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Researchers have submitted a patent application for a "Flexible Cryoprobe" designed for cryoablation procedures, particularly useful for navigating tortuous passageways in human lungs. The cryoprobe utilizes the Joule-Thomson effect to produce cooling or heating of the probe tip, forming an ice ball for tissue ablation. The patent application details various embodiments of cryoprobe devices, insulated sheaths, and catheters, as well as a cryoablation system with an endoscope and vacuum source for actively regulating fluid pressure. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, explored the safety and effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging-guided cryoablation for prostate cancer metastatic lymph nodes. The research involved 46 patients who underwent 55 procedures, with promising results showing locoregional tumor control and decreased prostate-specific antigen levels. The study concluded that MR imaging-guided cryoablation is a safe and effective technique for treating metastatic prostate cancer in lymph nodes. For more information, the study can be found in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea have conducted a study on the use of cryoablation, a technique used to treat various types of cancer, in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The study involved conducting cryoablation experiments on swine liver tissue using a cryoablation needle optimized for endoscopic ultrasonography. The results showed that the cryoablation system achieved rapid cooling and resulted in necrosis of the liver tissue. Further trials involving pancreatic tissue are expected to verify the effectiveness of cryoablation as a complementary therapy in pancreatic cancer treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College compared the efficacy of cryoablation and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) in the treatment of cT1 renal tumors. The study analyzed perioperative outcomes, postoperative renal function, and oncological results in patients. The findings showed that cryoablation had a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, and fewer overall complications compared to RAPN. However, cryoablation had a higher recurrence rate. The study concluded that cryoablation and RAPN have similar therapeutic effects in terms of perioperative outcomes and renal function, but cryoablation has a higher recurrence rate. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Nanchong Central Hospital in China investigated the effects of low temperature plasma ablation combined with collagenase injection on lumbar disc herniation. The study included 90 patients who were divided into two groups, with one group receiving the combined treatment and the other group receiving only low temperature plasma ablation. Blood samples were collected before and after surgery to measure levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors. The results showed that the combined treatment group had lower levels of inflammatory factors, lower pain scores, and better lumbar function compared to the group that received only low temperature plasma ablation. The study suggests that the combined treatment may be more effective in reducing pain and promoting recovery in patients with lumbar disc herniation. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06581107, is being conducted in China to investigate the feasibility and safety of using a robot-assisted system for percutaneous lung cryoablation in patients with lung cancer. The study aims to determine if the robot-assisted method can improve the success rate of needle insertion, reduce procedure time, and decrease complications. The procedure involves using a robot to guide the cryoablation of lung tumors. The study is in the interventional phase and is not yet recruiting participants. Contact information for the primary investigator is provided. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Kameda Medical Center in Chiba, Japan, discusses the case of a 34-year-old woman with stage IV breast cancer and metastatic lung cancer who was treated with cryoablation as a first-line treatment. The patient received chemotherapy and targeted therapy before undergoing minimally invasive cryoablation and radiation therapy. After five years of follow-up, the patient showed a complete local response with no evidence of disease progression. The researchers concluded that cryoablation can be a safe and effective treatment option for stage IV breast cancer, preserving quality of life and offering favorable cosmetic results. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital in Milan, Italy, explores the management of mesenchymal tumors, which can be either benign or malignant. The researchers highlight the importance of surgery as a cornerstone treatment for these tumors but also discuss the need for non-surgical approaches, especially in situations where surgical resources are limited, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review examines various non-surgical treatments, including active surveillance, cryoablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The researchers emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in referral centers to determine the best treatment course for each patient. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on a study conducted at the University of Minnesota evaluating different focal tumor ablation techniques combined with anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy in a murine colorectal cancer model. The study found that irreversible electroporation (IRE) showed the most significant synergistic effect with anti-PD-1 therapy, leading to the greatest delay in tumor growth, longest tumor-free survival, and enhanced T cell infiltration.

