Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Human Vastus Lateralis Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Using the Weil-Blakesley Conchotome
Published on: March 4, 2016
Office based muscle biopsy using Vacora vacuum assisted biopsy system
S N Akarolo-Anthony1, T O Ogundiran, C Nkwodimmah
1Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston MA 02115, USA.
Introduction:
Muscle biopsy is a minor surgical procedure that has been conducted over several decades in clinical practice. Over the years, the technique to implement this procedure has been modified to make it easier to perform and more tolerable for the patient. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of muscle biopsy as an office based procedure, by using a vacuum Assisted Biopsy System.
Method:
The procedure was successfully carried out on 57 individuals with/without diabetes, currently involved in the African American Diabetes Mellitus Study. One specimen was collected percutaneously from the vastus lateralis, under local anesthesia. A 16-gauge needle was used.
Results:
Muscle biopsies were successfully carried out on all study participants. The study participants reported no complications after the procedure.
Conclusion:
The findings from our study show that muscle biopsy can be feasibly implemented as an office based procedure, involving minimal muscle invasion, less trauma, hospital stay time, and expenses.
