Name of the Procedure:

Transcatheter Biopsy, Radiological Supervision and Interpretation

Summary

A transcatheter biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure where tissue samples are obtained using a catheter with radiological imaging guidance to ensure accuracy. Radiologists supervise and interpret the images to facilitate proper positioning and sampling.

Purpose

This procedure is used to diagnose diseases, particularly cancers, infections, or inflammatory conditions. The main goal is to obtain a tissue sample without the need for more invasive surgical procedures, allowing for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning.

Indications

• Suspicious masses or lesions detected through imaging.
• Unexplained abnormalities in organs or tissues.
• Needs for histological examination to confirm a diagnosis.
• Inability to perform traditional surgical biopsy due to patient health risks.

Preparation

• Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure.
• Adjustments in medications such as blood thinners.
• Pre-procedure diagnostic tests, including blood tests and imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT scan).
• Fasting or specific dietary restrictions as advised by the healthcare provider.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned on a radiology table.
2. Local anesthesia is administered at the biopsy site.
3. A small incision is made to insert the catheter.
4. Using fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) or other imaging modalities, the catheter is guided to the targeted tissue.
5. A biopsy needle is passed through the catheter to collect tissue samples.
6. The samples are then sent to a pathology lab for analysis.
7. The catheter is removed, and the incision site is bandaged.

Severe anesthesia or sedation may be applied based on the patient's condition and the nature of the biopsy site.

Duration

Typically ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and location of the targeted tissue.

Setting

Performed in a hospital or specialized outpatient radiology clinic.

Personnel

• Interventional Radiologist
• Radiologic Technologists
• Nurses
• Potentially an Anesthesiologist (if sedation is required)

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding or hematoma at the biopsy site.
• Infection.
• Damage to nearby organs or tissues.
• Allergic reaction to contrast material used in imaging.
• Rarely, pneumothorax (collapsed lung) if the lung is near the biopsy site.

Benefits

• Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time.
• Accurate diagnosis aiding in effective treatment planning.
• Less pain and quicker recovery compared to traditional surgical biopsies.

Recovery

• Monitoring for a few hours post-procedure.
• Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24-48 hours.
• Follow-up appointments to review biopsy results and manage any complications.
• Pain management with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Alternatives

• Surgical biopsy (invasive with longer recovery).
• Fine-needle aspiration (less tissue obtained, possibly less accurate).
• Non-invasive imaging techniques (less definitive than histological diagnosis).

Patient Experience

• May experience mild discomfort or pain at the biopsy site.
• Sedation or local anesthesia helps minimize pain.
• Post-procedure, the patient might feel sore and will need to rest.
• Pain management is provided to enhance comfort during recovery.