Abstract
Background and Study Aims: We have designed and evaluated a prototype automated spring-loaded biopsy needle
for endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided tissue sampling of indurated lesions in
which sampling using conventional aspiration needles has failed.
Patients and Methods: EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy using the new device was performed in four patients
(two men, two women, mean age 65 years) with indurated pancreatic lesions that could
not be penetrated with a conventional manually operated aspiration needle. The lesions
were located in the head of the pancreas in two patients, in the genu in one, and
in the body in one.
Results: The automatic biopsy needle allowed penetration of the pancreatic lesions in all
cases. The biopsy route was transduodenal in two patients, and transgastric in the
other two. The biopsies provided a core specimen for histological and cytological
diagnosis in all cases. No complications occurred.
Conclusion: The spring-loaded biopsy needle allows tissue sampling of indurated pancreatic lesions
that cannot be penetrated with conventional aspiration needles. Further studies are
warranted to determine whether this device can improve the results of EUS-guided fine-needle
aspiration biopsy.
