A new technical of liver biopsy with plugging of the needle track using a double channel biopsy device. An...

A new liver biopsy technique with plugging of the intrahepatic needle track in one procedure using a double channel biopsy device (Austrian patent No 384,165 invented by K. Zatloukal and H.P. Dinges) is presented in an experimental study. This technique is similar to that described by Menghini, but is combined with a fibrin sealing system (Tissucol, Tisseel). Biopsy and sealing of the biopsy site is performed within less than two seconds. 15 liver biopsies were performed on 6 heparinized dogs after laparotomy. Heparinization was maintained for 6 hours and the efficiency of the sealing in preventing biopsy-related bleeding was checked before the abdominal wound was closed. No bleeding occurred after biopsy with the new needle system and occlusion of the needle track with fibrin sealant. The livers with the sealed needle tracks and all biopsies obtained were examined histologically. It was found that the needle tracks were filled with the fibrin sealant which was almost completely replaced by granulation tissue after 8 days. Biopsies performed with a conventional Menghini needle led to continuous bleeding from the needle track. The results show that this new biopsy device efficiently prevents bleeding from the biopsy site in animals with severely impaired blood coagulation. Therefore, application of this biopsy technique in humans might reduce bleeding complications particularly in patients with severe liver diseases and disturbed blood coagulation.