A tandem guide for renal biopsy.

Percutaneous renal biopsy with direct ultrasound guidance can minimize complications of the biopsy procedure. Presently, many laboratories use ultrasound to localize the kidney, and to calculate the appropriate depth and angle for biopsy needle placement. The actual biopsy, however, is performed blindly. A modification of this technique is presented wherein a 22-gauge guide needle is directed into the kidney using direct ultrasound visualization. This needle serves as a tandem guide for the biopsy needle. The technique reduces the number of unsuccessful needle passes, and minimizes the time required for the procedure, patient discomfort, and potential morbidity.