Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Needle types used in abdominal cross-sectional interventional radiology: a survey of the Society of Abdominal Radiology emerging technology commission

  • Special Section: Cross sectional interventions
  • Published:
Abdominal Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To identify commonly used needle types in cross-sectional interventional radiology (CSIR) and to review features and safety profiles of those needles.

Methods

Members of the Society of Abdominal Radiology (SAR) emerging technologies commission (ETC) on CSIR were sent a 13-question survey about what needles they use for common CSIR procedures: random and targeted solid organ biopsy, ultrasound-guided paracentesis, and ultrasound-guided thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA). Results were compiled with descriptive statistics, and features of the most commonly used needles were reviewed.

Results

19 surveys were completed (response rate 57.6%, 19/33) from 16 institutions. For solid organ biopsies, the majority of respondents reported using an 18-gauge needle with an automatic firing mechanism and a variable throw length option. The most commonly used needle for both random and targeted biopsies was the Argon BioPince (26.3%, 5/19) The three most commonly used needles for solid organ biopsies all featured automatic firing, variable throw length options, and 18-gauge size. A 5 French Cook Yueh needle was most the most commonly used paracentesis needle (36.8%, 7/19). For thyroid FNA, all respondents used spinal needles, and 25-gauge was the most common size (72.2%, 13/18).

Conclusion

Abdominal radiologists use a variety of needles when performing common interventional procedures. Members of the SAR CSIR ETC commonly use automatic, 18-gauge, variable throw length needles for solid organ biopsies, 5 French catheter style needles for paracentesis, and 25-gauge spinal needles for thyroid FNA.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Hopper, K. D., C. S. Abendroth, K. W. Sturtz, Y. L. Matthews, S. J. Shirk and L. A. Stevens (1993). “Blinded comparison of biopsy needles and automated devices in vitro: 1. Biopsy of diffuse hepatic disease.” AJR Am J Roentgenol 161(6): 1293-1297. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.161.6.8249745

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Hopper, K. D., C. S. Abendroth, K. W. Sturtz, Y. L. Matthews, S. J. Shirk and L. A. Stevens (1993). “Blinded comparison of biopsy needles and automated devices in vitro: 2. Biopsy of medical renal disease.” AJR Am J Roentgenol 161(6): 1299-1301. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.161.6.8249746

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Hopper, K. D., C. S. Abendroth, K. W. Sturtz, Y. L. Matthews, L. A. Stevens and S. J. Shirk (1993). “Automated biopsy devices: a blinded evaluation.” Radiology 187(3): 653-660. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.187.3.8497611

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Riehl, J., S. Maigatter, H. Kierdorf, H. Schmitt, N. Maurin and H. G. Sieberth (1994). “Percutaneous renal biopsy: comparison of manual and automated puncture techniques with native and transplanted kidneys.” Nephrol Dial Transplant 9(11): 1568-1574.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Hopper, K. D., C. S. Abendroth, K. W. Sturtz, Y. L. Matthews, J. S. Hartzel and P. S. Potok (1995). “CT percutaneous biopsy guns: comparison of end-cut and side-notch devices in cadaveric specimens.” AJR Am J Roentgenol 164(1): 195-199. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.164.1.7998539

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Diederich, S., B. Padge, U. Vossas, R. Hake and S. Eidt (2006). “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.” Cancer Imaging 6: 43-50. https://doi.org/10.1102/1470-7330.2006.0008

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Rivera-Sanfeliz, G., T. B. Kinney, S. C. Rose, A. K. Agha, K. Valji, F. J. Miller and A. C. Roberts (2005). “Single-pass percutaneous liver biopsy for diffuse liver disease using an automated device: experience in 154 procedures.” Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 28(5): 584-588. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-004-0017-5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Rockey, D. C., S. H. Caldwell, Z. D. Goodman, R. C. Nelson, A. D. Smith and D. American Association for the Study of Liver (2009). “Liver biopsy.” Hepatology 49(3): 1017-1044. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.22742

