Transbronchial Techniques for Lung Cancer Treatment: Where Are We Now?

The demand for parenchyma-sparing local therapies for lung cancer is rising owing to an increasing incidence of multifocal lung cancers and patients who are unfit for surgery. With the latest evidence of the efficacy of lung cancer screening, more premalignant or early-stage lung cancers are being discovered and the paradigm has shifted from treatment to prevention. Transbronchial therapy is an important armamentarium in the local treatment of lung cancers, with microwave ablation being the most promising based on early to midterm results. Adjuncts to improve transbronchial ablation efficiency and accuracy include mobile C-arm platforms, software to correct for the CT-to-body divergence, metal-containing nanoparticles, and robotic bronchoscopy. Other forms of energy including steam vapor therapy and pulse electric field are under intensive investigation.

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy transbronchial lung nodule ablation with IllumisiteTM platform corrects CT-to-body divergence with tomosynthesis and improves ablation workflow: a case report

Background

Transbronchial ablation of lung nodules is gaining popularity as part of lung-preserving strategy for patients with multifocal lung cancers or multiple lung oligometastases. Accuracy in placement of ablation catheter is of utmost importance in order to achieve adequate ablation margin. However, older systems are not precise enough for confident placement of ablation catheter and often require multiple cone-beam CT (CBCT) to confirm and readjust its position. The following case is the first microwave lung ablation utilizing the novel Illumisite^TM platform (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) in the hybrid operating room (HOR), with enhanced accuracy and workflow.

Case Description

A 66-year-old lady had multiple resected adenocarcinomas in bilateral lungs. Upon CT monitoring a right middle lobe (RML) ground glass opacity with solid centre was found to be suspicious due to increasing size and density. Transbronchial electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) microwave ablation of the lesion was performed as part of lung-conserving strategy. After initial navigation, the adjusted nodule position provided by the IllumisiteTM platform after correcting the CT-to-body divergence prompted operators to renavigate and readjust the position of the locatable guide (LG) swiftly to gain accurate access to the nodule, which was confirmed by CBCT. Positional data at the tip of extended working channel (EWC) also allowed precise placement of needle for subsequent ablation.

Conclusions

Illumisite^TM is a novel electromagnetic navigational platform that corrects for CT-to-body divergence and ensures continuous locational information by an additional positional coil in the tip of EWC. This precision is especially important for the placement of ablation catheter, as slight deviation would lead to insufficient ablation margin and future recurrence. Workflow is improved by reducing the number of CBCT required for instrument position adjustment.

Thoracic surgery in Hong Kong

In the era of modernized medicine, thoracic surgery has been focusing on achieving minimally invasive surgery and providing a one-stop solution in treating thoracic diseases. Particularly in the Asia population, where patients are keen to have smaller wound and shorter hospital stay, thoracic surgery in Hong Kong has evolved from the traditional open thoracotomy approach to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In our institution, uniportal VATS for major lung resection was developed in 2012. While uniportal VATS has brought advantages into managing thoracic pathologies, it also brought challenges like instrument fencing during manipulation and suboptimal visualization angle. To improve the procedure and its outcomes, novel techniques and equipment have been developed, for example, double-hinged instruments, robotic assisted technology and magnetic anchored and guided endoscopes (MAGS). With advanced medical imaging nowadays, management of small lung nodules or ground glass opacity (GGO) is in higher demand than ever before. Our hybrid operating room (HOR) can incorporate instant and real-time imaging in lesion localization, and provide treatment via VATS or electromagnetic navigated bronchoscopic (ENB) ablation in a one-stop manner. This paper will review the literature related to the historical development and clinical outcomes of thoracic surgery in Hong Kong and discuss the future perspective of ongoing development.

Ten-Year Experience of Chest Wall Reconstruction: Retrospective Review of a Titanium Plate MatrixRIB™ System

