FNAHammer

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a well-established tool for the diagnosis of both palpable and nonpalpable lesions. It represents an attractive alternative to far more traumatic core or open biopsy. Its accuracy and safety, however, heavily depend on the physician’s experience and manual skills.

FNAHammer™ (pat. pend.) is a novel device designed primarily for physician’s convenience while performing the FNA. It is a pistol-shaped biopsy handle compatible with disposable syringes and needles. In this device, a syringe is placed above the operator’s hand and pulling the trigger causes extension of the plunger. Within the handle, there is a battery-powered mechanical system for inducing the oscillating back and forth movement of the needle. This movement enables automated tissue disintegration, which eliminates the need of extensive manual maneuvering typical for FNA. The mechanism is easily triggered by the button under the thumb.

Apart from tissue disintegration, FNAHammer™ provides additional benefits. In contrast to classic FNA handles, there is a shortened distance between the operator’s hand and patient’s skin making it considerably easier to reach the examined mass. Moreover, the oscillating pressure within the syringe (lower when piercing the tissue and higher when retracting the needle) protects from unwanted blood aspiration.

FNAHammer™ is designed to better control the needle throughout the biopsy procedure. This is to make the FNA handy for physicians, safer for patients, and eventually diagnostically more accurate, so other, more invasive tools could be avoided.