Transcutaneous pleural biopsy with a retrograde forceps: a novel approach

Pleural biopsies are commonly performed to investigate the cause of exudative pleural effusion. Biopsy needles (e.g. Abrams needle, Cope needle) are traditionally used to perform the biopsy. However, certain complications such as pneumothorax and haemothorax have been described. We present a technique utilizing a novel retrograde forceps, which could improve the simplicity and lower the complication rate of performing closed pleural biopsies.

A retrograde forceps (Retroforceps, Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) was used to perform 20 transcutaneous pleural biopsies in a cadaver thorax under thoracoscopical control. Video documentation of the procedure from outside and inside the thorax was performed. The surgeon performing the biopsy was blinded to the thoracoscopical view. After the removal of the forceps, it was checked whether biopsy material was retrieved. The video material was retrospectively used to confirm whether the biopsy was taken from the pleura parietalis.

Biopsy material was retrieved in 19 out of 20 biopsy attempts. Video material confirmed that the biopsy was taken from the pleura parietalis in all cases.

Using a retrograde biopsy forceps is a simple and practicable procedure suitable for clinical application. This technique could potentially reduce the incidence of pneumothorax.