Small bowel biopsy by coaxial catheter. A simple, rapid technique

A new small intestinal biopsy technique was developed and evaluated: it involves the rapid replacement of a simple duodenal tube using a controllable spring guide and fluoroscopy. A suction biopsy catheter was then passed coaxially through the tube as often as needed for sampling, after which other diagnostic studies were done with the same intubation. In clinical trials totaling 31 biopsies in 15 adult patients, the method proved safe and effective. Currently, the time required to intubate the ligament of Treitz and obtain two biopsies is usually less than 15 minutes.