Muscle biopsy technical safety and quality using a self-contained, vacuum-assisted biopsy technique

Neuromuscul Disord. 2018 May;28(5):450-453. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2018.02.006. Epub 2018 Feb 15.

Abstract

Muscle sampling via percutaneous biopsy has been shown to be safe and effective using a Bergström needle; however, the use of a single-operator, self-contained, vacuum-assisted biopsy technique has not been explored. We performed a retrospective chart review of muscle biopsy samples obtained using the Vacora® self-contained vacuum-assisted biopsy system between 2013 and 2016, at the Toronto General Hospital. During this period, 102 single-operator muscle biopsies were performed using the Vacora® system. 54/102 showed normal or non-specific findings, while 39/102 were suggestive or diagnostic of a neuromuscular condition. 8 samples did not provide sufficient muscle tissue for diagnosis, and complications (intramuscular hematoma) occurred in 3/102 cases. Mean sample weight was 0.19 grams, which exceeded reported mean sample weights using the suction-modified Bergström technique (0.125 grams). We therefore conclude that the Vacora® vacuum-assisted biopsy system provides a safe and effective method to obtain diagnostic muscle biopsy samples; although complication rates are slightly higher than reported using the Bergström technique, possibly related to more vigorous suction or a sharp needle tip.

Keywords: Bergström; Muscle biopsy; Muscular dystrophy; Myopathy; Myositis; Percutaneous biopsy; Vacora.

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle / adverse effects
  • Biopsy, Needle / methods*
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology*
  • Muscular Diseases / pathology*
  • Retrospective Studies