Ultrasound Aspiration Needle Investigates Gastrointestinal Lesions

An innovative endoscopic biopsy system based on fine needle aspiration (FNA) technology expands diagnostic capabilities in the pancreas and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

The Expect Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) aspiration needle is designed to collect tissue samples from both submucosal and extramural gastrointestinal (GI) lesions, helps clinicians diagnose and stage malignancies in organs adjacent to the GI tract. The Expect needle features an echogenic pattern providing excellent visibility and precise needle guidance within the targeted organ or structure. A chromium-cobalt-alloy design is engineered to offer improved sharpness and pushability, along with deformation resistance, compared to traditional stainless steel needles. As a result, physicians may be able to obtain more easily and accurately a tissue sample while maintaining excellent visibility during the procedure, thanks to an etched pattern on the needle that makes it clearly visible under ultrasound.


The echogenic pattern is also responsible for the improved penetration of the lesion sheath, thus providing a smoother passage through the scope and controlled needle actuation. An ergonomic handle with a slip-resistant grip helps maintain controlled needle penetration with a shorter, wider design. Sheath length and needle depth adjustment can be locked to the stylet, which remains coiled and in place for improved handling between needle passes. The Expect Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) aspiration needle is a product of Boston Scientific (Natick, MA, USA), and has received both US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and the European Community (CE) mark of approval.

"The quality of tissue samples is critical to accurately assessing malignancies, which in turn impact treatment algorithms," said Shyam Varadarajulu, MD, director of endoscopy at the University of Alabama (Birmingham, USA). "The Expect Needle yields detailed, high-quality samples that enable rapid evaluation of lesions and abnormalities to determine the specific stage of malignancies."

"The launch of the Expect needle broadens our endoscopy portfolio and further strengthens our leadership position in pancreaticobiliary disease management," said David Pierce, president of Boston Scientific's endoscopy division. "Providing physicians with an innovative, durable aspiration needle for EUS-FNA procedures highlights our commitment to delivering a full suite of advanced technologies to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases and help improve patient care."

EUS is a nonsurgical, less-invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the GI tract and adjacent organs, including the pancreas, liver, bile duct, and mediastinal space. To complement EUS, FNA is often used to collect cytology samples for cancer diagnosis. Data have shown that EUS is associated with improved survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients due to more informed, stage-appropriate disease management.

Related Links:
Boston Scientific