How to choose needles and probes for ultrasonographically guided percutaneous breast biopsy: a systematic approach.

This article describes a systematic approach to choosing needles and probes for ultrasonographically guided (US-guided) percutaneous breast biopsy under various circumstances. The accuracy of US-guided percutaneous breast biopsy depends upon both the method chosen and lesion characteristics. Target accuracy and proper procedures are essential for predicting the yield regardless of the method chosen. Considering accuracy and cost, vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) should be offered only to appropriately selected patients. In particular, VAB should be the first choice for US-guided percutaneous breast biopsy of non-mass-like lesions.