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

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. Existing methods used to simulate pulmonary metas tases are unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to create a simple in v ivo model of pulmonary metastases by endobronchial deployment of small high -density heads in anesthetized dogs. METHODS. Commercially available decorative beads measuring 2 and 4 mm in di ameter and of high density (600 to 1200 Hounsfield units) mere deployed in the peripheral airways of anesthetized dogs using catheter and guide wire m anipulations 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 peripher y, 9 (14%) were unsatisfactorily located in large airways, and 15 (23%) wer e not visible, CONCLUSIONS. The endobronchial deployment of small high-density beads in th e peripheral airways of anesthetized dogs is a novel and effective techniqu e for creation of an in vivo model of pulmonary metastases.