New brush-needle for percutaneous biopsy

A new 21-gauge coaxial brush biopsy needle system is described. Preliminary tests were performed on 20 surgically resected specimens, and the results were compared with those obtained in biopsies taken with a 22-gauge Chiba needle. The brush needle specimens demonstrated a greater yield of biopsy material and better cellularity than those obtained with the Chiba needle, permitting diagnosis in a larger number of specimens. The results of this preliminary study indicate that the use of a brush-type coaxial device can enhance the yield of materials obtained through a small-gauge biopsy needle.