Directable needle guide: efficacy for image-guided percutaneous interventions.

Diagnostic and therapeutic image-guided percutaneous interventions have become increasingly important in the clinical management of various conditions. Though precise needle placement via a safe route is essential for successful percutaneous interventions, it is often difficult in cases of deeply situated, small lesions. The present paper describes the efficacy of the directable needle guide (DNG), which allows manipulation of the direction of a fine needle within organs. The DNG was used in patients for needle biopsy of hepatic (n = 26) and splenic (n = 1) lesions and for percutaneous ethanol injection therapy for liver tumors (n = 33) under sonographic or computed tomography guidance. The DNG enabled the direction of a 21- or 22-gauge needle to be successfully changed during needle advancement in all cases, allowing adjustment of the location of the needle tip or needle access root to avoid vessels, the gallbladder, and the lungs. We conclude that DNG increases the safety and ease of percutaneous interventions.