Use of a novel percutaneous biopsy localization device: initial musculoskeletal experience.

OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily evaluate a new CT-biopsy guidance device, the SeeStar (Radi, Uppsala, Sweden), for use in musculoskeletal applications.

DESIGN: The device was evaluated using an imaging phantom and in various simulated clinical biopsy situations. The phantom study was undertaken to optimize the linear metallic artifacts produced by the guidance device. The phantom and guidance device were imaged with CT after altering different imaging parameters, including field of view, filter, focal spot size, kV, mAs, slice thickness and pitch. Clinical biopsy situations were simulated for a superficial biopsy, a deep biopsy and a horizontal biopsy approach.

RESULTS: Altering CT parameters had little effect on the subjective appearance of the linear metal artifact, which is used to plan the biopsy approach. Placement of an 18-G needle inside of the biopsy device was subjectively helpful in exaggerating the artifact. Use of this artifact could be helpful in planning biopsy approach for deep lesions or lesions near critical structures. The metal guide on the device adequately supports a standard biopsy needle, making it potentially advantageous for biopsy of superficial lesions and lesions approached from a horizontal orientation.

CONCLUSION: Use of this CT-biopsy guidance device is potentially useful for musculoskeletal applications. The linear metal artifact produced by the device can help plan the biopsy approach. The device can also be useful in biopsy situations where the biopsy needle requires external support during imaging.