A new device uses radiofrequency (RF) spectroscopy to differentiate tissue types, helping surgeons assure that all cancerous tissue is removed around a breast cancer site.

The MarginProbe system enables real time detection of cancer at or near the surface of excised tissue specimens during surgery for breast cancer. The device works by emitting an RF electric field and sensing the returning signal from the tissue under evaluation. The device is based on the fact that tumors exhibit greater vascularization, a different polarization of the cell membrane, enlarged nucleus volume, rapid copying of DNA, rapid growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), and a decrease in the connectivity from one cell to another.

Since these and other and other anatomical differences are evident when compared to healthy tissue, the electromagnetic signature is different as well. The device captures these minute differences in electromagnetic properties via a disposable probe unit that houses a highly responsive fringe field sensor (FFS) that both emits the precisely controlled electromagnetic field and captures the tissue response. The surgeon runs a series of measurements on each margin, collecting data for the entire specimen.

An external console houses proprietary software that captures the signal, compares it to the internal database, and characterizes the specimen, reporting results on the high-resolution display. The display lists each reading sequentially, which allows for grouping measurements from the same margin. The simple and immediate assessment of the surgical margins allows surgeons to immediately excise additional tissue, significantly reducing the potential for positive margins remaining after the initial lumpectomy. The MarginProbe System is a product of Dune Medical (Framingham, MA, USA), and is pending approval by the US food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“We believe that the MarginProbe System will give surgeons a powerful tool in their fight against breast cancer and provide women a substantially better chance of avoiding additional surgeries,” said Dan Levangie, CEO of Dune Medical. “We will work closely with the FDA to complete the approval process and intend to launch the MarginProbe System in the U.S. immediately thereafter.”

RF Spectroscopy is concerned with the measurement of the intervals between atomic or molecular energy levels that are separated by radio frequency wavelengths. It is used in such industries as the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and fuel cell fields.

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