• Takashi Eguchi, Keiichiro Takasuna, Atsushi Kitazawa, Youhei Fukuzawa, Yasuo Sakaue, Kazuo Yoshida, and Makoto Matsubara.
• Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ina Central Hospital, Ina, Japan. tks1976@shinshu-u.ac.jp
• Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2012 Apr 1;41(4):893-7.

ObjectivesThe requirement for anatomical lung segmentectomies has increased in recent years but this surgical procedure is relatively difficult. We herein present the benefits of using three-dimensional (3D) imaging navigation during a lung segmentectomy via the intra-operative use of an iPad.MethodsFourteen patients who had undergone an anatomic segmentectomy for a primary lung cancer or a metastatic lung tumour between 1 October 2010 and 30 April 2011 were included in this study. Contrast-enhanced scanning was performed twice on each patient, and 3D images were constructed using a workstation. These images were then transferred to an iPad and analysed during the operation using DICOM image viewer software.ResultsThe study group included 3 men (21%) and 11 women (79%) ranging in age from 57 to 83 (mean 69 ± 7.8 years). The operative procedure involved a resection in one case each of the right S1, the right S2, the right S2 + S6a, the right S3, the right S6, the left S8 and the left S8 + 9. The left S1 + 2 and the left basal segment were resected in two cases. The left upper division was resected in three cases. All segmentectomies were successful and no major post-operative complications developed in any patient during or after their procedures. No positive margins were detected pathologically.ConclusionsA 3D computed tomography navigation using an iPad enhances the ability to perform a safe and secure segmentectomy.

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