Technique for construction of an in vivo model of simulated pulmonary metastases

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. Existing methods used to simulate pulmonary metastases are unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to create a simple in vivo model of pulmonary metastases by endobronchial deployment of small high-density beads in anesthetized dogs. METHODS. Commercially available decorative beads measuring 2 and 4 mm in diameter and of high density (600 to 1200 Hounsfield units) were deployed in the peripheral airways of anesthetized dogs using catheter and guide wire manipulations through an endotracheal tube. RESULTS. A total of 65 beads were placed in five dogs. Computed tomography demonstrated that 41 (63%) were satisfactorily located in the lung periphery, 9 (14%) were unsatisfactorily located in large airways, and 15 (23%) were not visible. CONCLUSIONS. The endobronchial deployment of small high-density beads in the peripheral airways of anesthetized dogs is a novel and effective technique for creation of an in vivo model of pulmonary metastases.