Real-time aspiration-biopsy transducer.

In vitro and in vivo experience with a real-time aspiration-biopsy transducer indicates that the advantage of this instrument is that it permits the examiner to monitor the movement of the structure being aspirated or biopsied, as well as the movements of adjacent organs, while the needle tip is being inserted into the structure. When the needle tip is inserted into the skin, a strong acoustic shadow is produced along the path of the needle, indicating the optimum position for aspiration and biopsy. Within fluid-filled areas the needle tip is imaged consistently. For shadow path of the needle can be consistently observed, but the needle tip is recorded with more difficulty.