Muscle biopsy technical safety and quality using a self-contained, vacuum-assisted biopsy technique

Muscle sampling via percutaneous biopsy has been shown to be safe and effective using a Bergström needle; however, the use of a single-operator, self-contained, vacuum-assisted biopsy technique has not been explored. We performed a retrospective chart review of muscle biopsy samples obtained using the Vacora® self-contained vacuum-assisted biopsy system between 2013 and 2016, at the Toronto General Hospital. During this period, 102 single-operator muscle biopsies were performed using the Vacora® system. 54/102 showed normal or non-specific findings, while 39/102 were suggestive or diagnostic of a neuromuscular condition. 8 samples did not provide sufficient muscle tissue for diagnosis, and complications (intramuscular hematoma) occurred in 3/102 cases. Mean sample weight was 0.19 grams, which exceeded reported mean sample weights using the suction-modified Bergström technique (0.125 grams). We therefore conclude that the Vacora® vacuum-assisted biopsy system provides a safe and effective method to obtain diagnostic muscle biopsy samples; although complication rates are slightly higher than reported using the Bergström technique, possibly related to more vigorous suction or a sharp needle tip.