title: [Optimization of the fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules- automatic aspirator versus manual technique].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Optimization of a specially developed automatic microaspirator for fine-needle aspiration of suspicious thyroid nodules.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a preliminary test biopsy effectiveness was evaluated in 20 native resected thyroid glands in vitro with both a Cameco® gun and a specially designed microaspirator respectively. In addition in both techniques two different needles (21-G and 27-G) were used to evaluate the influence of these two cannula. Subsequently, 103 thyroid nodules were biopsied in vivo and compared the results with a preliminary series of the same physician. In the workup and evaluation of the cytology the ThinPrep® technology was used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In vitro the automatic microaspirator was superior to Cameco gun in both when using the 21-Gauge and the 27-Gauge needle. In terms of needle sizes a statistically significant difference at the 95% confidence level was evident for both comparisons in favor of 21-gauge needle. In vivo, 91% of punctures with the microaspirator were usable, while in the pre-series only 84% were usable (p>0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The automatic microaspirator is superior to the manual aspiration. Moreover, under sonographic control it is more convenient, to biopsy even very small nodules and lesiosn (down to 4 mm in diameter).
authors: Klinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. james.nagarajah@uk-essen.de
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Nagarajah
authors: S-Y
authors: SY
authors: Sheu-Grabellus
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Leitzen
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Hartung
authors: K-W
authors: KW
authors: Schmid
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Bockisch
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Görges
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional