A novel technique for performing aspiration biopsies - A technical report

An aspiration biopsy is a commonly performed procedure for diagnostic sampling, particularly for sampling of cystic soft tissue lesions and bone marrow. The method is also useful for diagnostic sampling of bone lesions, particularly cystic and lytic osseous lesions where traditional methods of core biopsy may yield little to no material. Performing a successful aspiration biopsy involves aspiration of the lesion's contents and curettage of the walls. This requires maintaining a constant negative pressure on the syringe, which can be challenging with bone biopsies, as it requires one hand to maintain significant pressure on the plunger while the other hand manipulates the needle within the lesion. We describe a novel technique for performing aspiration biopsies of these lesions which allows maintenance of constant negative pressure on the syringe and frees up both the proceduralist's hands for better control of the needle.