Needle guide for the reduction of radiation load for the investigator in CT-guided aspiration

Purpose. To evaluate the use of a needle guide for CT guided puncture for t he reduction of radiation dose of the interventional radiologist. Material and methods. A total of 20 CT-guided punctures was performed. An a pproach from anterior was used in 12 cases and an approach from lateral was used in 8 cases. We evaluated the practicability, the precision and possib le artifacts caused by the needle guide. Results. All 20 punctures could be performed with the needle guide without any complications. We observed no artifacts on the images due to the needle guide. The ability to guide the puncturing needle was not affected by the needle guide. The use and the efficacy of the needle guide were best for th e approach from anterior as well as a lateral approach. However, for angula ted approaches from caudal to cranial there was no benifit regarding the di stance of the hands of the interventional radiologist from the radiation be am of the CT unit. Conclusions. The use of the needle guide is reducing the radiation dose of the interventional radiologist during CT-guided punctures.