LungPoint ATV for Biopsy in Patients Undergoing Lobectomy

The LungPoint ATV System is an image-guided navigation system used to access tissue samples in the lungs. This feasibility study is being conducted to assess the ability of the investigator to access and sample tissue using this system in patients undergoing lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Navigation to and sampling of the patient's lung cancer tumor is conducted immediately prior to the scheduled lobectomy or pneumonectomy.

Note: This study was conducted as a single-center feasibility clinical trial to determine the feasibility of this device. The primary outcome measures related only to feasibility and not to health outcomes. Therefore it was not registered on clinicaltrials.gov prior to the start of enrollment. Subsequently, it was determined that the results were compelling and therefore it was registered to facilitate publication.

Inclusion criteria

• Surgical candidates age 21-75 years at screening
• Known or suspected lung cancer or intrapulmonary metastatic disease with SPN greater than 10 mm and less than 40mm in largest dimension
• No known endobronchial tumor
• Tumor located anywhere in parenchymal tissue >1 cm from pleura and accessible bronchoscopically through a POE.
• Willing to participate in all aspects of study protocol for duration of study
• Able to understand study requirements
• Signs study-related informed consent document

Exclusion criteria

• Any contraindication to bronchoscopy, for example: (a.) Untreatable life-threatening arrhythmias, (b.) Inability to adequately oxygenate the patient during the procedure, (c.) Acute respiratory failure with hypercapnia (unless the patient is intubated and ventilated), (d.) Recent myocardial infarction, (e.) Previously diagnosed high-grade tracheal obstruction, (f.) Uncorrectable coagulopathy.
• Known coagulopathy
• Platelet dysfunction or platelet count < 100 x 103 cells/mm3
• History of major bleeding with bronchoscopy
• Pulmonary hypertension with mean PAP >25 mm
• Moderate-to-severe pulmonary fibrosis
• Moderate to severe emphysema or COPD with FEV1 <60% predicted or RV >200% predicted
• Bullae >5 cm located in vicinity of target SPN or ATV tunnel
• Any other severe or life-threatening comorbidity that could increase the risk of bronchoscopic biopsy or ATV tunneling, for example: (a.) ASA class > 3, (b.) > stage 3 heart failure, (c.) severe cachexia, (d.) severe respiratory insufficiency or hypoxia
• Ongoing systemic infection
• Contraindication to general anesthesia
• Chronic use of anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, Warfarin) or antiplatelet agents (e.g. aspirin, clopidogrel)
• Participation in any other study in last 30 days
• Prior thoracic surgery on the same side of the lung as the SPN
• Breastfeeding women or females of childbearing potential with a positive pregnancy test prior to the procedure or the intent to become pregnant during the study.
• Life expectancy of less than one year.
• Patients with known intrapulmonary metastases of extrapulmonary cancer/tumors