Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP52-15
Sources of Funding: none

Introduction

A number of core biopsy needles are available on the market. We compared the performance of six 18-gauge forward throw, fully automated types.

Methods

Measured properties are sample quality, needle tip deflection, noise level, ultrasound visibility, and needle specifications and dimensions. Sample quality (core length, weight, and fragmentation) was assessed based on cores obtained from porcine tissues. Fragmentation is defined as 0=sample not fragmented, and 1= fragmented. Needle tip lateral deflection was measured at a 102 mm insertion depth in 4 media – gelatin, porcine loin, chicken breast, and bovine liver tissues. The noise level of each instrument was measured with a digital decibel meter (BAFX Product®) at a distance of 100 mm between the needle and the meter. Ultrasound visibility was assessed with an ultrasound probe (Hitachi Preirus, EUP-B512) in water tank.

Results

There were significant differences in performance between the needles (Table 1). Average core length was longest with the Cook needle (9.9mm, p=0.0002). Core fragmentation was highest with Cook (80%, p=0.003). Average weight per core was highest with Cook (4.15mg) and lowest with Bard Max-Core (2.60mg, p<0.0001). Needle tip deflection varied by needle and by medium (p<0.0001 for all media; Figure 1). Deflection in all 4 media was lowest with BioPince and highest with TSK. The noise level ranged from 100.62dB for Bard Max-Core to 107.24dB for TSK (p<0.0001)- a sound pressure difference of approximately 2.2 times. No difference in ultrasound visibility was detected. Of note, in the present study, the BioPince needle did not exhibit “zero biopsy”, as reported by patient studies.

Conclusions

Six core biopsy needles demonstrate significant differences in quantitative measures of overall sample quality, needle tip deflection, and noise level. These can be used for needle selection in the clinical setting.

Funding

none