomy (NVVPS) group depending on the preservation of V6. Primary outcome measures encompassed the evaluation of surgical safety (surgical margins, 3-year overall survival, and disease-free survival), whereas secondary measures included postoperative complication rates, operative time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, and associated costs.

Results

The analysis included a final cohort of 78 patients. In the NVVPS group (n = 43), 95.3 % of patients exceeded the tumor diameter, and no positive surgical margins were observed. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates for the NVVPS group were 95.3 %, with no significant differences in OS (p = 0.572) and DFS (P = 0.800) compared with the VVPS group. Additionally, the median total hospitalization cost for the NVVPS group was 41,400 RMB (IQR, 38,800-43,400), which was significantly lower than that of the VVPS group, showing statistical significance (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of postoperative complications and length of stay between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

V6-preserving superior segmentectomy is a secure and optimized surgical alternative. Its streamlined procedure facilitates easier adoption in primary healthcare facilities, rendering it a superior choice for superior segmentectomy.

Noninvasive 3D-CT simulation versus glue injection to localize small pulmonary nodules prior to anatomical segmentectomy: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate whether adding glue injection to three-dimensional computed tomography bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) has extra benefits to facilitate anatomical segmentectomy for pulmonary nodules.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial. The patients undergoing thoracoscopic segmentectomy assisted with 3D-CTBA simulation were enrolled. Then, they were divided into the 3D-CTBA group and the glue-labelling group who received additional computed tomography-guided percutaneous glue (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) injection to label the nodules. The primary outcome was the resection rate of the nodules, and the secondary measures included the operation time, complications and thorax drainage.

RESULTS

A total of 173 patients were randomized into the 3D-CTBA group (89 patients) and glue-labelling group (84 patients) between January 2018 and March 2019. Before the segmentectomy, the patients using glue labelling recorded 5 (6.0%) cases of pneumothorax, 2 (2.4%) cases of haemothorax and 1 (1.2%) case of severe chest pain. All the surgical procedure was performed fluently and safely. The resection rate of the nodules was 100% in both groups. Furthermore, these patients demonstrated similar operation time [(141.5 ± 41.9) vs (142.1 ± 38.9) min], estimated blood loss [(111.3 ± 74.0) vs (106.0 ± 63.8) ml], duration of chest tube duration [(5.1 ± 3.0) vs (5.0 ± 3.5) days] and total drainage volume [(872.3 ± 643.1) vs (826.7 ± 806.0) ml], with a P-value of >0.05 respectively. In addition, 6 (7.1%) patients in the glue-labelling group and 6 (6.7%) patients in the 3D-CTBA group reported air leakage (>5 days) and chylothorax.

CONCLUSIONS

Noninvasive 3D-CTBA alone is probably sufficient to facilitate anatomical segmentectomy. The additional invasive glue labelling could be avoided in selected patients who undergo intentional segmentectomy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered under the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR). Identifier: ChiCTR1800018293, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=29345.

[Indocyanine green fluorescence in thoracoscopic segmentectomy: indications and benefits]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of ICG fluorescence in segmentectomies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One surgical team performed 178 thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomies in two hospitals between 2017 and 2023. Of these, 93 (52.2%) patients underwent ICG fluorescence perfusion tests. This study was retrospective and consecutive. Intraoperative and early postoperative results were analyzed. Patients were divided into 3 equal periods. Ventilation and perfusion methods were used to navigate the intersegmental planes in the first period. In the second one, only ventilation methods were used due to the absence of ICG. In the third period, the choice of navigation method was determined by «surgical complexity of segment».

RESULTS

In 74% of patients, surgeries were performed for primary or metastatic lung tumors. The scheduled procedure was performed in all patients. However, 2 ones required lobectomy for total resection. Uneventful postoperative period was observed in 69.7% of patients. Other ones had complications grade I-IIIA. No reoperations or mortality were recorded.

