A novel radiographic grid aiming device for percutaneous renal puncture
Abstract Background This in-vitro study aims to assess the efficacy of a novel radiographic grid aiming device as compared to the conventional “bull’s eye” puncture technique for percutaneous renal puncture. Methods This new device uses two radiopaque rings for targeting, somewhat similar to the concept of gun sights. The device is designed to improve the ease and accuracy of the “bull’s eye” puncture technique. We compared this device to the conventional “bull’s eye” puncture technique using a porcine kidney inside a chicken carcass as the study model. Two first-year residents used both the radiographic grid aiming device in turn, Group A, and the conventional bull’s eye technique, Group B, to perform punctures to reach the target porcine calyces in order. Related data were recorded and analyzed. Results 23 renal calyceal punctures were performed per group. There were no statistical differences in the overall puncture success rate, puncture time, or radiation exposure time and dose between the two groups. The number of punctures required to achieve success was higher in group B and the distance between the puncture site to the center of papillary fornix was shorter in group A, all P < 0.05. Conclusions The novel radiographic grid aiming device showed no advantage in the overall success rate for renal puncture. However, it offered the advantages of more precise puncture with fewer puncture attempts. It may serve as a useful tool for training. It may also offer some benefit to surgeons who are novices at percutaneous renal puncture.