Tu1638 Initial Experience With a Novel EUS-Guided Core Biopsy Needle (Sharkcore™): a North American Multicenter Study

Endoscopic ultrasound–guided FNA and ProCore biopsy in sampling pancreatic and intra‐abdominal masses

“…To overcome these limitations, the 19‐gauge ProCore FNB needle was created, and it eventually became available in smaller versions that are easier to manipulate (25‐ and 22‐gauge needles). In addition, newer needles providing more cohesive tissue fragments, such as the SharkCore (Covidien, Auburndale, Mass), are also becoming available . The proposed benefits of using histological biopsies over cytology include standardization of the tissue‐acquisition procedure, a decreased need for onsite evaluation of the specimen for adequacy, an increased availability of experienced pathologists, and a decreased number of indeterminate final diagnoses .…”

“…Although the study looks at many variables, it is limited because of the limited sample size and the variable approach to different lesions (eg, 1 needle vs 2 needles, different gauges, and order of biopsy). The limited FNB case numbers are due, in part, to the emergence of newer needles, such as the SharkCore needle (Covidien), which are now being used by our clinicians because of the lack of a significant benefit from FNB needles and other factors (eg, cost) . In addition, there were limited surgical specimens available, but we included clinical follow‐up to assess accuracy in these cases.…”

“…In addition, newer needles providing more cohesive tissue fragments, such as the SharkCore (Covidien, Auburndale, Mass), are also becoming available. 15 The proposed benefits of using histological biopsies over cytology include standardization of the tissueacquisition procedure, a decreased need for onsite evaluation of the specimen for adequacy, an increased availability of experienced pathologists, and a decreased number of indeterminate final diagnoses. 16 In our study, we compared the diagnostic yields of 25-or 22-gauge FNB for solid intra-abdominal masses that underwent sampling by FNB alone or by FNB in conjunction with FNA.…”

“…The limited FNB case numbers are due, in part, to the emergence of newer needles, such as the SharkCore needle (Covidien), which are now being used by our clinicians because of the lack of a significant benefit from FNB needles and other factors (eg, cost). 15 In addition, there were limited surgical specimens available, but we included clinical follow-up to assess accuracy in these cases. This study also did not include a quantitative assessment of cellularity on the aspirate smears but was restricted to tissue/cell block cellularity.…”

Autoimmune Pancreatitis Diagnosed with Core Biopsy Obtained from a Novel Fork-Tip EUS Needle

“…1, 4 More recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the SharkCore TM needle (Medtronic, Boston, MA) as an option for EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (FNB). A recent multi-center retrospective study showed a high diagnostic yield with minimal passes using this novel fork-tipped needle 5. A second retrospective study showed a comparatively higher diagnostic yield for this needle compared to a standard FNA needle 6.…”