Hybrid Robot-Assisted Percutaneous Ablation and Non-Intubated VATS for Multiple Pulmonary Nodules

A Prospective Single-Arm Study Evaluating the Safety, Feasibility, and Perioperative Recovery of Robot-Assisted Percutaneous Ablation/Localization Combined With Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Multiple Pulmonary Nodules

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a predefined hybrid treatment strategy in patients with multiple pulmonary nodules who require surgical management of at least one dominant lesion. The strategy combines robot-assisted CT-guided percutaneous ablation and/or localization with non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NiVATS) performed during the same hospitalization.

The main questions this study aims to answer are:

Is the hybrid treatment strategy associated with an acceptable rate of perioperative serious complications?

Can the planned combination of robot-assisted percutaneous intervention and NiVATS be completed successfully in a real-world clinical setting?

Participants will:

Undergo preoperative evaluation and multidisciplinary assessment;

Receive robot-assisted CT-guided percutaneous ablation and/or localization for selected pulmonary nodules;

Undergo non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for resection of the dominant pulmonary lesion;

Be followed for perioperative outcomes and short-term recovery up to 30 days after surgery.

This is a prospective, single-arm interventional study conducted at a tertiary academic medical center. The study enrolls adult patients with multiple pulmonary nodules, including at least one dominant lesion that meets standard indications for thoracoscopic surgical resection and one or more additional nodules for which complete surgical resection is considered undesirable due to concerns regarding lung parenchymal preservation or procedural risk.

All participants receive a predefined hybrid treatment strategy during the same hospitalization. Selected secondary pulmonary nodules are managed using robot-assisted CT-guided percutaneous procedures, including localization, biopsy, and/or thermal ablation as clinically appropriate. Subsequently, the dominant lesion is resected using non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under spontaneous ventilation anesthesia. Conversion to conventional intubated anesthesia is permitted if clinically indicated.

The primary focus of this study is to assess perioperative safety and technical feasibility rather than comparative efficacy. Safety is evaluated by monitoring perioperative complications within 30 days after the procedure, while feasibility is assessed based on successful completion of the planned hybrid treatment strategy. Secondary observations include perioperative recovery parameters such as length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, and short-term clinical outcomes.

This study is designed to provide prospective evidence regarding the clinical applicability of a hybrid, lung parenchyma-preserving approach for the management of multiple pulmonary nodules within the framework of current surgical and interventional practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 to 85 years at the time of enrollment.
2. Presence of multiple pulmonary nodules identified on chest computed tomography (CT).
3. At least one dominant pulmonary lesion meeting standard indications for thoracoscopic surgical resection based on radiologic assessment.
4. At least one additional pulmonary nodule for which complete surgical resection is considered undesirable due to lung parenchyma preservation concerns or procedural risk, and deemed suitable for robot-assisted CT-guided percutaneous intervention.
5. Determined by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to be an appropriate candidate for the predefined hybrid treatment strategy.
6. Eligible for non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery based on preoperative anesthetic evaluation (ASA physical status I-III).
7. Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pulmonary nodules located centrally or adjacent to major airways, major vessels, or the heart, where safe percutaneous intervention is not feasible.
2. Pure ground-glass nodules with a maximum diameter < 6 mm, for which active surveillance is recommended.
3. Clinical evidence of N1/N2 lymph node involvement or distant metastasis.
4. Severe cardiopulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, or other conditions that preclude thoracoscopic surgery or anesthesia.
5. Coagulation disorders or ongoing anticoagulation therapy that cannot be safely discontinued.
6. Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
7. Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make participation unsafe or interfere with study assessments.