Chapter 1: Understanding Biopsy Techniques

To gain insights into a patient's condition, healthcare professionals often perform a biopsy, which involves extracting a sample of tissue from a suspicious growth. Traditionally, fine needles have been employed for this procedure, a method that has seen little change over the past century and a half.

“The yield of biopsies—the amount of tissue retrieved—often falls short, with some studies indicating that nearly one-third of fine-needle biopsies fail to acquire sufficient tissue for a dependable diagnosis,” remarked Heikki Nieminen, a pioneer behind a new vibrating biopsy needle designed to tackle these issues.

Nieminen elaborated, “A biopsy can be a painful experience, and the anxiety during the waiting period for diagnostic results can be overwhelming for both the patient and their family, particularly if further biopsies are necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Our goal was to make the process gentler for patients while enhancing the likelihood of obtaining conclusive results on the initial attempt.”

Section 1.1: The Development of the SonoLancet

Collaborating with researchers at Aalto University in Finland, Nieminen has developed a device named the SonoLancet, which utilizes standard syringes paired with fine needle tips. This device operates by vibrating the needle tip at extraordinarily high frequencies—approximately 30,000 times per second. This rapid movement causes the tissue surrounding the needle tip to behave more like a liquid, facilitating the extraction of a greater amount of tissue through the slender needle while reducing patient discomfort.

Subsection 1.1.1: Mechanism of Action

“The vibrations are concentrated solely at the tip, allowing us to avoid affecting other tissue except for a small area around the needle,” explained Emanuele Perra, another researcher involved in the project. “Our findings indicate that the ultrasonic vibrations can enhance the biopsy yield by 3 to 6 times compared to using the same needle without ultrasound, surpassing our expectations.”

Chapter 2: Advancements in Biopsy Techniques

This video explains how ultrasonic vibrating needles improve fine needle biopsies and cancer diagnostics.

This video showcases the Jamshidi™ biopsy needles, their usage, and benefits in modern medical practice.