Color Doppler ultrasonographic detection of a vibrating needle system

The purpose of this study was to compare needle detection using a commercially available vibrating needle system that is used with color Doppler sonography and conventional real-time needle guidance during ultrasonographically guided intervention. Twenty-four paired (48 total) sonographically guided needle placements were performed in 22 patients for fine needle biopsy. Two patients underwent two additional needle placements at later times and, therefore, underwent a total of four needle passes each. Twenty-four of the needles were placed utilizing conventional real-time ultrasonographic guidance, and 24 were guided using a commercially available vibrating needle system. The Color Mark System was compared with standard technique for needle visualization and graded according to ease of needle visualization (improved, no change, or more difficult visualization). This was done for both needle tip and needle shaft visualization. Visualization was graded in both superficial (less than 3 cm deep) and deep structures. Overall needle tip and shaft visualization improved in 14 of 24 cases in superficial tissues and in three of 24 cases in superficial and deep tissues with the Color Mark System. The vibrating needle system also was judged to be somewhat cumbersome when used with a 22 gauge needle, as its weight tended to bend the needle shaft. The needle vibrating system may enhance needle visualization in superficial structures, but with the present design it is of limited use in deep tissues.