Radiofrequency cauterization with biopsy introducer needle.

PURPOSE The principal risks of needle biopsy are hemorrhage and implantation of tumor cells in the needle tract. This study compared hemorrhage after liver and kidney biopsy with and without radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the needle tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS Biopsies of liver and kidney were performed in swine through introducer needles modified to allow RF ablation with the distal 2 cm of the needle. After each biopsy, randomization determined whether the site was to undergo RF ablation during withdrawal of the introducer needle. Temperature was measured with a thermistor stylet near the needle tip, with a target temperature of 70 degrees C-100 degrees C with RF ablation. Blood loss was measured as grams of blood absorbed in gauze at the puncture site for 2 minutes after needle withdrawal. Selected specimens were cut for gross examination. RESULTS RF ablation reduced bleeding compared with absence of RF ablation in liver and kidney (P <.01), with mean blood loss reduced 63% and 97%, respectively. Mean amounts of blood loss (+/-SD) in the liver in the RF and no-RF groups were 2.03 g +/- 4.03 (CI, 0.53-3.54 g) and 5.50 g +/- 5.58 (CI, 3.33-7.66 g), respectively. Mean amounts of blood loss in the kidney in the RF and no-RF groups were 0.26 g +/- 0.32 (CI, -0.01 to 0.53 g) and 8.79 g +/- 7.72 (CI, 2.34-15.24 g), respectively. With RF ablation, thermal coagulation of the tissue surrounding the needle tract was observed. CONCLUSION RF ablation of needle biopsy tracts reduced hemorrhage after biopsy in the liver and kidney and may reduce complications of hemorrhage as well as implantation of tumor cells in the tract.