Removable hub needle system for coaxial biopsy of small and difficult lesions

A 23-gauge needle with a removable hub for a modified coaxial biopsy technique is described. The needle is useful for biopsy of small (less than or equal to 2.5 cm) and difficult chest or abdominal lesions. After removal of the hub, coaxial insertion of an outer 19-gauge needle is performed. Biopsy specimens are obtained coaxially through the 19-gauge needle after the hubless needle is removed. This system permits precise biopsy of smaller lesions, when the tandem biopsy technique is not practical.