Ultrasound-guided non-targeted liver core biopsy: comparison of the efficacy of two different core needle biopsy systems using an ex-vivo animal model and retrospective review of clinical experience

• Published in: Clinical imaging Vol. 61; pp. 36 - 42
• Main Authors: Ho, Lisa M., Pendse, Avani A., Ronald, James, Luciano, Marcus, Marin, Daniele, Jaffe, Tracy A., Nelson, Rendon C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2020; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Abdomen; Adequacy; Animal models; Automation; Biopsy; Early experience; Hypodermic needles; In vivo methods and tests; Liver; Liver diseases; Needles; Pathology; Ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 0899-7071; 1873-4499
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2020.01.005

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of two 18-gauge core needle biopsy systems, the Achieve® (Merit Medical) and the Marquee® (BD Bard), using an ex-vivo animal liver model and retrospective review of clinical experience. Methods: Sixty ex-vivo liver biopsy samples were obtained using the Achieve® (n = 30) and the Marquee® (n = 30) needles. In addition, 20 liver biopsy samples from 20 patients obtained using the Achieve® (n = 10) and Marquee® (n = 10) were compared retrospectively. One pathologist, blinded to needle type, recorded total core length and the number of complete portal triads. Ex vivo measurements were compared using mixed effects linear, logistic, and ordinal regression. In vivo measurements were compared using Student's t-test. Results: For the Achieve® and Marquee® needles, the mean(SD) total core length (mm) of ex vivo samples was 11.0(3.3) and 12.6(3.4), respectively (P = 0.069) and the adequacy rate was 23.3% and 50%, respectively (P = 0.04). Mean number of portal triads of ex vivo samples was 7.2(2.9) and 8.6(3.8), respectively (P = 0.13), and the adequacy rate was 73.3% and 83.3%, respectively (P = 0.32). For in vivo samples, the Achieve® and Marquee® needles demonstrates mean(SD) total core length (mm) of 24.6(7.1) and 32.0(4.6), respectively (P = 0.01), adequacy rate (P = 0.06). Mean number of portal triads was 14.9(4.8) and 19.6(4.1), respectively (P = 0.03), adequacy rate (P = 0.47). Conclusions: Slightly longer core biopsies were obtained with the Marquee® needle compared with the Achieve® needle. Early clinical experience demonstrates no significant difference in sample adequacy rates. Both needle types can be expected to provide adequate samples for pathologic assessment of liver tissue. •Slightly longer core needle biopsy samples obtained with the Marquee® compared with the Achieve® needle.•No significant difference in sample adequacy rates for both Marquee and Achieve needles.•No difference in needle visualization and sharpness between Marquee® and Achieve® needles.