Cook’s New EchoTip ProCore Ultrasound Biopsy Needle

Cook Medical has released a new histology needle for performing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) biopsies on tissue reachable from the GI tract. The EchoTip ProCore High Definition Ultrasound Biopsy Needle offers an option that promises easier and cleaner results than standard fine needle aspiration.

Until now, histological samples have been commonly acquired by other more invasive modalities to diagnose malignant and benign lesions of the GI tract. Now, with Cook’s EchoTip ProCore, tissue samples can be obtained using the less-invasive EUS procedure. In a typical EUS procedure, a physician passes an endoscope with a small ultrasound transducer at its tip through the mouth and esophagus of a sedated patient so that the GI tract can be imaged from within. To acquire a histology sample, the EchoTip ProCore needle is inserted in the echoendoscope and guided by ultrasound imaging to the site of the lesion, where it collects the target tissue. This modality, called fine-needle biopsy (FNB), is a less invasive alternative to open surgical biopsy.
The EchoTip ProCore is a single-use, disposable needle for FNB intended for sampling of submucosal lesions, mediastinal masses, lymph nodes and intraperitoneal masses. It builds on the advantages of the EchoTip Ultra line, and its use and functionality are almost identical to the EchoTip Ultra ultrasound needle, so physicians familiar with that product won’t need to learn new techniques. The core trap at the tip of the needle receives the tissue sample while the 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 similar to Cook’s EchoTip Ultra needles, promoting ultrasound visibility that helps the physician keep the needle tip on target. The redesigned, naturally contoured handle is designed for precise needle control and stability.

Press release: Next-Generation Endoscopic Ultrasound Histology Needle from Cook Medical May Advance Diagnosis of GI Disorders…