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Constantin, A., M. L. Brisson, J. Kwan and F. Proulx (2010). “Percutaneous US-guided renal biopsy: a retrospective study comparing the 16-gauge end-cut and 14-gauge side-notch needles.” J Vasc Interv Radiol 21(3): 357-361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2009.11.005

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Ho, L. M., A. A. Pendse, J. Ronald, M. Luciano, D. Marin, T. A. Jaffe and R. C. Nelson (2020). “Ultrasound-guided non-targeted liver core biopsy: comparison of the efficacy of two different core needle biopsy systems using an ex-vivo animal model and retrospective review of clinical experience.” Clin Imaging 61: 36-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinimag.2020.01.005

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Tublin, M. E., R. Blair, J. Martin, S. Malik, K. Ruppert and A. Demetris (2018). “Prospective Study of the Impact of Liver Biopsy Core Size on Specimen Adequacy and Procedural Complications.” AJR Am J Roentgenol 210(1): 183-188. https://doi.org/10.2214/AJR.17.17792

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Atwell, T. D., R. L. Smith, G. K. Hesley, M. R. Callstrom, C. D. Schleck, W. S. Harmsen, J. W. Charboneau and T. J. Welch (2010). “Incidence of bleeding after 15,181 percutaneous biopsies and the role of aspirin.” AJR Am J Roentgenol 194(3): 784-789. https://doi.org/10.2214/AJR.08.2122

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Midia, M., D. Odedra, A. Shuster, R. Midia and J. Muir (2019). “Predictors of bleeding complications following percutaneous image-guided liver biopsy: a scoping review.” Diagn Interv Radiol 25(1): 71-80. https://doi.org/10.5152/dir.2018.17525

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Fotiadis, N., K. N. De Paepe, L. Bonne, N. Khan, A. Riddell, N. Turner, N. Starling, M. Gerlinger, S. Rao, I. Chau, D. Cunningham and D. M. Koh (2020). “Comparison of a coaxial versus non-coaxial liver biopsy technique in an oncological setting: diagnostic yield, complications and seeding risk.” Eur Radiol 30(12): 6702-6708. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-020-07038-7

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Maturen, K. E., H. V. Nghiem, J. A. Marrero, H. K. Hussain, E. G. Higgins, G. A. Fox and I. R. Francis (2006). “Lack of tumor seeding of hepatocellular carcinoma after percutaneous needle biopsy using coaxial cutting needle technique.” AJR Am J Roentgenol 187(5): 1184-1187. https://doi.org/10.2214/AJR.05.1347

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. McGibbon, A., G. I. Chen, K. M. Peltekian and S. V. van Zanten (2007). “An evidence-based manual for abdominal paracentesis.” Dig Dis Sci 52(12): 3307-3315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-007-9805-5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. De Gottardi, A., T. Thevenot, L. Spahr, I. Morard, S. Bresson-Hadni, F. Torres, E. Giostra and A. Hadengue (2009). “Risk of complications after abdominal paracentesis in cirrhotic patients: a prospective study.” Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 7(8): 906-909. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2009.05.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Patel, P. A., F. R. Ernst and C. L. Gunnarsson (2012). “Evaluation of hospital complications and costs associated with using ultrasound guidance during abdominal paracentesis procedures.” J Med Econ 15(1): 1-7. https://doi.org/10.3111/13696998.2011.628723

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Rowley, M. W., S. Agarwal, A. B. Seetharam and K. S. Hirsch (2019). “Real-Time Ultrasound-Guided Paracentesis by Radiologists: Near Zero Risk of Hemorrhage without Correction of Coagulopathy.” J Vasc Interv Radiol 30(2): 259-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2018.11.001

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Pitman, M. B., J. Abele, S. Z. Ali, D. Duick, T. M. Elsheikh, R. B. Jeffrey, C. N. Powers, G. Randolph, A. Renshaw and L. Scoutt (2008). “Techniques for thyroid FNA: a synopsis of the National Cancer Institute Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration State of the Science Conference.” Diagn Cytopathol 36(6): 407-424. https://doi.org/10.1002/dc.20829

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Cappelli, C., M. Castellano, E. Gandossi, I. Pirola, E. De Martino, A. Delbarba and E. Agabiti Rosei (2008). “Spinal needle improves adequate thyroid nodule cytology.” Clin Radiol 63(4): 483-484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crad.2007.08.020

