Dune Medical Devices has designed a reposable version of its MarginProbe radiofrequency spectropscopy device, which can help surgeons identify remaining cancer cells in real time during a lumpectomy.
The updated MarginProbe has a reusable cable and handle and a single-use attachable probe. It has the potential to reduce waste burden of the MarginProbe up to 50%, according to the company.
The technology uses radio-frequency (RF) electrical fields to probe the surface of the cancerous lump removed from the breast, enabling the surgeon to remove additional tissue from the breast during the same procedure and avoid follow-up surgery.
The technology is based on two main principles:
- Reflection of electromagnetic fields depends on the underlying electrical properties of the tissue they interact with
- Electrical properties of cancerous tissue are different from those of normal tissue
Various components of the tissue contribute to its electrical properties. Any change in a cell’s physiological state will be reflected in its electrical response. MarginProbe was designed to capture these changes and provide immediate feedback that indicates to physicians if the tissue is malignant or benign.
A 2o17 study of early-stage breast cancer patients revealed a “significant difference” in the total re-excision rate during breast-conserving surgery when surgeons properly used MarginProbe, according to the company.
The study, published in the American Journal of Surgery, compared 120 consecutive cases prior to use of the probe and 120 consecutive cases after its use atSt. John Providence Health System in Detroit. Researchers comparing postoperative pathology reports found that the total re-excision rate when using the MarginProbe was 61% lower than the historical comparison group.
The company, which has offices in Caesarea, Israel and Alpharetta, Ga., raised $12 million in 2017 to expand the indications for its radiofrequency spectroscopy technology.
The reposable probe performs exactly like the current MarginProbe and is compatible with all existing MarginProbe consoles, the company statement added.
Dune Medical, which has offices in Israel and the U.S., developed the new version of the device to help reduce hospital waste, according to CEO Lori Chmura. The reposable device will first be introduced to the Israeli market, followed closely by launch in the EU. Successful commercialization in these markets will act as a catalyst for US FDA submission.
