The technique of percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy.

Consider percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy when specimens of pulmonary malignancies or infections are needed and bronchoscopy is contraindicated or the lesion is in a peripheral location. Percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy can be performed rapidly, and its diagnostic yield is good to excellent. The chief limitation of this procedure is the high incidence of pneumothorax, which makes the technique unsuitable for ventilated patients. A needle is inserted through the chest wall under fluoroscopic or CT guidance; a small sample is then aspirated through the needle. Operator skill and the use of thin needles help reduce the incidence of complications.