Covidien Shows Off New Emprint Ablation System

Covidien expects to fully launch its advanced Emprint Ablation System with Thermosphere Technology in the U.S. and EU this quarter, the Dublin, Ireland, devicemaker said Wednesday.

The device — used to destroy diseased soft tissue from the liver, lungs and kidney, as well as nonresectable liver tumors — received FDA 510(k) clearance in April and is currently awaiting final CE mark approval.

According to Covidien, the system is inserted through the skin and guided into the target tissue with the help of ultrasound or CT scanning, allowing ablation without invasive surgery. It allows for three kinds of spatial energy control — thermal, field and wavelength — to create predictable and spherical ablation zones regardless of target location, tissue type or changes in tissue properties, the company adds.

Emprint also allows for a variety of procedure settings from nonsurgical to minimally invasive and open surgery, Covidien says.

The predictable spherical ablation zones simplify needle placement, provide physicians with more choices in terms of approach and save planning and procedure time, the company adds. — Kellen Owings

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