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Virtual 3-dimentional models of the lungs have been used for guiding thoracoscopic procedures including segmentectomy and subsegmentectomy. However, the virtual models displayed on the screen were not tangible. A printed model with assistance of augmented reality (AR) might add value to guide surgical performance. We wanted to investigate whether the combined technology with patient-specific printed models and the AR display could offer better surgical outcomes than the on-screen models in complex thoracoscopic surgery.

A total of 142 patients with early lung cancers undertaking thoracoscopic segmentectomy or subsegmentectomy. The 3-dimentional lung models were either displayed on screen (n = 87) or printed out and displayed using AR (n = 55) in the operating room. A propensity score-matching analysis was used to compare the surgical outcomes between the 2 groups.

The surgical outcomes data before and after propensity score matching showed 3-dimensional printing with AR had a shorter operating time (P = .001 and .001, respectively), less intraoperative blood loss (P = .024 and .006, respectively), and shorter length of hospital stay (P = .001 and .001, respectively) than the on-screen group. The complications and operating success rate (P = .846 and >.999, respectively) and (P = .567 and >.999, respectively) were not significantly different. Surgeons gave a higher score in the tangible group than in the on-screen group (P = .001 vs .001, respectively).

The printed 3-dimentional models enabled surgeons to see and touch interior structures of the lung. The AR provided instant guidance to the surgery in the operating room. The combination of these technologies produced positive values in guiding laparoscopic lung surgery.

Copyright © 2021 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PMID:33275930