Sonographically guided biopsy of focal lesions: A comparison of freehand and probe-guided techniques using a phantom

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. A phantom model of lesions in the human liver with simulated ribs was used to test an ultrasound probe-guided sonographic biopsy technique. The aim of the experiment was to compare biopsy time and sample quality between freehand and probe-guided methods of sonographic biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Ten operators with a range of clinical biopsy experience were tested. Each operator was given two phantoms containing four targets. Each target was biopsied with both biopsy methods. Data collected included procedure time and sample quality in the biopsy specimen. Analyses were stratified by level of operator experience. RESULTS. Median biopsy time was 23 sec with the ultrasound probe g..