Computed Tomography Guided Pulmonary Nodule Microcoil Localization

Background: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CT guided micro coil localization of pulmonary nodule prior to video assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS). Method(s): From August 2015 to August 2018, 30 consecutive patients (17 men and 13 women; mean age, 56 years) underwent CT-guided micro coil localization of 42 pulmonary nodules (mean size, 7.3 mm; range, 4-18 mm). A 7 cm platinum micro coil was inserted into pulmonary nodules under CT guidance using a 21-gauge chiba needle. The technical details, surgical and pathologic findings associated with micro coil localizations were retrospectively evaluated. Result(s): All nodules were localized by CT guided micro coil with 100% technical success with mean time 13.4 minutes (range 8- 26 minutes). 6 patients developed Mild parenchyma lung hemorrhage along with needle tract and 7 patient developed mild pneumothorax all are asymptomatic and no intervention needed. 3 patients developed moderate pneumothorax for which needle aspiration was performed but not chest tube was inserted. No other complication occurred. All micro coils were identified during the surgery except one which was dislodged and attached to chest wall (41 out of 42 micro coils) 97.6 % clinical success and all nodule were surgically resected. Pathology revealed 28 metastatic pulmonary nodules, 1 primary adenocarcinoma-in-situ and 13 benign pulmonary nodules. Micro coils did not affect the histopathology examination. Conclusion(s): CT-guided micro coil localization is an effective and safe pre-operative localization procedure prior to VATS, enabling accurate resection and diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 May 2021