PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE WITH THE BERGER NEUROBIOPSY DEVICE FOR ULTRASOUND GUIDED ASPIRATION AND BIOPSY OF INTRACRANIAL LESIONS

Our preliminary experience is presented in the use of the Berger neurobiopsy device for ultrasound localization and biopsy of intracranial lesions through a burr hole. The apparatus and technique are described, along with the results of its use in the first 49 patients. In these patients 43 tumours were biopsied, all except one successfully. Three abscesses were aspirated, two intraventricular shunt catheters were sited and in one patient the diagnosis of postradiation gliosis was confirmed and tumour excluded. The advantages and limitations of the technique are discussed. It is advocated as a simple and time-saving alternative to CT stereotactic biopsy in many cases.