Accuracy and Safety of Coplanar Template Assistance for Head and Neck Biopsies.

A Prospective Single-arm Cohort Study on Accuracy and Safety of Coplanar Template Assisted CT-guided Neck and Head Biopsies.

This is a prospective single-arm cohort study to evaluate the accuracy and safety of three-dimensional printing co-planer template(3D-PCT) for computed tomography (CT)-guided neck and head biopsy .

Tumors in head and neck region refer to those located above the clavicle, the upper boundary is the skull base, the posterior boundary is cervical vertebra, excluding brain spinal cord and other central nervous system and Intraocular tumor. Include oral cavity (lips, tongue, hard palate, floor of mouth, gums), oropharynx (middle of throat behind mouth, including tongue base, tonsils, and soft palate), larynx, hypopharynx (lower throat), paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, salivary glands (Parotid, submandibular and minor salivary glands), thyroid, skin cancers and metastatic cancers of the head and neck. Tissue sampling of lesions in the head and neck is limited due to the complex regional anatomy, including nerves, vessels, and salivary glands. Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous puncture biopsy is a well-recognized technique that can facilitate histopathological diagnosis and therapeutic planning of head and neck masses, and may be particularly useful when lesions are not accessible via an endoscope or by palpation-guided sampling. CT image-guided free-hand puncture biopsy is widely used in clinical practice. However, multiple CT scan and adjustment of position of the biopsy needle increased radiation exposure and the probability of other adverse events, such as bleeding and nerve injury. Therefore, we need a more efficient approach to guidance which is precisely positioned and safe to operate.

In recent years, we have taken advantage of three-dimensional(3D) printing template to improve the accuracy and safety of puncture related operations, which simplifies the procedure and shortens the procedure duration[3-4]. 3D printing template include co-planar and non co-planar[5]. However, few prospective studies have focused on three-dimensional printing co-planer template(3D-PCT) for CT-guided neck and head biopsy. The purposes of this prospective, single-arm study are to determine the accuracy and safety of CT guided percutaneous head and neck biopsy assisted by 3D-PCT.

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Inclusion Criteria:

(1) Ages 18 to 80; (2) KPS>70 points, an estimated life expectancy of greater than 3 months; (3)Head and neck masses or nodules can be revealed by CT scan, MRI or ultrasonic examination; (4) Without taking drugs affecting coagulation and/or platelet aggregation are used; If used, the drug has been discontinued for a sufficient period of time (e.g. 1 week) ; (5) No serious or uncontrolled underlying diseases, clinical evaluation patients can tolerate puncture; (6) Planned biopsy with applicable puncture path; (7) With informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

(1)Biopsy needle insertion route impeded by skeletal structures and close to blood vessels which have high risks of puncture bleeding; (2)Poor organ function (e.g. poorly controlled high blood pressure); (3) Any contraindication of percutaneous head and neck biopsy; (4) Poor compliance, unable to complete coordination; (5) Participant who is considered inappropriate or unwilling to participate in this clinical trial for other reasons.