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Cappelli, C., I. Pirola, M. Castellano, E. Gandossi, E. De Martino, A. Delbarba, B. Agosti, A. Tironi and E. A. Rosei (2007). “Fine needle cytology of complex thyroid nodules.” Eur J Endocrinol 157(4): 529-532. https://doi.org/10.1530/EJE-07-0172

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Cappelli, C., A. Tironi, I. Pirola, E. Gandossi, A. Delbarba, B. Agosti, M. Castellano and E. Agabiti Rosei (2008). “Spinal needle improves diagnostic cytological specimens of thyroid nodules.” J Endocrinol Invest 31(1): 25-28. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03345562

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Aziz Ahari A, M. V. M. A., Khatibi Moghadam N, Hashemi H, Parvin M, et al. (2020). “Comparison on the Use of Spinal (Stylet) Needle and Simple Needle in Ultrasound Guided Thyroid Nodule FNA; Does the Needle Affect Thyroid FNA Result?” Iran J Radiol 12(2): e98754. https://doi.org/10.5812/iranjradiol.98754

  25. Moss, W. J., A. Finegersh, J. Pang, J. A. Califano, C. S. Coffey, R. K. Orosco and K. T. Brumund (2018). “Needle Biopsy of Routine Thyroid Nodules Should Be Performed Using a Capillary Action Technique with 24- to 27-Gauge Needles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Thyroid 28(7): 857-863. https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2017.0643

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Titton, R. L., D. A. Gervais, G. W. Boland, M. M. Maher and P. R. Mueller (2003). “Sonography and sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland: indications and techniques, pearls and pitfalls.” AJR Am J Roentgenol 181(1): 267-271. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.181.1.1810267

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Zhang, L., Y. Liu, X. Tan, X. Liu, H. Zhang and L. Qian (2018). “Comparison of Different-Gauge Needles for Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Thyroid Nodules.” J Ultrasound Med 37(7): 1713-1716. https://doi.org/10.1002/jum.14521

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Gumus, M., N. Cay, O. Algin, A. Ipek, R. U. Ersoy, O. Belenli and S. Ugras (2012). “Comparison of 21 and 27 gauge needles for determining sample adequacy in the aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules.” Diagn Interv Radiol 18(1): 102-105. https://doi.org/10.4261/1305-3825.DIR.4340-11.1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Cerit, M., C. Yucel, P. U. Gocun, A. Poyraz, E. T. Cerit and F. Taneri (2015). “Ultrasound-guided thyroid nodule fine-needle biopsies–comparison of sample adequacy with different sampling techniques, different needle sizes, and with/without onsite cytological analysis.” Endokrynol Pol 66(4): 295-300. https://doi.org/10.5603/EP.2015.0037

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Feldkamp, J., D. Fuhrer, M. Luster, T. J. Musholt, C. Spitzweg and M. Schott (2016). “Fine Needle Aspiration in the Investigation of Thyroid Nodules.” Dtsch Arztebl Int 113(20): 353-359. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2016.0353

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  31. Tanaka, A., M. Hirokawa, M. Higuchi, R. Kanematsu, A. Suzuki, S. Kuma, T. Hayashi, T. Kudo and A. Miyauchi (2019). “Optimal needle size for thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology.” Endocr J 66(2): 143-147. https://doi.org/10.1507/endocrj.EJ18-0422

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Polyzos, S. A. and A. D. Anastasilakis (2010). “Systematic review of cases reporting blood extravasation-related complications after thyroid fine-needle biopsy.” J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 39(5): 532-541

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Hahn, S. Y., J. H. Shin, Y. L. Oh, K. W. Park and Y. Lim (2020). “Comparison Between Fine Needle Aspiration and Core Needle Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules: Effective Indications According to US Findings.” Sci Rep 10(1): 4969. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-60872-z

