Needle Biopsy Device

Needle Biopsy Device

The Technology

CT guided needle biopsies are common procedures for obtaining a tissue sample for the analysis and diagnosis of condition and consequently correctly managing patients.

When carrying out a CT guided needle biopsy of the chest cavity there can often be problems inserting and maintaining the needle in the correct position.  This is particularly true in patients with thin chest wall or when the needle needs to be inserted in angled orientation.

In these instances, the weight of the needle will request support to keep it in position. Not infrequently the radiologist may need to hold the needle during the exposure in order to check its orientation. This unnecessary radiation exposure can be avoided with the appropriate supporting device to prevent the needle from skewing.

A group of Radiologists at a North West NHS Trust have developed a device that helps to hold the needle in position in these situations. The device holds the needle in the desired orientation which allows for checking before introduction into the lungs.

The Advantages

• Simple and easy to use.
• Could be sold separately or incorporated into a needle pack.
• Does not compromise the length of the needle, i.e. you do not need longer needle than the one you would choose to do the procedure without the device.

The Potential Market

Lung biopsy is a common diagnostic procedure, aiming to collect tissue or cellular samples for defining the aetiology of nodules or masses in the lungs, or any other body compartments.

One such lung disease is lung cancer, which affects around 38,500 people in theUK, each year (Cancer ResearchUK).  Many of those will be diagnosed by CT guided lung biopsy. Thus an aid that assists in the correct positioning of the biopsy needle and reduces radiation exposure to the operator would be very valuable.

The Opportunities

We are seeking a commercial partner experienced in the development, manufacture and sale of needle biopsy equipment. A licence arrangement or a collaborative development project, are both possibilities.

The Contact

For more information about this or other technologies available for commercialisation through TrusTECH, contact:

Karl Bamford, Technology Manager, TRUSTECH. karl.bamford@cmft.nhs.uk or 0161 276 5462.