Which Needle Is Better for EUS-Guided Core Biopsies?

For over 20 years, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was the standard for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition from pancreatic solid lesions, lymph nodes, liver metastases, and other lesions. Recent developments have seen the introduction and widespread dissemination of fine-needle biopsy (FNB; a.k.a. core biopsy) needle devices. In the U.S., three FNB needle devices are on the market, but few comparative data exist regarding their performance.

In a recent study, investigators randomized 50 patients with solid pancreatic masses to first undergo EUS with one of two different FNB needles — a Franseen or a Fork-tip — followed by EUS with the alternate needle. All patients underwent two passes with each FNB needle. Additional passes …