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  34. Kim, S. Y., H. S. Lee, J. Moon, E. K. Kim, H. J. Moon, J. H. Yoon and J. Y. Kwak (2017). “Fine-needle aspiration versus core needle biopsy for diagnosis of thyroid malignancy and neoplasm: a matched cohort study.” Eur Radiol 27(2): 801-811. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4424-1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Shin, I., E. K. Kim, H. J. Moon, J. H. Yoon, V. Y. Park, S. E. Lee, H. S. Lee and J. Y. Kwak (2020). “Core-Needle Biopsy Does Not Show Superior Diagnostic Performance to Fine-Needle Aspiration for Diagnosing Thyroid Nodules.” Yonsei Med J 61(2): 161-168. https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2020.61.2.161

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  36. Wolinski, K., A. Stangierski and M. Ruchala (2017). “Comparison of diagnostic yield of core-needle and fine-needle aspiration biopsies of thyroid lesions: Systematic review and meta-analysis.” Eur Radiol 27(1): 431-436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4356-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Suh, C. H., J. H. Baek, J. H. Lee, Y. J. Choi, J. K. Kim, T. Y. Sung, J. H. Yoon and Y. K. Shong (2016). “The Role of Core-Needle Biopsy as a First-Line Diagnostic Tool for Initially Detected Thyroid Nodules.” Thyroid 26(3): 395-403. https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2015.0404

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Khoo, T. K., C. H. Baker, J. Hallanger-Johnson, A. M. Tom, C. S. Grant, C. C. Reading, T. J. Sebo and J. C. Morris, 3rd (2008). “Comparison of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy with core-needle biopsy in the evaluation of thyroid nodules.” Endocr Pract 14(4): 426-431. https://doi.org/10.4158/EP.14.4.426

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Chae, I. H., E. K. Kim, H. J. Moon, J. H. Yoon, V. Y. Park and J. Y. Kwak (2017). “Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration versus core needle biopsy: comparison of post-biopsy hematoma rates and risk factors.” Endocrine 57(1): 108-114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-017-1319-0

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Ha, E. J., J. H. Baek, J. H. Lee, J. K. Kim, Y. J. Choi, T. Y. Sung and T. Y. Kim (2017). “Complications following US-guided core-needle biopsy for thyroid lesions: a retrospective study of 6,169 consecutive patients with 6,687 thyroid nodules.” Eur Radiol 27(3): 1186-1194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-016-4461-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Kwak, J. Y., E. K. Kim, K. H. Ko, W. I. Yang, M. J. Kim, E. J. Son, K. K. Oh and K. W. Kim (2007). “Primary thyroid lymphoma: role of ultrasound-guided needle biopsy.” J Ultrasound Med 26(12): 1761-1765. https://doi.org/10.7863/jum.2007.26.12.1761

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Ha, E. J., J. H. Baek, J. H. Lee, J. K. Kim, D. E. Song, W. B. Kim and S. J. Hong (2016). “Core needle biopsy could reduce diagnostic surgery in patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer or thyroid lymphoma.” Eur Radiol 26(4): 1031-1036. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-015-3921-y

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Song, O. K., J. S. Koo, J. Y. Kwak, H. J. Moon, J. H. Yoon and E. K. Kim (2017). “Metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the thyroid gland: ultrasonographic features and the diagnostic role of core needle biopsy.” Ultrasonography 36(3): 252-259. https://doi.org/10.14366/usg.16037

  44. Fananapazir, G., M. G. Lubner, P. S. Cook and O. R. Brook (2021). “Abdominal radiology involvement in image-guided procedures: a perspective from the society of abdominal radiology Cross-Sectional Interventional Radiology Emerging Technology Commission.” Abdom Radiol (NY). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-020-02869-w

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

None.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA

    Benjamin Wildman-Tobriner & Lisa M. Ho

  2. Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Andrew W. Bowman

Authors
  1. Benjamin Wildman-Tobriner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lisa M. Ho
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Andrew W. Bowman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Benjamin Wildman-Tobriner.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wildman-Tobriner, B., Ho, L.M. & Bowman, A.W. Needle types used in abdominal cross-sectional interventional radiology: a survey of the Society of Abdominal Radiology emerging technology commission. Abdom Radiol 47, 2623–2631 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03145-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-021-03145-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation