Percutaneous lung biopsy: comparison between an augmented reality CT navigation system and standard CT-guided technique

Abstract

Purpose: Percutaneous lung biopsies (PLBs) performed for the evaluation of pulmonary masses require image guidance to avoid critical structures. A new CT navigation system (SIRIO, "Sistema robotizzato assistito per il puntamento intraoperatorio") for PLBs was validated.

Methods: The local Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study. Image-guided PLBs in 197 patients were performed with a CT navigation system (SIRIO). The procedures were reviewed based on the number of CT scans, patients' radiation exposure and procedural time recorded. Comparison was performed with a group of 72 patients undergoing standard CT-guided PLBs. Sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy were assessed in both groups.

Results: SIRIO-guided PLBs showed a significant reduction in procedure time, number of required CT scans and the radiation dose administered to patients ([Formula: see text]). In terms of diagnostic accuracy, SIRIO proved to be more accurate for small-sized lesions ([Formula: see text]20 mm) than standard CT-guidance.

Conclusion: SIRIO proved to be a reliable and effective tool when performing CT-guided PLBs and was especially useful for sampling small ([Formula: see text]20 mm) lesions.