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A fine needle aspiration technique using high negative pressure

Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF, UK

This excerpt was created in the absence of an abstract.

Ultrasound-guided aspiration for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes plays an important role in the management of thoracic, abdominal or pelvic fluid collections. The use of a fine needle is safe (Dewbury, 1990) having the advantages of minimal tissue trauma and minimal patient discomfort. The disadvantage of a small needle of 22 gauge is that its bore limits the rate of aspiration, which is significant in dealing with large or viscous collections. The use of a hand held syringe can be tiring for the operator and needle movement or displacement can occur during prolonged aspirations.

We describe a simple method of overcoming some of these disadvantages.

Key Words: Aspiration

^* Present address: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton, London SW15.

Received for publication May 24, 1991. Accepted for publication July 23, 1991.