Value of CT fluoroscopy for percutaneous biopsy procedures

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical impact of computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopy (CTF) with regard to procedure time and success rate for CT image-guided biopsy procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety consecutive patients referred to the same radiologist underwent biopsy procedures performed with use of a CT scanner equipped with fluoroscopic capabilities during a 15-month period. CTF procedures were performed predominantly by means of a continuous fluoroscopic technique, with typical exposure factors of 50 mA at 120 kV and a slice thickness of 10 mm, The total procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and complication and procedure success rates were documented prospectively in this group. A control group consisted of retrospective analysis of 93 consecutive patients who had undergone a classic CT-guided procedure performed by the same radiologist, RESULTS: Procedure success rate was increased in the CTF group (93.7 versus 88.2%), although the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05: Fisher exact test). A statistically significant difference was noted when comparing mean procedure times (CTF, 27.56 minutes; range, 20-60 minutes versus control, 43.17 minutes; range, 35-80 minutes; P < .0001; Welch unpaired t test). CONCLUSION: CT fluoroscopy facilitates CT-guided biopsy procedures by allowing visualization of the needle trajectory from skin entry to the target point, allowing procedures to be performed more rapidly and efficiently.