Artificial tumor targets simulating peripheral nodules in isolated pig lung models

W. Ting^a (Dr), W. Juan^a (Dr), L. Yan^a (Dr), K. Yingying^a (Dr), J. Yankun^a (Dr), N. Jinmu^a (Dr), Z. Jie*^a (Prof)

^a Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, CHINA

* zhangj_tt@163.com

Background An appropriate model of peripheral pulmonary nodules is helpful for evaluating new technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral pulmonary lesions and reducing the risk of clinical trials. Human cadaveric model for peripheral nodules has been described in a few studies, however, animal models has not been reported. This article described our effort to create artificial tumor targets simulating peripheral nodules in isolated pig lungs.

Methods According to the method of Alexander C. Chen et.al described, an aqueous solution of 10% gelatin, 2% agar, 0.1% iodinated contrast, and little colored mica powder was heated to 90°C during mixing and was maintained as solution at 45°C to 50°C before injection. The warmed solution was drawn into a 5-mL syringe and was injected transthoracically into the lung parenchyma or bronchoscopically into the lung periphery through a radial probe guide sheath, respectively. Approximately 3 to 5 mL of this solution was used per artificial tumor target. CT scans were performed following injection using slice thickness of 1 mm. The maximum diameter analysis of simulated tumor targets was performed.

Results When injected the solution bronchoscopically, it is easy to flow along the bronchus and artificial tumor targets is hard to be created. In contrast, inject the solution transthoracically is a better way. The volume of material injected was recommend controlled within 2-3 ml which could create lesions 10-30 mm in diameter. The injection depth was recommended 1.5-2cm from skin which could provide a heterogenous distribution of peripheral pulmonary lesions. However, most of these lesions were without bronchus sign.

Conclusions Artificial tumor targets visible by chest CT could be created in isolated pig lungs, and injection transthoracically may be better than bronchoscopically. However, further effort is still needed to establish an ideal model.

Disclosure of funding source(s):

This study was supported by the grant from Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals Incubating Program (grant number: PX2021022) and Beijing Municipal Key Clinical Specialty Project (grant no.2020-129).