Application of a single needle type for all image-guided biopsies: results of 100 consecutive core biopsies in various organs using a novel tri-axial, end-cut needle

Purpose: To assess feasibility, results and complications in image-guided biopsies using a single needle design in various organs. Materials and methods: 100 consecutive percutaneous biopsies were performed in 54 females and 46 males aged 24–87 years (mean age/standard deviation: 64.5 +/− 12 years) using a full-core end-cut tri-axial full-automatic biopsy needle (18 gauge BioPince (™), InterV-MDTech, Gainesville, Florida) under CT (n=45) or ultrasound (n=55) guidance. In 63 biopsies a coaxial technique was used. Results: Biopsies were obtained of liver (n=32), lymph nodes (n=17), thyroid (n=11), lung (n=9), adrenal (n=9), pelvis (n=6), chest wall/pleura (n=6), mediastinum (n=4), lytic bone lesions (n=2), retroperitoneum (n=1), muscle (n=1), pancreas (n=1), peritoneum (n=1). Between 1 and 6 (mean/SD 2.83 +/− 0.92) needle passes were performed. In 77 cases a malignant (40 metastases, 37 primary tumours) and in 23 a benign lesion was diagnosed. Of the 23 benign lesions a specific diagnosis was possible in 22. In one case necrosis and haemorrhage was diagnosed. In this patient surgery and autopsy both revealed a mediastinal haematoma of unknown origin. Eight minor complications (mild pain/local haematoma requiring no therapy) and three major complications (three pneumothoraces in nine lung biopsies requiring two aspirations and one drainage) were observed. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Percutaneous image-guided biopsy using the described full-core end-cut needle resulted in a specific diagnosis in 99/100 consecutive biopsies in various organs with a low complication rate. We use this needle type for all CT- or US-guided biopsies in all organs except for solid bone.