Standard Needle Magnetization for Ultrasound Needle Guidance: First Clinical Experiences in Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytology of Thyroid Nodules

Abstract

Fine-needle aspiration cytology using a novel ultrasound needle guidance system on the basis of standard needle magnetization was consecutively performed in 30 (15 in-plane and 15 out-of-plane) suspicious thyroid nodules. Nondedicated, commercially available needles were used. The technical effectiveness and safety of the system were satisfying; system failures were observed in 2 cases. The needle tip could be (at least occasionally) visualized inside the thyroid nodule in 96%, and the subjective procedure ratings were excellent in 57%. The out-of-plane technique was significantly superior in both respects (P = .021 and .027, respectively). Standard needle magnetization ultrasound needle guidance was easy to apply and cost-effective and has the potential to improve fine-needle aspiration cytology performance.

Technical feasibility and efficacy of a standard needle magnetization system for ultrasound needle guidance in thyroid nodule-targeting punctures: a phantom study

“…Therefore, the conventional technique has a learning curve for operators. Electromagnetic needle tracking is one method that permits real-time needle spatial acquisition [8]. When the needle is located within the controlled magnetic field, voltages are induced in the sensor and used to calculate the position and orientation of the needle.…”

“…Therefore, US-guided needle-tracking and guidance systems have been developed to assist operators for continuous monitoring of the needle alignment and tip position during the procedures [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Conventional in-plane techniques allow operators to trace the entire length of the needle and the needle tip after insertion.…”

“…Conventional in-plane techniques allow operators to trace the entire length of the needle and the needle tip after insertion. However, it has limitations for use if the insertion angle of the needle is misplaced and the needle must be reinserted to target TNs [8].…”

Case report of a cystic parathyroidal adenoma with rapid growth induced by cinacalcet

“…The "cyst" showed further growth to 29.7 mL. Due to patients discomfort and for further diagnostic approach we decided to perform a fine-needle aspiration (FNA), which was carried out with a novel ultrasoundguided standard needle magnetization guidance system [5]. This system enables the needle tip to be tracked, which facilitates the complete aspiration of the fluid and punctation of the wall.…”

“…4 Department of Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. 5 Institute of Pathology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. 6 Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.…”