In vitro CT visualization of the biopsy location by filling the core biopsy needle with contrast media

When performing computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy procedures with non-disposable, automatic biopsy instruments, the actual course of the biopsy needle is not registered.

To evaluate the ability to visualize the sampling location after CT-guided biopsy in vitro using a novel method, where the space between the inner needle and the outer cannula in a core biopsy needle is filled with contrast media; and to compare the grade of visibility for two different concentrations of contrast media.

Core needle biopsies were performed in a tissue phantom using biopsy needles primed with two different iodine contrast media concentrations (140 mg I/mL and 400 mg I/mL). Commercially available needle-filling contraptions with sealing membranes were used to fill the needles. Each biopsy was imaged with CT, and the visibility was evaluated twice by three senior radiologists in a randomized order.

The presence of traces was confirmed after biopsy, almost without exception for both concentrations. The visibility was sufficient to determine the biopsy location in all observations with the 400 mg I/mL filling, and in 7/10 observations with the 140 mg I/mL filling. The grade of visibility of the trace and the proportion of the biopsy needle course outlined were higher with the 400 mg I/mL filling.

With CT-guided biopsy in vitro, the sampling location can be visualized using a novel method of priming the biopsy needle with iodine contrast media, specifically highly concentrated contrast media.