Bone Marrow Biopsy Tools & Techniques

To start, they cover the typical referral pathway for biopsies, the majority of which involve hematology/oncology indications. Preoperatively, managing patient expectations is important to communicate, especially regarding sedation and pain control. The IRs also walk through the biopsy steps, anatomy of the ilium, and confirmatory imaging with CT and fluoroscopy.

They also share their experiences with different biopsy needles such as the OnControl, Jamshid, and Trek systems. There are advantages to using a system that comes with a powered drill, but these can also increase patient anxiety. Additionally, it is important to consider the bone density of the patient when selecting the tool. A manual system may offer sufficient force for demineralized or osteoporotic bone. The hosts also discuss potential unintended outcomes of the procedure, including dry taps and entry into joints or sacral foramina. Finally, they review post-procedural care and patient emergence from sedation.