In the diagnostic evaluation of thoracic lesions, the image-guided transthoracic needle biopsy was developed, and its role was expanded with the development of cross-sectional detection and characterization of thoracic lesions and advances in biopsy needle design and techniques. Particularly for diagnostic evaluation of solitary pulmonary nodules, transthoracic needle biopsy has emerged as the invasive procedure of choice. This article covers the indication, the pre-procedure preparation, various guidance-modalities and techniques, and complications.