Computed-tomography-guided punctures using a new guidance device.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a new adjunctive guidance device, a puncture guide, constructed to simplify computed tomography (CT)-guided punctures and to make the procedure more accurate and safe.


METHODS
17 patients referred for CT-guided punctures were included in the study. There were 10 thoracic and 7 abdominal or pelvic lesions with a mean maximum diameter of 29 +/- 18 mm. All punctures were performed using a laser guide combined with the new device. The needle guide created a streak artefact in the image, indicating the needle path.


RESULTS
The puncture was successful at the first attempt in 15 of the 17 patients. The artefact was visible in all patients, and in the majority there was a distinct artefact reaching from the entry point to the lesion. The deviation between the angle of the streak artefact and the final angle of the needle was 1.1 degrees.


CONCLUSIONS
The benefits of the puncture guide were the artefact pointing at the target, the needle support, and accuracy when performing CT-guided punctures.
Magnusson
A
A
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. anders.magnusson@akademiska.se
Radecka
E
E
Lönnemark
M
M
Raland
H
H
D034841:Abdominal Cavity / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016477:Artifacts; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010388:Pelvis / Q000473:pathology; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D035423:Thoracic Cavity / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*