CONCLUSION

ICG perfusion is not inferior to ventilation methods in identification of intersegmental planes. This method is also more convenient for thoracoscopy. ICG fluorescence thoracoscopy is the only method in patients with COPD scheduled for thoracoscopic segmentectomy with two or more intersegmental planes.

Robot-assisted segmentectomy with improved modified inflation-deflation combined with the intravenous indocyanine green method

To investigate the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent robot-assisted thoracoscopic (RATS) segmentectomy for identifying the intersegmental plane (ISP) by improved modified inflation-deflation (MID) combined with near-infrared fluorescence imaging with the intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) method and to assess the feasibility of this method in a large-scale cohort according to the type of segmentectomy performed. We retrospectively analysed the perioperative data of a total of 155 consecutive patients who underwent RATS segmentectomy between April 2020 and December 2021. Data from the operation, including the demarcation status of the intersegmental plane, were analysed retrospectively. The mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 125.56 ± 36.32 min and 41.81 ± 49.18 mL, respectively. Good demarcation of the intersegmental plane was observed in 150 (96.77%) patients, with no correlation with the type of resected segments or the surgical method. Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo classification grade 3 or more were observed in 4 patients (2.58%), and no ICG-related adverse events were noted. Demarcation of the intersegmental plane by improved MID combined with ICG is feasible regardless of the type of segmentectomy and can be commonly applied in robot-assisted segmentectomy.

Initial experience of thoracoscopic segmentectomy of basal segment through the inferior pulmonary ligament approach in treating congenital lung malformations in children

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and limitations of thoracoscopic segmentectomy of the basal segment (S10).

METHODS

Clinical data of 15 children with congenital lung malformations (CLM) who underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy of S10 via the inferior pulmonary ligament approach from January to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The demographics, clinical presentation, intraoperative time, blood loss, postoperative events, and follow-up duration were assessed.

RESULTS

There were 15 patients in this group (nine males and six females). Age ranges from 4.3 to 96.0 months (median, 7.7 months). Fourteen patients underwent S10 segmentectomy, with one undergoing right S10 segmentectomy and right S6 partial wedge resection. The surgical time was 57-125 min (median, 80 min), intraoperative bleeding volume (5-20 ml; median, 10 ml), postoperative drainage tube indwelling (2-4 d; median, 3 d), and postoperative hospitalization time (4-7 d; median, 5 d). No intraoperative conversions, surgical mortalities, or major complications were observed among these patients. Subcutaneous emphysema appeared in three patients; however, it disappeared following conservative observation without pneumothorax or bronchopleural fistula occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopic segmentectomy of S10 via the inferior pulmonary ligament approach is technically feasible for treating CLM; however, this surgical approach may have certain limitations for CLM with large cysts.

Watershed analysis in wedge resection of pulmonary pure ground-glass nodules hardly localized by CT-guided puncture

BACKGROUND

To investigate the feasibility and safety of watershed analysis after target pulmonary vascular occlusion for the wedge resection in patients with non-palpable and non-localizable pure ground-glass nodules during uniport thoracoscopic surgery.

METHODS

A total of 30 patients with pure ground-glass nodules < 1 cm in diameter, localized in the lateral third of the lung parenchyma, were enrolled. Three-dimensional reconstruction of thin-section computed tomography (CT) data was performed using Mimics software before surgery to observe and identify the target pulmonary vessels supplying the lung tissue in the area where the pulmonary nodules were localized and to temporarily block the target pulmonary vessels during surgery. Next, the extent of the watershed was determined with the expansion-collapse method, and finally, wedge resection was performed. After wedge resection of the target lung tissue, the blocked pulmonary vessel was released, thus allowing operators to complete the procedure without damaging pulmonary vessels.

RESULTS

None of the patients experienced postoperative complications. The chest CT of all patients was reviewed six months after the operation, revealing no tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that watershed analysis following target pulmonary vascular occlusion for wedge resection in pulmonary pure ground-glass nodules is a safe and feasible approach.

