Robotic Approach for Configurable Thermal Ablation of Tumors
Author Information
Author(s): Bulatović Milica, Hermann Jan, Tinguely Pascale, Paolucci Iwan, Weber Stefan
Primary Institution: ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Hypothesis
The repeatability of configurable ablation shapes is noninferior to the repeatability of the standard shapes in the tissue-mimicking model.
Conclusion
The repeatability of configurable ablation shapes was observed to be noninferior to the standard ablation shapes.
Supporting Evidence
- All tissue-mimicking samples were successfully ablated using both configurable (n = 48) and standard ablation technique (n = 35).
- Median repeatability of created configurable shapes was 1.00 mm, and for standard shapes 1.22 mm.
- Maximal repeatability for both groups was below 3 mm.
Takeaway
This study shows that a new robotic method for treating liver tumors can create consistent shapes for ablation, just as well as the traditional method.
Methodology
The study compared the repeatability of ablation shapes created using a robotic platform with configurable profiles against standard ellipsoidal shapes in a tissue-mimicking liver model.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the use of a single tissue-mimicking model and the assumption of independent measurements.
Limitations
The study used a tissue-mimicking model which may not fully represent human tissue, and the sample sizes were unbalanced.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI ≤ -0.05 mm, Δ = -0.22 mm
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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