A novel flexible cryoprobe for EUS-guided pancreatic biopsies

BackgroundEUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) is an established technique for the cytologic diagnosis of pancreatic disease. Attempts to obtain adequate histologic specimens have yielded variable and mostly insufficient results.ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety, feasibility, and quality of histologic biopsy specimens obtained by using a new cryobiopsy probe and to compare them with standard EUS-FNA and (laparoscopic) trucut biopsy specimens of pancreatic tissue.DesignAnimal non-survival study.InterventionEighty-four pancreatic biopsy specimens (12 per group) were obtained in 4 anesthetized pigs by using one of the following the 18-gauge flexible cryoprobe; a conventional, 19-gauge, EUS-FNA needle; or a rigid, trucut biopsy device (18 gauge). The latter, used in laparoscopic surgery, was considered as the criterion standard for obtaining histology specimens.Main Outcome MeasurementsSpecimens were evaluated for artifacts and specimen quality by a blinded pathologist who used a 7-point Likert scale to assess histologic adequacy. Biopsy size and bleeding time after biopsy also were recorded.ResultsThe new cryoprobe was equivalent to the rigid, trucut needle and superior (P < .001) to the conventional 19-gauge FNA needles with respect to artifacts, quality of the specimen, biopsy specimen size, and bleeding.LimitationsAnimal model.ConclusionEUS-guided cryobiopsy was associated with better specimen quality for histologic analysis and a shorter bleeding time compared with a conventional 19-gauge FNA needle in the animal model. It is a promising new technique for histologic examination of pancreatic tissue.