Comparison of various lung intersegmental plane identification methods

Keeping a sufficient surgical margin free of tumor is important to prevent local recurrence in lung segmentectomy. Accurate identification of the intersegmental plane is essential to achieve adequate surgical margins. Traditionally, the inflation-deflation method was used to identify the intersegmental plane. However, in recent years, various intersegmental plane identification methods, including systemic indocyanine green injection, have been reported and shown to be useful. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the identification rates, advantages, and disadvantages of various intersegmental identification methods in lung segmentectomy. There are primarily six methods: inflation-deflation method, selective segmental inflation, endobronchial dye injection, virtual-assisted lung mapping, systemic indocyanine green injection, and pure oxygen method. These are broadly classified into those that use bronchi and pulmonary arteries anatomically and those that use air and dye technically. In this review, all methods showed relatively high identification rates. Moreover, high identification rates were expected, especially with systemic indocyanine green injection and the pure oxygen method. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages as varying situations entail different methods. It is necessary to select and apply them effectively; therefore, further improvement for each method will be required in the future.

Identification of the intersegmental plane by arterial ligation method during thoracoscopic segmentectomy

Background

Thoracoscopic segmentectomy is a common surgical procedure in thoracic surgery today. However, identifying the intersegmental plane is difficult in the surgical process. Therefore, we evaluated the feasibility of the arterial ligation method for determining the intersegmental plane and compared the demarcation status with the intravenous indocyanine green (ICG).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 35 patients with peripheral small lung nodules who underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy between May and December 2020. First, the preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction was performed to distinguish the location of lung nodules and the anatomical structures of targeted segmental arteries, veins, and bronchi. Second, the targeted segmental arteries were ligated, and the intersegmental plane was determined by the inflation-deflation technique. The waiting time for the appearance of the inflation-deflation line was recorded. Thirdly, the intersegmental plane was identified again using the ICG fluorescence method. Finally, the consistency of the two intersegmental planes was evaluated.

Results

The intersegmental planes were successfully observed in all patients using the arterial ligation method. Thirty-four patients underwent segmentectomy as planned, and one patient finally underwent lobectomy due to insufficient surgical margin. The waiting time for the appearance of the intersegmental plane by arterial ligation method was 13.7 ± 3.2 min (6–19 min). The intersegmental planes determined by the arterial ligation method and the ICG fluorescence method were comparable, with a maximum distance of no more than 5 mm between the two planes. The mean operative duration was 119.1 ± 34.9 min, and the mean blood loss was 76.9 ± 70.3 ml. No evident air leakage was found during the operation. Only one patient experienced a prolonged air leak (≥ 5 days) during the postoperative recovery. No atelectasis occurred in all cases. The chest tube duration was 3.1 ± 0.9 days.

Conclusion

The arterial ligation method can efficiently and accurately identify the intersegmental plane, comparable to the ICG fluorescence method.

Comparison of bronchial methylene blue staining and modified inflation-deflation method in identifying the intersegmental plane during lung segmentectomy

Background

Identification of the intersegmental plane (ISP) is the critical step in lung segmentectomy because of the complicated anatomic variations. Bronchial methylene blue staining was developed by our team in 2015 and is now commonly used at our center, it could rapidly and accurately identify the ISP. In this study, we aimed to compare bronchial methylene blue staining with the modified inflation-deflation method in terms of their perioperative characteristics and to present our experience of the methylene blue method.

Methods

From June 2020 to September 2021, the data of 112 patients with pulmonary ground-glass nodules who underwent segmentectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-two patients underwent bronchial methylene blue staining, and 50 patients underwent the modified inflation-deflation method.

Results

Both methods could accurately identify the ISP. The time taken to clearly display the ISP (82.94±28.08 vs. 868.20±145.89 seconds; P<0.001) and the surgical duration (131.69±32.05 vs. 146.08±28.11 minutes; P=0.014) were significantly shorter in the bronchial methylene blue staining group than in the modified inflation-deflation group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the bleeding volume, drainage time, and length of postoperative hospital stay, as well as in most other perioperative characteristics.

