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Semin intervent Radiol 2004; 21(4): 247-258
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-861559
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Biopsy: Special Considerations and Techniques Used in Lung Transplant Recipients

Amanda B. Wallace1 , Robert D. Suh1
  • 1Department of Radiological Sciences, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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Publication History

Publication Date:
07 January 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Lung transplant recipients are among the patients most likely eventually to undergo diagnostic lung biopsy. Unfortunately, these patients are at particularly high risk for experiencing intra- and periprocedural complications. Percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) has over time emerged as an increasingly safe and reliable method of obtaining lung tissue for diagnosis. This article gives an overview of TNB including its indications, the imaging modalities currently used for guidance, and the special techniques utilized in performing the procedure and minimizing complications with an emphasis placed upon the special case of TNB performed in lung transplant recipients.

KEYWORDS

Transthoracic needle biopsy - lung transplant - interventional radiology

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Robert D SuhM.D. 

Department of Radiological Sciences, UCLA Medical Center

10833 Le Conte Avenue, B2-168 Center for the Health Sciences

Los Angeles, CA 90095-1721

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