How does the radiotracer localization process work?
The radiotracer localization process was developed by Dr. Thomas M. Daniel, MD here at the University of Virginia. This specialized technique helps us locate and remove a small nodule in your lung. A major advantage is that the nodule is removed rather than obtaining only a small sample of tissue. It is usually performed with minimally invasive thoracic surgery (VATS) using small incisions for specialized instruments and a camera. The process is performed on the day of your surgery. First, the nodule is identified on a current CT scan and a small amount of radiotracer (technetium labeled albumin) is injected into the nodule. The presence of the radiotracer is confirmed in the nodule and the patient is taken for surgery. Using a specially designed handheld probe, we can detect the radiotracer in your lung to guide a small excisional biopsy (removing the nodule). An advantage of this approach is that you do not need a big incision (thoracotomy) to know whether the nodule is cancerous. Th
