Multiple electrodes radiofrequency device for hepatic tumor ablation : ex-vivo experiments in a porcine liver

In the context of the combination of engineering and medical expertise that makes it possible to produce complex surgical instruments, this paper presents the development of a mini-invasive device aiming at curing hepatic tumors by means of radiofrequency. This surgical device englobes a navigation system to determine the best insertion point in the liver, a robotic arm to position and maintain the probe, a radiofrequency source to provide the energy and finally the instrument itself, on which the purpose of this paper is focused. The particularity of the proposed solution is the multiple electrode that enables the tool to treat large and complex shape tumors. The authors will present the design of the instrument, which takes into account many constraints introduced by both the medical aspects and the interactions with the other components of the device. The tests results presented in this paper are based on ex-vivo experiments conducted on porcine liver and demonstrate the ability of the instrument to efficiently treat complex shape tumors