Review of muscle biopsy technical safety and quality using a self-contained, vacuum-assisted biopsy technique (P2.142)

Objective: To describe our experience with a novel vacuum-assisted muscle sampling technique. Background: Percutaneous muscle biopsy is an accepted method of muscle tissue sampling for research and clinical practice. Excellent technical safety and sample quality have previously been demonstrated with the suction-modified Bergstrom percutaneous muscle biopsy technique, although this technique requires two operators and may require multiple muscle insertions (to obtain sufficient tissue volume). The Vacora self-contained vacuum-assisted biopsy system is an easy to use, single-operator system developed and studied as a safe and effective tool for biopsy of breast lesions. The Vacora system has been noted as a potential tool for percutaneous muscle biopsies, however data about technique safety, sample quality, and cost effectiveness are not available. Design/Methods: The Vacora system has been used for muscle biopsy at our clinic (a large, tertiary-care neuromuscular clinic) since November 2013, with over 100 consecutive muscle biopsies performed. We performed a retrospective review of all percutaneous muscle biopsies over this time period. Results: We report on ease of use, sample size, sample quality and complication rates (including patient morbidity and need for repeat or open biopsy) in this cohort. Our results are compared to literature descriptions of Bergstrom percutaneous and open biopsy techniques. Conclusions: The description of safety, feasibility and sample quality results associated with a novel muscle biopsy technique is intended to offer clinicians an alternative method to obtain muscle samples for diagnostic testing or research studies. Disclosure: Dr. Gallo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Katzberg has received personal compensation for activities with Genzyme and CSL Behring. Dr. Bril has received personal compensation for activities with CSL, Grifols, Bionevia, and UCB for consulting and research grants. Dr. Breiner has received research support from Grifols and GBS/CIDP Foundation.