Endoscopic Ultrasound Histology Needle Helps Diagnose GI Disorders

A new histology needle for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) giving physicians the ability to retrieve tissue samples from hard-to-reach regions within or adjacent to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

The EchoTip ProCore High Definition Ultrasound Biopsy Needle is a disposable needle for fine-needle biopsy (FNB), and is intended for sampling of submucosal lesions, mediastinal masses, lymph nodes, and intraperitoneal masses. The EchoTip ProCore offers a less invasive alternative to open surgical biopsy, with easier and cleaner results than standard FNB aspiration. The needle is designed to allow the targeting of small lesions with increased sampling yields and potentially fewer needle passes, which could minimize patient trauma and may improve the accuracy and efficiency of core biopsies.


To acquire a histology sample, the EchoTip ProCore needle is inserted into an echoendoscope and guided by EUS to the site of the lesion, where it collects the target tissue. The core trap at the tip of the needle receives the tissue sample, while a reverse bevel promotes the collection of core sample by shearing material from the target lesion during retrograde movement of the needle. The needle surface is dimpled with a high-definition pattern, promoting ultrasound visibility. A naturally contoured handle is designed for precise control and stability. The EchoTip ProCore histology needle is a product of Cook Medical (Winston-Salem, NC, USA).

"With the EchoTip ProCore needle, there is no real learning curve involved in using the needle,” said John Deutsch, MD, of St. Mary's Duluth Clinic (MN, USA). "It is designed to be easy to use, and the sharpness and accuracy of the needle could be beneficial to patients. I've had good tissue samples in my initial experience with the needles.”

"The design of the EchoTip ProCore needle assists the physician in consistently obtaining histological samples through endoscopic ultrasound,” said Sri Komanduri, MD, an interventional gastroenterologist at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL, USA). "In our early experience, the ProCore needle has improved our diagnostic yield over standard fine needle aspiration and has already impacted patient outcomes.”

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Cook Medical
Northwestern University