Chest wall tumor resection can result in a large defect that can pose a challenge in reconstruction in restoring chest wall contour, maintaining respiratory mechanics, and improving cosmesis. Titanium plates were first introduced for treating a traumatic flail chest, which yielded promising results in restoring chest wall stability. Subsequently, the applications of titanium plates in chest wall reconstruction surgery were demonstrated in case reports and series. Our center has adopted this technique for a decade, and patients are actively followed up after operation. Here, we retrospectively analyze our 10-year experience of using titanium plates and other reconstruction approaches for chest wall reconstruction, in terms of clinical outcomes, complications, and reasons for reoperation to determine long-term safety and efficacy. Thirty-eight patients who underwent chest wall resection and reconstruction surgery were identified. Of these, 11 had titanium plate insertion, 11 had patch repair or flap reconstruction, and the remaining 16 had primary closure of defects. Chest wall reconstruction using titanium plate(s) and patch repair (with or without flap reconstruction) was associated with larger chest wall defects and more sternal resections than primary closure. Subgroup analysis also showed that reconstruction by the titanium plate technique was associated with larger chest wall defects than patch repair or flap reconstruction [286.80 cm2 vs. 140.91 cm2 (p = 0.083)]. There was no 30-day hospital mortality. Post-operative arrhythmia was more commonly seen following chest wall reconstruction compared with primary closure (p = 0.041). Furthermore, more wound infections were detected following the use of titanium plate reconstruction compared with the patch repair (with or without flap reconstruction) approach (p = 0.027). In conclusion, the titanium plate system is a safe, effective, and robust approach for chest wall reconstruction surgery, especially in tackling larger defect sizes.

Robotic Assisted-Bronchoscopy With Cone-Beam CT ICG Dye Marking for Lung Nodule Localization: Experience Beyond USA

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence dye marking of subsolid, small and deep lung lesions facilitates subsequent minimally invasive lung resection surgeries. The novel robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) platform can improve the accuracy and yield of ENB biopsy, and the use of RAB has been extended to ICG dye marking. However, performing this procedure in the hybrid operating room guided by cone-beam CT (CBCT) with immediate proceed to lung surgery has not been well reported. We studied the safety, feasibility and clinical outcomes of 5 consecutive cases performed between December 2021 and March 2022. Navigation success was 100% while localization success using ICG was 80%. The benefits and pitfalls of robotic bronchoscopy procedures, and challenges of combining with hybrid operating room CBCT were discussed in detail. In conclusion, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is a promising and useful tool for ICG fluorescence dye-marking, providing accurate navigation, superior maneuverability and improved ergonomics compared to conventional bronchoscopy-guided ENB procedures. Learning curve is reasonable, but meticulous system set up to incorporate the robotic system into existing CBCT platform may be required to ensure a smooth procedure.

A human pluripotent stem cell-based model of SARS-CoV-2 infection reveals an ACE2-independent inflammatory activation of vascular endothelial cells through TLR4

To date, the direct causative mechanism of SARS-CoV-2-induced endotheliitis remains unclear. Here, we report that human ECs barely express surface ACE2, and ECs express less intracellular ACE2 than non-ECs of the lungs. We ectopically expressed ACE2 in hESC-ECs to model SARS-CoV-2 infection. ACE2-deficient ECs are resistant to the infection but are more activated than ACE2-expressing ones. The virus directly induces endothelial activation by increasing monocyte adhesion, NO production, and enhanced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK), NF-κB, and eNOS in ACE2-expressing and -deficient ECs. ACE2-deficient ECs respond to SARS-CoV-2 through TLR4 as treatment with its antagonist inhibits p38 MAPK/NF-κB/ interleukin-1β (IL-1β) activation after viral exposure. Genome-wide, single-cell RNA-seq analyses further confirm activation of the TLR4/MAPK14/RELA/IL-1β axis in circulating ECs of mild and severe COVID-19 patients. Circulating ECs could serve as biomarkers for indicating patients with endotheliitis. Together, our findings support a direct role for SARS-CoV-2 in mediating endothelial inflammation in an ACE2-dependent or -independent manner.

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The majority of adult and fetal ECs rarely express surface ACE2

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ACE2 is dispensable for SARS-CoV-2-mediated endothelial activation

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SARS-CoV-2 directly induces endothelial inflammation through TLR4 activation

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ScRNA-seq reveals TLR4 pathway activation in circulating ECs of COVID-19 patients

Organoids in Lung Cancer Management

Lung cancer is a complex milieu of genomically altered cancer cells, a diverse collection of differentiated cells and nonneoplastic stroma. Lung cancer organoids is a three-dimensional structure grown from patient cancer tissue that could mimic in vivo complex behavior and cellular architecture of the cancer. Furthermore, the genomic alterations of the primary lung tumor is captured ex vivo. Lung cancer organoids have become an important preclinical model for oncology studies in recent years. It could be used to model the development of lung cancer, investigate the process of tumorigenesis, and also study the signaling pathways. The organoids could also be a platform to perform drug screening and biomarker validation of lung cancer, providing a promising prediction of patient-specific drug response. In this review, we described how lung cancer organoids have opened new avenues for translating basic cancer research into clinical therapy and discussed the latest and future developments in organoid technology, which could be further applied in lung cancer organoids research.

