Evaluation and comparison of automated biopsy devices. Work in progress.

The performance of four automated biopsy devices (Bard Biopty, Bard Monopty, Microvasive ASAP 18, Medical Device Technologies Ultra-Cut) was compared when they were used to obtain 96 liver and 96 kidney samples from eight dogs under ultrasound guidance. There was no significant difference in the lengths of the samples obtained with the four devices. The Monopty device yielded a significantly greater mean weight of both kidney (30.8%) and liver (31.6%) samples compared with the other devices. There were no significant differences between the four devices relative to cellular and histologic preservation, crush artifact, and number of renal glomeruli or liver lobules and portal triads. Renal subcapsular hematomas were identified in most instances, and there was no difference between the devices in the amount of renal trauma resulting from their use. There was only one instance of severe injury to the liver. The choice of instrument should remain one of personal preference, since all four devices were satisfactory and none produced significantly greater renal or hepatic injury.