Figure 3.

Template-guided biopsy procedure. After the placement of the template, the first CT scan was performed to evaluate the appropriateness of needle insertion, and an imaginary yellow line was drawn through the protrusion of the template (step 1). After the confirmation CT scan, sterilization and local anesthesia were subsequently administered. The biopsy needle was then inserted to the preset depth (step 2), and another CT scan was performed to calculate the insertion deviation (step 3), after which the core of the biopsy needle was drawn out and the needle was connected to a 50 mL syringe. The force inside the syringe created a vacuum, which allowed for the tumor cells to be suctioned out through the needle (step 4). CT, computed tomography; FNA, fine-needle aspiration.