3-D virtual resection to predict lung function after VATS anatomical lung surgery

Preoperative Three-Dimensional Virtual Resection Predicts Postoperative Pulmonary Function After Anatomical Resection : A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Observational National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT07436598

The study will test whether a 3-D virtual resection from thin-slice CT scans can better predict lung function after VATS lobectomy or segmentectomy for people with non-small cell lung cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT07436598 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective, multicenter longitudinal cohort recruits 60 patients scheduled for VATS anatomical resection (30 lobectomy, 30 segmentectomy). Preoperative thin-slice (1 mm) chest CT and standard pulmonary function tests are performed within 30 days before surgery, and a patient-specific 3-D model is reconstructed using Synapse 3-D. Investigators perform a virtual resection to calculate the planned resected ventilated lung volume fraction (pRVLVF) based on well-aerated lung (–950 to –700 HU). Patients undergo standard VATS surgery and have follow-up PFTs at 3, 6, and 12 months to compare predicted versus actual postoperative pulmonary function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 with non-small cell lung cancer who are scheduled for VATS lobectomy or segmentectomy at National Taiwan University Hospital/NTU Cancer Center and can undergo thin-slice CT and PFTs are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with COPD, those not undergoing VATS anatomical resection (for example open thoracotomy), or those unable to obtain the required CT or PFT data are unlikely to benefit from this predictive tool.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this method could provide more accurate individualized predictions of postoperative lung function to improve surgical decision-making and patient safety.

How similar studies have performed: Imaging-based and volumetric prediction methods have shown promise in prior work, but full clinical validation of 3-D virtual resection to predict postoperative function remains limited and is still being established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy or segmentectomy at National Taiwan University Hospital or NTU Cancer Center.
* Age between 18 and 80 years.
* Patients who have signed the informed consent form agreeing to provide imaging data for 3D modeling.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age younger than 18 or older than 80 years.
* Patients not scheduled for VATS lobectomy or segmentectomy.
* Patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
* Patients unable or unwilling to sign the informed consent form.
* Vulnerable populations.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Non-small Cell Lung CancerLung CancerLung NeoplasmsThree-dimensional virtual resectionPulmonary Function PredictionVentilated Lung Volume FractionVATS Anatomical ResectionSegmentectomy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.