Evaluation of 14- and 11-gauge directional, vacuum-assisted biopsy probes and 14-gauge biopsy guns in a breast parenchymal model

PURPOSE: To compare commercially available 14-gauge core biopsy guns and 11- and 14-gauge, directional, vacuum-assisted biopsy probes for tissue yield and fragmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred passes were made through fresh turkey breasts by using each of 11 14-gauge, automated biopsy gun-needle combinations and a directional, stereotactic, vacuum-assisted biopsy system equipped with 11- or 14-gauge probes. Specimens were measured for total weight, individual length, diameter, and number of fragments. RESULTS: Among the handheld devices, the Pro-Mag 2.2 gun (Manan Medical Products, Northbrook, Ill) and 14-gauge Biopty-Cut needle (Bard, Covington, Ga) had the greatest yield (17.7 mg per core specimen); this combination also produced the greatest percentage of nonfragmented cores (83%). Directional, vacuum-assisted biopsy specimens were significantly larger (P < .001): 36.8 mg per core specimen for the 14-gauge probe and 94.4 mg per core specimen for the 11-gauge probe. Specimens obtained with directional, vacuum-assisted biopsy were more fragmented than those obtained with spring-actuated,two-stage,long-throw, automated biopsy systems. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant differences with various biopsy devices are seen in the breast tissue yield and in fragmentation.