Percutaneous biopsy and tumor ablation

This article reviews indications and localization methods for percutaneous biopsy, as well as its complications. The choice of imaging methods for localizing a biopsy is discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of various biopsy needle types and sizes and those of devices used with the needles are reviewed, including the success achieved with the automated biopsy gun. In the area of image-directed tumor ablation, which has primarily focused on liver tumors, transcatheter embolization and direct tumor ablation are discussed.