PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Rex Yung
AU  - Ming-Ying Zeng
AU  - Sheng Xu
AU  - Di Xu
AU  - Brad Barnett
TI  - Transbronchoscopic catheter deposition of radioopaque hydrogels as pseudotumors – Useful tool in advancing bronchoscopy image-guided intervention development & training
DP  - 2011 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - p3699
VI  - 38
IP  - Suppl 55
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p3699.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p3699.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2011 Sep 01; 38
AB  - Introduction: Advances in CT-Imaging and processing are leading to new Image-guided Interventions such as Virtual Bronchoscopy Navigation. There are few “pseudotumor” targets for technology development or training.Aims: Develop Transbronchoscopic Deposition of Hydrogels as Radioopaque targets.Methods: IRB approved porcine protocol. 5mm bronchoscope delivery of non-migrating targets (Alginate polymerized with CaCl 1:1 ratio). Compounds (Iohexol, tantulum) added and tested to optimize radiodensities and stability. To deliver targets, a coaxial catheter advanced transbronchoscopically under fluoro guidance. 1ml-2.5ml Alginate mix injected to simulate 1-2 cm diameter lesion. Animals then imaged in CT to assess target deposition.Results: 36 targets (18 Omnipaque,9 Hypaque, 9 Tantalum) in 6 animals. Hydrogels expands with a measured to delivered volume ratio of 1.7 to 18.6. Avg Expansion Factors 2.76 Tant, 4.0 Omni & 4.9 Hypaque. Tantulum results in CT metallic artifacts, but appears distinct under fluoro. Omni-Hypaque have softer outline simulates “typical” nodules, but progressively leaches radioopacity over 4-6 hrs. Complications include traumatic pneumothoraces.Conclusions: Transbronchoscopic delivery of Radioopaque Hydrogels effectively simulate tumors usable for development of bronchoscopy enhancement software, and as targets for animal lab practice.