Hansen Medical Announces First Robotic Radioembolization Procedures

Hansen Medical announced Wednesday that the first robotically assisted radioembolization procedures for cancer treatment took place in Miami, Fla., using its Magellan robotic system.

Radioembolization uses a catheter to deliver radioactive microspheres, particles comprised of tiny glass or resin beads, through the blood to a tumor site. The process is used for the treatment of primary liver or metastatic colon cancer.

The Magellan surgery platform was designed to traverse peripheral blood vessels during endovascular surgeries. The system features guidewire steering and allows for the manual delivery of therapy. The platform is available in the U.S. and Europe.

An estimated 80,000 Americans die from primary liver or metastatic colon cancer each year. — Jason Scott