Yousuke Nakai, MD, PhD, from the Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, in Tokyo, Japan discusses this New Methods article, “A pilot study of EUS-guided through-the-needle forceps biopsy (with video).”

In this pilot study, we evaluated EUS-guided through-the-needle forceps biopsy (EUS-TTNFB), using a 0.75-mm biopsy forceps through a 19-gauge FNA needle.

Advances in next-generation sequencing for personalized medicine have increased the demand for core tissue, and EUS-TTNFB enables the acquisition of additional “core” during EUS-FNA procedures. In addition, recent development of miniature devices enables various through-the-needle procedures such as cystoscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy, portal vein pressure measurement and photodynamic therapy. This study adds to this growing variety of through-the-needle procedures.

Figure 1. Miniature biopsy forceps going through a 19-gauge needle.

A total of 49 passes of EUS-TTNFB were performed in 17 cases and were technically successful in 100%. Macroscopic histologic core was obtained in 71% per pass by EUS-TTNFB and with a single pass of a 19-gaguge FNA needle the tissue acquisition rate was 89%. Of note, EUS-TTNFB provided a histologic specimen in 5 of 14 passes when subsequent EUS-FNA failed to obtain a histologic specimen.

Find the article abstract here.

The information presented in Endoscopedia reflects the opinions of the authors and does not represent the position of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). ASGE expressly disclaims any warranties or guarantees, expressed or implied, and is not liable for damages of any kind in connection with the material, information, or procedures set forth.