The problem
Each year, millions undergo solid organ biopsy procedures, occasionally encountering adverse events linked to needle size and patient risk factors like blood disorders or anticoagulation medication. Identifying patients prone to bleeding complications remains challenging. Current strategies, including medication adjustments, hemostatic agents, and prolonged pressure bandaging post-procedure, aim to minimize risks. Yet, these methods fall short, with hemorrhage, transfusions, and even fatalities still occurring.
The Risks of Traditional Biopsy Techniques
Traditional methods can lead to post-biopsy hemorrhaging, often requiring unnecessary interventions such as:
Blood transfusions & complications Extended observation & hospital stays Avoidable pain & discomfort
Excessive procedure & hospitalization costs Invasive open surgical repair Additional CT scans & imaging
observatory protocol
too common of a problem
Fig. 1: Timing of Bleeding Events After Any Biopsy Site
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Of 52 bleeding events, 37% (19) occurred at biopsy. Events peaked within 24 hours.
Fig. 2: Timing of Bleeding Events After Native Kidney Biopsy
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Of 17 bleeding events, 41% (7) occurred within 6 hours, representing 0.5% of 1,407 native kidney biopsy patients. Most occurred early.
Fig. 3: Timing of Bleeding Events After Liver Biopsy
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Of 22 bleeding events, 64% (14) occurred within 2 hours, representing 0.3% of 4,417 liver biopsy patients. Early events were common.