Standardizing Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling of Postmortem Brain Using Bard Monopty Needle in Newborns with Neurological Injury

Abstract

Introduction Minimally invasive tissue sampling of the brain in newborns using the Bard Monopty needle helps to diagnose various neurological conditions by obtaining relevant brain cores. We designed a modified procedure to provide maximum diagnostic utility in brain tissue biopsies. Method Twenty newborns underwent postmortem minimally invasive tissue sampling of the brain through the anterior fontanelle and posterior approach, using the engraved lines on the needle labeled from mark 0 to 13. The cores were correlated with conventional autopsy findings. Results Meninges were best obtained at marks 0 and 1 from the anterior fontanelle and mark 1 from posterior fontenelle in 85% of cases. Periventricular brain parenchyma was best obtained from mark 3 and mark 1 from anterior and posterior fontanel, respectively in 90% cases. The sampling success in obtaining brain cores was 100%. Discussion This modified technique increases the yield of meninges and brain tissue in newborns and aids in diagnosis.