Management of bronchopleural fistula with endobronchial valve in hybrid operating room following transbronchial microwave ablation

Transbronchial microwave ablation for the treatment of lung nodules is gaining popularity. In the present case, transbronchial microwave ablation to a right middle lobe lesion was performed under electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy guidance. It was complicated with pneumothorax and persistent air leak despite chest drainage and chemical pleurodesis. A diagnosis of bronchopleural fistula was reached and an endobronchial valve was implanted to the middle lobe segmental bronchus with almost immediate cessation of air leak. Our case demonstrated that endobronchial valve is safe and effective in managing bronchopleural fistula after transbronchial microwave ablation.

Transbronchial microwave ablation of lung nodules with electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy guidance-a novel technique and initial experience with 30 cases

Background

Microwave ablation of lung nodules may provide a faster, larger and more predictable ablation zone than other energy sources, while bronchoscopic transbronchial ablation has theoretical advantage of fewer pleural-based complications than percutaneous approach. Our study aims to determine whether the novel combination of bronchoscopic approach and microwave ablation in management of lung nodules is technically feasible, safe and effective.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of a single center experience in electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy microwave ablation in hybrid operating room. Patients had high surgical risks while lung nodules were either proven malignant or radiologically suspicious. Primary endpoints include technical feasibility and safety.

Results

Total of 30 lung nodules from 25 patients were treated. Mean nodule size was 15.1 mm, and bronchus directly leads to the nodules (bronchus sign positive) in only half of them. Technical success rate was 100%, although some nodules required double ablation for adequate coverage. Mean minimal ablation margin was 5.51 mm. The mean actual ablation zone volume was -21.4% compared to predicted, likely due to significant tissue contraction ranging from 0-43%. There was no significant heat sink effect. Mean hospital stay was 1.73 days, and only 1 patient stayed for more than 3 days. Complications included pain (13.3%), pneumothorax requiring drainage (6.67%), post-ablation reaction (6.67%), pleural effusion (3.33%) and hemoptysis (3.33%). After median follow up of 12 months, none of the nodules had evidence of progression.

Conclusions

Bronchoscopic transbronchial microwave ablation is safe and feasible for treatment of malignant lung nodules. Prospective study on clinical application of this novel technique is warranted.

Use of custom made 3-dimensional printed surgical guide for manubrio-sternal resection of solitary breast cancer metastasis: case report

A 44-year-old lady with solitary 4.4-cm metastasis to the manubrium from a previously resected invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast underwent manubrio-sternal resection. We describe our unique approach of using 3-dimensional (3D)-computed tomography (CT) image segmentation planning for reconstructing desirable resection boundaries, design of ideal superficial and deep surgical resection guides, and followed by 3D printing of guides using autoclavable thermoplastic for use during surgery. The surgical guides over the ribs and sternum rapidly and accurately define resection lines intraoperatively, achieve good surgical margins, and could reduce resection and reconstruction related morbidity for performing complex surgical resection of the chest wall. The patient was discharged 2 weeks postoperatively and remained free from local recurrence on CT scan 1-year after resection.

The comparison of electromagnetic with virtual bronchoscopic navigation accuracy at hybrid operating room in patient with sternal wires

We describe a case of a 63-year-old lady with an incidental small right upper lobe ground glass opacity (GGO) lesion, who had history of open-heart surgery with bypass grafts for coronary artery disease. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) excisional biopsy with pre-operative localization was planned. Localization by percutaneous approach is challenging due to position of GGO shielded by both the scapular and ribs. Electromagnetic navigation accuracy may be affected by steel sternal wires but its effect has not been reported on literature. Both virtual and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy platforms were used with real-time cone-beam CT confirmation in the hybrid operating room to perform dye marking. Both navigation methods successfully marked the GGO for lung resection. Our case demonstrated that the accuracy of electromagnetic navigation in the presence of steel sternal wire is satisfactory for dye marking and the use of intra-operative cone-beam CT in hybrid operating room is invaluable for the success of navigational bronchoscopy.

