Fiducial Placement for Stereotactic Radiation Using Endoscopic Ultrasound

Abstract

Background: Stereotactic radiation using fiducial markers permits higher doses of radiation while reducing the exposure of uninvolved, adjacent structures. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been used to deploy fiducials, although a 19 gauge needle has traditionally been required. In lesions that are distant from the ultrasound probe or require a significant amount of torque to visualize, a 19 gauge needle can be cumbersome. Objective: To report the feasibility of deploying a fiducial compatible with a 22 gauge needle under EUS guidance.