Coaxial needle biopsy of lesions of the lung guided by computed tomography.

Thirty patients underwent coaxial needle aspiration biopsies of lesions of the lung under CTG. Tissue obtained was adequate for diagnosis in 90 per cent of the patients. The incidence of pneumothorax was low using the coaxial needle technique. The limitations of the fine needle are diminished, and the risk of tumor implant during the procedure is greatly minimized. Additional studies should be conducted to further evaluate this technique and confirm its safety.