Computed tomography-guided Sens-cure needle localization for scapular-blocked lung nodules.

Introduction: The use of preoperative computed tomography (CT) to guide the wedge resection (WR) of lung nodules (LNs) in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is widely accepted. However, some LNs may be blocked by the scapula and a trans-scapular approach should be used when performing the localization procedures. Aim: To investigate the feasibility, safety, and clinical effectiveness of preoperative CT-guided Sens-cure needle (SCN) localization for scapula-blocked LNs (SBLNs). Material and methods: One hundred and eighty patients with LNs who had undergone CT-guided SCN localization before VATS were enrolled in this single-center retrospective study from January 2018 to December 2021. Ten of these patients (5.6%) had SBLNs and underwent localization using the trans-scapular approach. The technical success of localization, together with complications and VATS, was assessed. Results: Data on the 10 patients with 10 SBLNs were analyzed. Scapular puncture was successful in all patients (100%) with no incidence of complications near the scapula. SCN localization was also successful in 100% of patients. The average duration of SCN localization was 12.5 ±4.0 min, with 1 (10%) patient experiencing pneumothorax after localization. The WR success rate was also 100%. Three patients underwent additional lobectomy due to invasive adenocarcinoma. The VATS procedure lasted on average for 97.0 ±56.0 min with an average blood loss of 44.0 ±35.0 ml. Conclusions: Preoperative CT-guided SCN localization using the trans-scapular approach is safe, effective, and highly successful for VATS-guided WR of SBLNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]