Devising the guidelines: the techniques of pulmonary nodule localization in uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery-hybrid operating room in the future

Pulmonary nodules beneath the pleura can be hard to visualize or palpate, especially during the uniportal thoracoscopic surgery. Conventionally, thoracic surgeons would use adjuvant modalities to localize the lesion preoperatively, of which computed tomography-guided hookwire implantation has been adopted most widely due to its feasibility and high success rate. However, procedure-associated complications such as pneumothorax and wire dislodgement can cause patient discomfort or localization failure. Occasionally more healthy tissue is resected than needed to guarantee the lesion is removed and with an adequate margin. A thoracotomy is necessary for specific scenario. With the development of imaging technology, it is now possible to replace the traditional workflow carried out in the radiology suite by centralizing the hookwire placement and uniportal minimally-invasive pulmonary resection inside the hybrid theater which equipped with advanced imaging devices. Theoretically, the advanced intra-operative imaging-guided techniques help to precisely locate and resection pulmonary lesion in a potentially tissue-sparing and quick paradigm.

Evidence for surgical resections in oligometastatic lung cancer

With the advent of advanced technology in performing diagnostics for lung cancer, an incremental increase in the number of patients with oligometastatic disease is currently being managed with intent to cure. As treatment of selected types of patients with oligometastasis show favourable outcomes, the past notion of managing these patients palliatively is fast becoming extinct. Selection of patients based on established criterion together with surgical metastasectomy combined with multiple ablative techniques with or without systemic chemotherapy offers a reasonable rate of treatment success which provides basis for treating such patient population. As more evidence becomes available to suggest that the oligometastatic state of lung cancer does exist, and are potentially curable, a better understanding of the condition is necessary for clinicians, and surgeons to provide optimal care. In this review we present some of the clinical basis which may cause a paradigm shift in management of patients with oligometastatic lung disease.

Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy Triple Contrast Dye Marking for Lung Nodule Localization

Small pulmonary lesions can be difficult to localize during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) dye marking of the lesion, particularly when guided by cone beam computed tomography in the hybrid operating room (HOR), is an emerging approach. However, issues with confirmation of dye injection and intraoperative visualization of the colored dye can be unpredictable and challenging. To address these uncertainties, we present our technique of ENB dye marking localization of lung nodule using the triple-contrast dye method in the HOR.

Novel method for rapid identification of micropapillary or solid components in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Sublobar resection may be insufficient for early-stage lung adenocarcinoma with micropapillary or solid components because of the associated higher incidence of locoregional recurrence. This study sought to establish a novel method for rapidly identifying their presence to facilitate decision making for sublobar resection.

METHODS

Antibody arrays of adhesion and apoptosis molecules were applied for adenocarcinomas with or without micropapillary/solid components to identify differentially expressed proteins. A semi-dry dot-blot system that visualizes the presence of target proteins was used to determine the presence of micropapillary or solid components in a prospective cohort of patients with clinical stage I who underwent operation. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by comparing semi-dry dot-blot results with pathologic examinations.

RESULTS

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 and P-cadherin were found more frequently in the micropapillary or solid positive group, and these were used as the target proteins in the semi-dry dot-blot system for detection of micropapillary or solid components. A total of 68 nodules with a mean size of 2.3 ± 0.7 cm, including 13 (19.1%) with a micropapillary and 20 (29.4%) with a solid pattern, were recruited. Micropapillary or solid (+) lesions were more likely to have lymph node upstaging, greater diameter, and higher maximum standardized uptake value. The specificity and sensitivity for detecting the minor presence of micropapillary or solid component using the semi-dry dot-blot method were 94.4% (95% confidence interval, 81.3-99.3) and 65.6% (95% confidence interval, 46.8-81.4), respectively. The average test duration was 26.9 ± 2.5 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Detecting insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 and P-cadherin via the semi-dry dot-blot method could identify micropapillary or solid components in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma in a short processing time.

Catheter-based alternative treatment for early-stage lung cancer with a high-risk for morbidity

The mainstream treatment modality for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is surgery; however, many patients are deemed inoperable and warrant alternative therapeutic options. Several minimally invasive catheter-based therapies are emerging as viable alternatives. In this review, we evaluate the outcomes from radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), cryoablation (CRA) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for early-stage lung cancer. Novel technical developments have allowed for endobronchial thermal ablation to be conducted in a hybrid theatre setting, which may optimize treatment outcomes and minimise treatment-related complications.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery for tiny pulmonary nodules with real-time image guidance in the hybrid theatre: the initial experience

Background

Localization of tiny lung nodules during video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) resection can be challenging. Real-time image-guided hookwire localization of the target lesions immediately followed by VATS lung resection in the hybrid operating theatre setting is an emerging approach.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our experience with this form of hybrid operating theatre image-guided VATS (iVATS) for lung nodules 1.5 cm or less, or soft in consistency. These patients were compared with matched cohort who received standard hookwire localization in the radiology department.

