Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 16, Issue 4 269-274, Copyright © 1997 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Color Doppler ultrasonographic detection of a vibrating needle system
C. D. Jones, J. P. McGahan and K. J. Clark
Department of Radiology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, USA.
The purpose of this study was to compare needle detection using a
commercially available vibrating needle system that is used with color
Doppler sonography and conventional real-time needle guidance during
ultrasonographically guided intervention. Twenty-four paired (48 total)
sonographically guided needle placements were performed in 22 patients for
fine needle biopsy. Two patients underwent two additional needle placements
at later times and, therefore, underwent a total of four needle passes
each. Twenty-four of the needles were placed utilizing conventional
real-time ultrasonographic guidance, and 24 were guided using a
commercially available vibrating needle system. The Color Mark System was
compared with standard technique for needle visualization and graded
according to ease of needle visualization (improved, no change, or more
difficult visualization). This was done for both needle tip and needle
shaft visualization. Visualization was graded in both superficial (less
than 3 cm deep) and deep structures. Overall needle tip and shaft
visualization improved in 14 of 24 cases in superficial tissues and in
three of 24 cases in superficial and deep tissues with the Color Mark
System. The vibrating needle system also was judged to be somewhat
cumbersome when used with a 22 gauge needle, as its weight tended to bend
the needle shaft. The needle vibrating system may enhance needle
visualization in superficial structures, but with the present design it is
of limited use in deep tissues.
