New Radiofrequency Ablation System Geared for Hepatic Cancer Treatment

Valleylab has announced the FDA has granted marketing clearance for the Cool-tip RF ablation system. According to the manufacturer, the system is the first and only device cleared for marketing to physicians for use in ablating nonresectable liver tumors. This minimally invasive alternative for patients with hepatic cancer, who are not ideal surgical candidates or are otherwise unable to be successfully treated with other methods, solidifies the company’s commitment to the oncology market.
The system combines a radiofrequency generator with a 17-gauge internally cooled needle electrode to deliver therapeutic energy directly to the tumor. The electrode is inserted through the tissue and is guided to the tumor using imaging technology such as CT or ultrasound. Radio waves create energy at the needle tip to heat and destroy the tumor from the inside out. During the ablation, water internally circulates through the electrode cooling adjacent tissue. This maximizes the amount of energy that can be delivered and creates the largest ablation possible in a minimal amount of time.