Results

From February 2014 to September 2017, lung nodules of indeterminate nature in 32 consecutive patients with mean size 9.1±4.6 mm underwent iVATS. All were accurately localized by hookwire and successfully resected. There was no postoperative mortality. There were 21 (66%) malignant lesions, all with adequate resection margins. Major outcomes were compared with a comparable cohort of 8 patients who received standard hookwire localization and VATS (sVATS) performed at separate departments operation suites. sVATS groups has significantly longer 'at-risk' period for pneumothorax progression and hookwire dislodgement (109.5±57.1 minutes for sVATS vs. 41.1±15.0 minutes for iVATS, P=0.011), and a higher risk of hookwire dislodgement (25% for sVATS vs. 0 for iVATS, P=0.036).

Conclusions

Real-time image-guided hookwire localization in the hybrid theatre setting is an effective facilitator of VATS resection of tiny lung nodules in selected patients, and may have added advantages in terms of safety and localization accuracy over the conventional sVATS method.

Multi-dimensional printing in thoracic surgery: current and future applications

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been gaining much attention in the medical field in recent years. At present, 3D printing most commonly contributes in pre-operative surgical planning of complicated surgery. It is also utilized for producing personalized prosthesis, well demonstrated by the customized rib cage, vertebral body models and customized airway splints. With on-going research and development, it will likely play an increasingly important role across the surgical fields. This article reviews current application of 3D printing in thoracic surgery and also provides a brief overview on the extended and updated use of 3D printing in bioprinting and 4D printing.

Massive pericardial effusion after Nuss procedure: to drain or not to drain?

A 11-year-old boy presented with refractory fever and dyspnoea after Nuss procedure. Massive pericardial effusion was detected on computer tomography scan performed under corticosteroid cover for his asthmatic history. With rapid clinical improvement following corticosteroids, a clinical diagnosis of post-pericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) was made. Following a course of oral prednisolone, serial blood test and echocardiogram showed gradual resolution of inflammation and pericardial effusion. This rarely-reported case serves as a poignant reminder to PPS after Nuss procedure as a cause of febrile massive pericardial effusion. Early therapeutic trial of corticosteroids may prevent clinical deterioration, and have invasive pericardial drainage avoided.

Anaesthesiology for uniportal VATS: double lumen, single lumen and tubeless

The advent of one-lung ventilation (OLV) technique provides immobilized surgical field which is fundamental in minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Mainstem methods of achieving lung separation are either via a double-lumen endotracheal tube or placing a bronchial blocker (BB) through a single-lumen endotracheal tube. More recently, the use of non-intubated thoracic surgery (NITS) has been investigated intensively, attempting to minimise the complications that follow general anaesthesia. The aim of this review is to describe the mechanism of these techniques briefly and outlines the advantages and drawbacks of them with the comparison.

Laser resection of pulmonary nodule via uniportal thoracoscopic surgery

Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lung wedge resection usually requires three devices, thoracoscope, lung retracting instrument and an endo-stapler cutter to perform the procedure. With advances in miniaturization of the thoracoscope and lung retracting instruments, a major limitation to operating through a smaller uniportal incision has become the endo-stapler. We describe the surgical technique for uniportal VATS laser lung resection which uses a much narrower laser catheter device to replace the endo-stapler for resection. The new approach to limited lung resection can potentially reduce instrument fencing and the uniportal incision wound size, while achieving satisfactory hemostasis and pneumostasis.

Image-guided localization of small lung nodules in video-assisted thoracic surgery

The advancement of imaging technology has recently facilitated single port minimally-invasive thoracic surgery techniques. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) shows promising results in visualizing the target lesion and its surrounding critical anatomy, with an error of less than 2 mm. The integration of CBCT with the operating room (OR) to form the hybrid OR, provides unparalleled real-time imaging of the patient, which can be used with electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy to confirm successful navigation and increase procedural accuracy particularly for small peripheral pulmonary targets. Furthermore, implantation of hookwires or microcoils that are widely used to localize the lesion can take place in the hybrid suite, eliminating the common complications and discomfort associated with the conventional workflow carried out in the radiology suite. Displacement leading to localization failure can be also reduced, and sublobar resection will be performed without resecting a larger area of parenchyma than desired. This one-stop, paradigm-shifting concept for simultaneously diagnosing and managing small pulmonary lesions in the hybrid OR can lead to reduced invasiveness and improved patient care.