A study conducted at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, examined the use of cryoablation and nerve block supplementation in reducing pain and opioid use in patients undergoing the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum (PE) repair. The retrospective cohort study included 164 patients, with different groups receiving cryoablation alone, nerve block alone, or both. The study found that patients who received nerve block supplementation consumed fewer opioids, had lower pain scores, and had a shorter length of stay compared to those who did not receive these interventions. The researchers concluded that cryoablation with regional nerve blocks should be considered for Nuss repair to optimize pain management and reduce opioid use. [Extracted from the article]

The article reviews a study conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in U.S., on the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous cryoablation for treating pleural-based tumors, including both primary and metastatic lesions. It evaluates the procedure's success rate, local tumor progression-free survival, overall survival, and associated complications, concluding that cryoablation is effective in controlling tumors with manageable complications.

The article focuses on using computer simulation to improve catheter cryoablation for pulmonary vein isolation in treating atrial fibrillation. Topics include the impact of different temperature profiles on lesion size and tissue damage, the development of a simulation framework for optimizing cryotherapy conditions, and the potential for this simulation to enhance treatment planning and reduce complications.

A recent study conducted at the University Children's Hospital Zurich in Switzerland examined the use of cryoablation as a treatment for aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) in pediatric patients. The study included 7 children between the ages of 3 and 11.9 years who underwent cryoablation for ABC. The procedure involved placing cryoablation needles guided by computer tomography, followed by imaging and clinical examinations at various intervals. The results showed a reduction in lesion volume and improvements in mineralization, fluid levels, and pain. The researchers concluded that cryoablation is an effective treatment option for ABC in children, but further research is needed to compare it with other techniques. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses research by Florian J. Fintelmann from Massachusetts General Hospital and, reported in the American Journal of Roentgenology issue, on August 19, 2024. The study compares high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) and spontaneous respiration (SR) for percutaneous cryoablation of lung tumors, evaluating their impact on procedural efficiency and adverse events. Topics include procedural time and efficiency, adverse event rates, and the incidence of pneumothorax.