Conclusions

Compared with the modified inflation-deflation method, the bronchial methylene blue staining method can quickly display the ISP and shorten the surgical duration. This method is safe and feasible, can be widely applied during thoracoscopic anatomic segmentectomy.

Division of the intersegmental demarcation using the "modified hand-tearing method" is safe and feasible in thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy

BACKGROUND

The accurate and safe division of the intersegmental demarcation (ISD) is critical and challenging during thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy. Here, we provide an improved technique which emphasizes the application of an electric hook and blunt division of ISD. The technique is termed as the "modified hand-tearing method" (MHT method) with combined application of an electric hook and staplers. The study aimed to review the outcomes of patients who underwent thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy, with or without the MHT method in our institute and assess its feasibility and safety. In addition, we compared the feasibility between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) using the MHT method.

METHODS

From 2018 July to 2021 June, we retrospectively analyzed 701 patients who underwent segmentectomy. Using propensity score matching, data of two well-matched pairs of 276 cases in the MHT method and non-MHT method groups, and two well-matched pairs of 40 cases in the VATS and RATS subgroups were obtained. The clinical and perioperative characteristics of patients were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the non-MHT method group, the MHT method group had shorter operation time and shorter postoperative hospital stay. Period of chest tube drainage and postoperative total drainage and postoperative complications had no between-group difference. Compared with VATS, the RATS subgroup had less intraoperative bleeding and shorter postoperative hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Division of ISD using the MHT method has advantages in precision and ease of operation, so it has the potential to become a feasible and effective method for thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy.

[Feasibility Investigation of Fluorescence Method in Uniport Thoracoscopic Anatomical Segmentectomy for Identifying the Intersegmental Boundary Line]

BACKGROUND

Segmentectomy has gradually become one of the standard surgical methods for small pulmonary nodules with early lung cancer on imaging. This study aimed to investigate the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent uniport video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy for identifying the intersegmental boundary line (IBL) by the near-infrared fluorescence imaging with intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) method or the modified inflation-deflation (MID) method and assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the ICG fluorescence (ICGF)-based method.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the perioperative data in total 198 consecutive patients who underwent uniport VATS segmentectomy between February 2018 and August 2020. With the guidance of preoperative intelligent/interactive qualitative and quantitative analysis-three dimensional (IQQA-3D), the targeted segment structures could be precisely identified and dissected, and then the IBL was confirmed by ICGF-based method or MID method. Clinical effectiveness and postoperative complications of the two methods were evaluated.

RESULTS

An IBL was visible in 98% of patients by the ICGF-based group, even with the low-doses of ICG. The ICGF-based group was significantly associated with the shorter IBL clear presentation time [(23.59±4.47) s vs (1,026.80±318.34) s] (P<0.01) and operative time [(89.3±31.6) min vs (112.9±33.3) min] (P<0.01), compared to the MID group. The incidence of postoperative prolonged air leaks was higher in the MID group than in the ICGF-based group (8.0% vs 26.5%, P=0.025). There were no significant differences in bleeding volume, chest tube duration, postoperative hospital stays, surgical margin width and other postoperative complications (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The ICGF-based method could highly accurately identify the IBL and make anatomical segmentectomy easier and faster, and therefore has the potential to be a feasible and effective technique to facilitate the quality of uniport VATS segmentectomy.

Demarcation of arteriopulmonary segments: a novel and effective method for the identification of pulmonary segments

Objective

Each pulmonary segment is an anatomical and functional unit. However, it is fundamentally difficult to precisely distinguish every pulmonary segment using the conventional pulmonary intersegmental planes from computed tomography images. Building arteriopulmonary segments is likely to be an effective way to identify pulmonary segments.

Methods

The thoracic computed tomography images of 40 patients were collected. The anatomic structures of interest were extracted in the transverse, sagittal, and coronal planes using the semi-automated segmentation tools provided by Amira software. The intrapulmonary vessels were subsequently segmented and reconstructed. The distributions of the pulmonary arteries, veins, and bronchi were observed. In patients with pulmonary masses, the mass was also reconstructed.

