Liver tumour ablation more predictable with Emprint

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Overcoming a significant roadblock to predictable ablation of soft tissue, Covidien has unveiled an advanced ablation system that offers physicians predictable results regardless of the target location or tissue type. The Emprint ablation system with Thermosphere technology is designed to precisely heat and destroy diseased soft tissue (including liver, lung and kidney), and non-resectable liver tumours.

“Covidien is dedicated to improving patient safety and simplifying procedural options, and this innovative technology enables physicians to deliver precise ablation directly to soft tissue, including liver tumours,” says Chuck Brynelsen, president, Early Technologies, Covidien. “By providing predictable spherical ablation zones, this technology gives physicians more choices in terms of approach, further simplifying needle placement and saving planning and procedure time.”


Surgical removal of tumours may not be an optimal solution for some patients. A liver tumour ablation procedure, which destroys liver tumours without removing them, can be an alternative to open surgery resection or other treatments.


The Emprint ablation system provides clinicians 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 during a procedure.


Covidien’s advanced ablation system can be used in three different procedure settings including non-surgical procedures directly through the skin, minimally invasive surgery and open surgery.


Covidien received US Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance for Emprint ablation system with Thermosphere technology in April 2014. In addition, Covidien completed all European requirements to CE mark the product. The company expects to fully launch the Emprint system in the United States and the European Union during the current quarter.