Penetrating thoracic injury with retained foreign body: can video-assisted thoracic surgery take up the leading role in acute management?

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is widely adopted in acute management of patient with thoracic trauma, but its use in penetrating thoracic injuries with retained foreign bodies were rarely reported. We described three of such cases using VATS as the first line approach. Identification of injuries, control of bleeders, clot evacuation, resection of damaged lung parenchyma and safe retrieval of foreign bodies were all performed via complete VATS within short operative time. Patient were uneventfully discharged during early post-operative period. We suggest that, for haemodynamically stable patients, VATS offers a safe and minimally-invasive alternative to conventional thoracotomy for penetrating thoracic injury with retained foreign bodies.

Hybrid theatre and alternative localization techniques in conventional and single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Management of pulmonary nodules in terms of diagnosis and intraoperative localization can be challenging, especially in the minimal invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach, and may be even more difficult with single port VATS with limited access. The ability to localize small lesions intraoperatively is particularly important for excisional biopsy for diagnostic frozen section, as well as to guide sublobar resection. Some of the common techniques to aid localization include preoperative percutaneous hookwire localization, colour dye or radio-dye labelling injection of the nodule or adjacent site to allowing visualization or detection by radioactive counter intraoperatively. The use of hybrid operating room (OR) for intraoperative localization of lung nodules was first reported in 2013, and was called image guided VATS (iVATS). Subsequently, we have expanded the iVATS application for single port VATS major lung resection of small or ground-glass opacity lesions. By performing an on-table cone-beam CT scan, real-time and accurate assessment of the pulmonary lesion can be made, which can aid the localization process. Other types of physical or colour marker that can be deployed percutaneously in the hybrid OR immediate before surgery can enhance haptic feedback and sensitivity of digital palpation, as well as provide a radiopaque nidus for radiological confirmation. In the past decade, the electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) technology had developed into a useful adjunct technology for the localization of peripheral lung nodules by injection of marking agent or deployment of fiducial to the lesion through the endobronchial route causing much lower marking agent diffusion and artefacts. Recently, the combination of hybrid OR and ENB for lung nodule localization and marking has further increased the accuracy and applicability of the technology. The article will be exploring the latest development of the above approaches to lung nodule localization, and discuss some of the techniques' advantages and flaws.

Hybrid DynaCT-guided electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopic biopsy†

Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy-guided biopsy of small pulmonary nodules can be challenging. Navigational error of the system and movement of the biopsy tool during its deployment adversely affect biopsy success. Furthermore, conventional methods to confirm navigational success such as fluoroscopy and radial endobronchial ultrasound become less useful for the biopsy of small lesions. A hybrid operating theatre can provide unparalleled real-time imaging through DynaCT scan to guide and confirm successful navigation and biopsy of difficult-to-reach or small lesions. We describe our technique for DynaCT image-guided electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopic biopsy of a small pulmonary nodule in the hybrid operating theatre. The advantages, disadvantages and special considerations in adopting this approach are discussed.

Hybrid Antegrade Thoracic Aortic Stenting via a Temporary Ascending Aortic Graft Conduit for a Patient with Poor Peripheral Vascular Access

In patients with poor peripheral vascular access, thoracic aortic stenting procedures can be technically very challenging. Antegrade aortic stent deployments during concomitant open ascending and arch procedures are well described, but the issue of long endovascular catheters and wires may make such an approach difficult and awkward. We describe a novel hybrid method involving a temporary graft conduit to the ascending aorta which is brought caudal toward the foot of the table to facilitate antegrade deployment of the thoracic stent graft.

Defeating the pores of Kohn

In the treatment of emphysema with an endobronchial valve, entire lobar treatment is important in achieving adequate atelectasis. This case illustrates that without treatment of the entire lobe, it can fail to collapse even after several years, leading to treatment failure. Intralobar collateral ventilation through the pores of Kohn is demonstrated in this case, as endobronchial valve blockage of the remaining patent anterior segment resulted in the desired atelectasis and significant improvements in pulmonary function.

Chest wall reconstruction with MatrixRib system: avoiding pitfalls

Reconstructions of the chest wall using commercially available artificial metallic rib systems are gaining in popularity. The MatrixRib system involves use of plates and screws to bridge any defect and provide support for the chest wall following resection. So far, there has been no publication focusing on describing the use of this new technology in a step-by-step approach. We describe our technique and discuss potential pitfalls and difficulties of using the system.