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. 2025 Jan 27;111(3):2624–2632. doi: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000002247

Table 1.

Key studies on localization techniques for small pulmonary nodules

Technique Author, year Study design Sample size Key findings
Hook-wire Xu et al, 2021 Retrospective 161 patients 97.6% successful placement; 1.9% reported pain
Zhang et al, 2022 Comparative 74 patients Higher complication risk compared to medical glue
Anchored Needle Li et al, 2022 Retrospective 93 patients with 107 nodules 99.1% successful localization; 0% dislodgement rate; lower pain scores (VAS 3.1)
Zhou et al, 2024 Comparative 191 patients Superior to hook-wire: no dislodgement, less pain, comparable complication rates
Microcoil Park et al, 2017 Meta-analysis 46 studies 97-98% success rate; lower complication rates than hook-wire
Mayo et al, 2009 Prospective 69 patients 97% success rate; 3% required chest tube for pneumothorax
Dye Localization (Methylene Blue) Stephenson et al, 2015 Retrospective 30 patients 100% success rate; no complications
Chu et al, 2022 Comparative 219 patients Shorter hospitalization and fewer complications than hook-wire
Dye Localization (Indocyanine Green) Anayama et al, 2015 Prospective 18 patients 100% successful localization; no adverse events
Lipiodol Mogi et al, 2015 Retrospective 56 patients 98.2% successful VATS resection; 37.5% asymptomatic pneumothorax
Lee et al, 2022 Prospective 57 patients High success rate with indigo carmine and lipiodol mixture
Medical Adhesive Yao et al, 2019 Prospective 74 patients 100% success rate; low complication rates
Zhang et al, 2022 Comparative 84 patients Lower complication rates compared to hook-wire
Ultrasound-guided Khereba et al, 2012 Prospective 65 patients 93% successful localization
Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy Marino et al, 2019 Prospective 93 patients 97.2% successful localization
Hybrid OR Approach Chao et al, 2018 Prospective randomized 65 patients Comparable efficacy to conventional CT-guided; improved workflow
Yu et al, 2022 Prospective 27 patients 100% success rate with new intraoperative technique
Robotic-Assisted Beqari et al, 2024 Comparative 90 patients Improved accuracy with “sandwich marking technique”