Polyethylene sheath device to reduce tumor cell seeding along the needle tract in percutaneous biopsy

Background: Minimally invasive techniques such as percutaneous biopsy of suspected malignancies are used widely. Besides bleeding, tumor cell seeding along the needle or instrument tract is of concern. Methods: We have developed a polyethylene-sheath device (PSD) to reduce the risk of cell spread when withdrawing a biopsy instrument. The mechanism was tested for its feasibility with a model taking biopsies from lamb liver presoaked with fluorescein dye underneath a specimen of lamb muscle. Results: Fluorescence microscopic examination did not demonstrate fluorescent dye along the needle tract when the PSD was used, whereas there was marked staining in controls. The PSD was intact after having been used to perform the biopsies. Conclusions: The PSD reduces the risk of cell spread along instrument tracts.