No change in complication rate using spring-loaded gun compared to traditional percutaneous renal allograft biopsy techniques.

The previous methods to biopsy renal allografts at our institution involved the use of the Franklin-Silverman or Tru-Cut needles. Unfortunately they had a significant rate of post biopsy bleeding secondary to deep penetration when excess force was used to penetrate a tough transplant capsule. Although spring loaded biopsy devices have been widely used for native kidney biopsies over the past three years, the complication rate for renal allograft biopsies has not been sufficiently evaluated. We describe our experience using a disposable spring loaded biopsy device on transplanted renal grafts. Fifty-four biopsies were performed with the device, all under ultrasound guidance. The ASAP automatic biopsy system by Medi-tech was used comprising of a spring loaded gun with a 15 cm long 15 GA needle echogenic tip and 17 mm specimen notch. All patients were ultrasounded immediately post biopsy to look for hematomas. Compared to 55 previous biopsies performed using Tru-Cut needles, we conclude that the ASAP automated biopsy system proved equally effective in obtaining adequate tissue for diagnosis with fewer post-biopsy hematomas compared to traditional biopsy methods.