Results

The three-dimensional reconstructed images showed the branches of the pulmonary artery ramified up to their eighth order covering the entire lung as well as evident intersegmental gaps without pulmonary arteries. The segmental artery was closely accompanied by the segmental bronchi in 486 pulmonary segments (90% of total number of segments). The size and spatial location of the pulmonary mass within a pulmonary segment were also clearly visible.

Conclusions

Demarcation of arteriopulmonary segments can be used to precisely distinguish every pulmonary segment and provide its detailed anatomical structure before pulmonary segmentectomy.

Feasibility investigation of near-infrared fluorescence imaging with intravenous indocyanine green method in uniport video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy for identifying the intersegmental boundary line

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent uniport video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) segmentectomy for identifying the intersegmental boundary line (IBL) by the near-infrared fluorescence imaging with the intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) method or the modified inflation-deflation (MID) method and assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the ICG fluorescence (ICGF)-based method.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the perioperative data in total 198 consecutive patients who underwent uniport VATS segmentectomy between February 2018 and August 2020. With the guidance of a preoperative imaging interpretation and analysis system (IQQA-3D), the targeted segment structures could be precisely identified and dissected, and then the IBL was confirmed by the ICGF-based method or the MID method. The clinical effectiveness and postoperative complications of the two methods were evaluated.

RESULTS

An IBL was visible in 98% of patients in the ICGF-based group, even with low doses of ICG. The ICGF-based group was significantly associated with a shorter IBL clear presentation time (23.6 ± 4.4 vs. 23.6 ± 4.4 s) (p < 0.01) and operative time (89.3 ± 31.6 vs. 112.9 ± 33.3 min) (p < 0.01) compared to the MID group. The incidence of postoperative prolonged air leaks was higher in the MID group than in the ICGF-based group (8/100, 8% vs. 26/98, 26.5%, p = 0.025). There were no significant differences in bleeding volume, chest tube duration, postoperative hospital stays, surgical margin width, and other postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

The ICGF-based method could highly accurately identify the IBL and make anatomical segmentectomy easier and faster, and therefore has the potential to be a feasible and effective technique to facilitate the quality of uniport VATS segmentectomy.

Surgeon Knowledge of the Pulmonary Arterial System and Surgical Plan Confidence Is Improved by Interactive Virtual 3D-CT Models of Lung Cancer Patient Anatomies

Objective: Interactive three-dimensional virtual models of pulmonary structures (3D-CT) may improve the safety and accuracy of robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 3D-CT models as an imaging adjunct on surgical confidence and anatomical assessment for lobectomy planning. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the response of 10 specialist thoracic surgeons who each reviewed 10 pre-operative images of patients undergoing robotic-assisted lobectomy lung cancer cases from June to November 2018 in our institute, resulting in 100 data points. The number of arteries, veins, and bronchi entering the resected lobes were determined from the operation video recording by the operating surgeon. 3D-CT models were generated for each case and made available for online visualization and manipulation. Thoracic surgeons were invited to participate in the survey which consisted of evaluation of CT (control) and 3D-CT (intervention) models. A questionnaire regarding anatomical structures, surgical approach, and confidence was administered. Results: Ten participants were recruited. 3D-CT models led to a significant (p < 0.003) increase in the surgeons' ability to correctly identifying pulmonary arteries entering the resection lobes in 35% (CT) and 57% (3D-CT) of cases. A significant (p < 1e-13) improvement in anatomy assessment and surgical plan confidence was observed for the 3D-CT arm, with median Likert scale scores of "2-Slightly easy" (CT) and "4-Very easy" (3D-CT). Conclusion: The use of 3D-CT models for thoracic surgery planning increases the surgeon confidence in recognizing anatomical structures, largely by enhanced appreciation of anatomical variations in the segmental pulmonary arterial system. Further studies are needed to investigate if 3D-CT models can be used in providing precise information about segmental artery distribution and therefore surgical planning of sub-lobar resections.