CT-Guided Percutaneous Trans-scapular Lung Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesion Nodules of the Superior Lobes Using Large Needles
Purpose: CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic lung needle biopsy (PLB) is an effective procedure for obtaining cyto-histological diagnoses of peripheral lesions. However, upper postero-lateral lung nodules (UPLN) may be difficult to reach using a standard intercostal either anterior or lateral approach or when the nodule is just behind a rib or scapula. We evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of trans-scapular approach (tPLB) in these patients using large-core needles.