Comparison of a new aspiration needle device and the Quick-Core biopsy needle for transjugular liver biopsy

World J Gastroenterol. 2006 Oct 21;12(39):6339-42. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i39.6339.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate sample adequacy, safety, and needle passes of a new biopsy needle device compared to the Quick-Core biopsy needle for transjugular liver biopsy in patients affected by liver disease.

Methods: Thirty consecutive liver-disease patients who had major coagulation abnormalities and/or relevant ascites underwent transjugular liver biopsy using either a new needle device (18 patients) or the Quick-Core biopsy needle (12 patients). The length of the specimens was measured before fixation. A pathologist reviewed the histological slides for sample adequacy and pathologic diagnoses. The two methods'specimen adequacy and complication rates were assessed.

Results: Liver biopsies were technically successful in all 30 (100%) patients, with diagnostic histological core specimens obtained in 30 of 30 (100%) patients, for an overall success rate of 100%. With the new device, 18 specimens were obtained, with an average of 1.1 passes per patient. Using the Quick-Core biopsy needle, 12 specimens were obtained, with an average of 1.8 passes per patient. Specimen length was significantly longer with the new needle device than with the Quick-Core biopsy needle (P < 0.05). The biopsy tissue was not fragmented in any of the specimens with the new aspiration needle device, but tissue was fragmented in 3 of 12 (25.0%) specimens obtained using the Quick-Core biopsy needle. Complications included cardiac arrhythmia in 3 (10.0%) patients, and transient abdominal pain in 4 (13.3%) patients. There were no cases of subcapsular hematoma, hemoperitoneum, or sepsis, and there was no death secondary to the procedure. In particular, no early or delayed major procedure-related complications were observed in any patient.

Conclusion: Transjugular liver biopsy is a safe and effective procedure, and there was significant difference in the adequacy of the specimens obtained using the new needle device compared to the Quick-Core biopsy needle. Using the new biopsy needle device, the specimens showed no tissue fragmentation and no increment in major procedure-related complications was observed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ascites
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / adverse effects
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / instrumentation*
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / methods
  • Biopsy, Needle / adverse effects
  • Biopsy, Needle / instrumentation*
  • Biopsy, Needle / methods
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Diseases / complications
  • Male
  • Middle Aged