Electrosurgical RFA Device Ablates Soft Tissues

A novel applicator simultaneously provides radiofrequency ablation (RFA) energy and saline for the coagulation and ablation of soft tissue in open intraoperative procedures.

The Innoblative Designs (Chicago, IL, USA) SIRA RFA electrosurgical device is comprised of a four cm diameter spherical electrode array, a handle, a co-extruded cable to connect it to an electrosurgical generator, an integrated electrical RF switch and timer, and a fluid administration set that delivers 0.9% saline to the soft tissue coagulation site. This creates maximum contact with the target tissue, improves cooling, and lubricates the electrodes to prevent tissue adhesion. Saline delivery is controlled by a manual flow regulator with settings of 5-300 ml/hr.

The unique shape of the SIRA applicator circumferentially delivers bipolar RF energy, controlled by the integrated switch and timer, yielding controlled, reproducible ablation depths over large surface areas. The large, spherical applicator also leads to minimal subjective repositioning of the device, resulting in a more controllable and predictable ablation performance in open abdominal surgical procedures. The device is not intended for contraceptive tubal coagulation, i.e., permanent female sterilization.

“SIRA’s unique design and saline microinfusion system allow it to have unparalleled contact with target tissue and to be powered with existing electrosurgical generators already installed in the operating room,” stated the company in a press statement. “This device represents an exciting new option for intraoperative ablation of soft tissue which surgeons can easily adopt. We continue working towards obtaining additional indications where our novel technology can significantly impact patient care.”

“The SIRA device breaks the usual convention of currently available RFA and microwave offerings,” said general surgeon Andrei Stieber, MD, of DeKalb Surgical Associates and Northside Hospital (Atlanta, GA, USA). “For surface lesions, SIRA offers an easy to use, intuitive and controllable solution for a common problem in abdominal surgery. I believe the SIRA device adds an important tool to the surgeon's armamentarium.”

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