Comparison of 19‐gauge eXcelon and WANG MW‐319 transbronchial aspiration needles

Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) using 19‐gauge needles can obtain larger histological specimens for hilar‐mediastinal diagnosis. A new 19‐gauge eXcelon needle was introduced in Taiwan in July 2012. We prospectively enrolled patients with hilar‐mediastinal lesions and pathology results of suspected benign origin or lymphoproliferative processes, to perform TBNA using a 19‐gauge eXcelon needle, between July 2012 and December 2012. The results were compared with historical control of TBNA using a WANG MW‐319 needle between January 2011 and June 2012. The procedure was performed by the same pulmonologist, and rapid on‐site cytologic evaluation was used. The 19‐gauge eXcelon needle was used in nine patients with 15 lymph nodes aspirated, with a mean diameter of 23.3 ± 10.7 mm. The mean number of needle passes was 2.7 ± 1.4, with a diagnostic accuracy of 77.8%. The MW‐319 needle was used in 12 patients with 18 lymph nodes aspirated, with a mean diameter of 21.3 ± 5.7 mm. The mean number of needle passes was 2.2 ± 0.4, with a diagnostic accuracy of 75.0%. Neither technical nor major clinical complications were noted in either group. We concluded that the 19‐gauge eXcelon needle was as safe and effective as the MW‐319 needle. A more adequate specimen could be obtained and fewer needle passes were required with the MW‐319 needle, although the difference did not reach significance.