A recent report from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City discusses the use of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) after cryoablation as a treatment for breast cancer. Cryoablation is an emerging therapeutic technique that can be an effective alternative to surgery for select patients. The report highlights the importance of imaging for staging and workup in this patient population and suggests that CEM may be a useful tool for follow-up imaging after cryoablation. The advantages and disadvantages of CEM compared to other imaging modalities are discussed, as well as expected findings and signs of residual or recurrent tumor. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Okayama University Hospital in Japan focused on a 50-year-old man with von Hippel-Lindau disease who underwent cryoablation for renal cell carcinomas. The study found that although computed tomography immediately after the procedure revealed liver involvement, the treatment was completed without complications. However, contrast-enhanced CT on day 2 post-procedure revealed a thrombus in the portal vein, leading to the initiation of oral anticoagulation. The patient was discharged on day 4 without any complications, and a follow-up CT scan showed resolution of the portal vein thrombus. This research provides valuable insights into the potential complications and successful management of venous thrombosis after cryoablation for renal cell carcinoma. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University Medical Center Augsburg explored the influence of cryoablation and surgery on circulating lymphocyte subsets in patients with early-stage renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The study found that immune response plays a crucial role in local tumor control, particularly in RCC. The researchers compared the changes in peripheral blood circulating lymphocytes and their subsets in RCC patients treated with cryoablation or surgery. They discovered that cryoablation led to increased values of certain lymphocyte subsets after three months, suggesting a sustained immunological response. This study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of cryoablation as a therapeutic option for RCC patients. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Mansoura University conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) versus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF). The study included three randomized controlled trials with 400 patients. The results showed that there was no significant difference between CBA and RFA in terms of atrial fibrillation recurrence, atrial tachycardia or atrial flutter recurrence, and any arrhythmia recurrence. However, CBA was associated with a shorter total procedure duration compared to RFA. The researchers concluded that CBA is comparable to RFA in terms of safety and efficacy for PeAF catheter ablation. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides information about a clinical trial being conducted at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University in China. The trial, with registration number NCT06505486, aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination treatment for patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The treatment includes a gemcitabine-oxaliplatin regimen, lenvatinib, and a PD-1 inhibitor. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and the estimated completion date is July 10, 2025. The contact person for the trial is Jia-yan Ni, M.D. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center in Guangzhou, China, discusses the use of cryoablation therapy as a potential treatment for bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is categorized into urothelial and non-urothelial types, with urothelial carcinoma being the most common. The standard treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is transurethral resection of bladder tumors, while neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy is the standard for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Cryoablation therapy, which uses extremely low temperatures to destroy diseased tissue, has emerged as a minimally invasive and precise treatment option for early bladder cancer. However, more randomized controlled trials are needed to determine patient selection criteria and treatment approaches. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a flexible cryoprobe developed by inventors from Boston Scientific Corporation. The cryoprobe is designed for use in cryoablation, a surgical procedure that involves freezing and thawing tissue to ablate a target area. The cryoprobe uses the Joule-Thomson effect to produce cooling or heating of the probe tip, creating an ice ball that can be used to ablate tissue. The invention also includes an insulated sheath and catheter, as well as a cryoablation system that incorporates an endoscope, vacuum source, sheath, and cryoablation tool. The patent provides detailed descriptions and claims for the various aspects of the invention. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice examined the electrophysiological findings in patients undergoing cryo-ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The study found that the effectiveness of surgical cryo-ablation in creating transmural and durable lesions in the left atrium was surprisingly low. Gaps in the lesions were predominantly located in the superior and anterior portions of the pulmonary veins and on the roof line. The study also found that endocardial cryo-ablation was more effective than epicardial ablation, regardless of the cooling agent used. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Wuhan University of Technology in China discusses a new strategy for constructing mineralized hydrogels, which have potential applications in bone repair. The strategy, called 'freezing, salting-out and mineralizing' (FSM), involves using collagen and hydroxyapatite to create a mineralized hydrogel scaffold. The researchers found that the hydrogel constructed using FSM exhibited desirable properties such as simplicity, uniformity, mechanical strength, and compatibility with cells. The study also demonstrated the universality of the FSM strategy by successfully constructing 16 other types of mineralized hydrogels using different materials. This research provides a simple and modular method for constructing mineralized hydrogels, which could have implications for bone repair. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia compared the outcomes of microwave ablation (MWA) and cryoablation (CA) in the treatment of small renal masses. The study found that both MWA and CA were effective in achieving high technical success and local disease control. There were no significant differences in terms of adverse events, local recurrence rates, cancer-free survival, or overall survival between the two treatment methods. The study also noted that cryoablation tended to be used for larger and more complex lesions, which may explain the higher adverse event rates associated with CA. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Northwestern University examined the use of intercostal nerve cryoablation in minimizing opioid use and length of stay for patients undergoing minimally invasive correction of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). The study, which included 5,442 patients from 44 children's hospitals, found that cryoablation use was associated with a significant decrease in opioid use and length of stay without increasing adverse events. This novel modality for perioperative analgesia offers a promising alternative to traditional pain management in thoracic surgery. The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the Annals of Surgery. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at University Hospital Frankfurt in Germany evaluated the effectiveness and safety of CT-guided cryoablation (CA) as a minimally invasive treatment for primary breast cancer. The study involved 45 female patients with 56 tumors who underwent CT-guided CA as an outpatient procedure. The researchers used a liquid-nitrogen based system and achieved initial complete ablation in all cases. However, there were cases of local tumor progression, intramammary distant recurrence, and extramammary tumor progression. The study concluded that cryoablation is a safe and effective treatment for primary breast cancer, but further evidence and improvement are needed. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research findings on atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, a procedure used to manage heart rhythm. The study involved 100 AF patients who underwent cryoballoon ablation with simplified sedation, without esophageal temperature monitoring. The results showed low risk of esophageal thermal injury and effective ablation outcomes. The study concluded that cryoballoon-assisted pulmonary vein isolation, with or without additional left atrial roof ablation, is a safe and effective treatment option for AF. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Yeungnam University College of Medicine have published a case report on the treatment of chronic mini-thoracotomy wound pain and lung herniation. The report discusses a 43-year-old male patient who experienced intercostal nerve neuralgia and lung herniation following heart surgery. The researchers used intercostal cryoablation and surgical mesh repair to address these issues, resulting in a favorable recovery for the patient. The findings suggest that this combined treatment can effectively relieve chronic post-mini-thoracotomy intercostal nerve neuralgia and severe lung herniation pain, reducing the need for opioid medication. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University in Russia have conducted a study to analyze the long-term outcomes of biatrial Cox-Maze IV cryoablation in combined cardiac surgery. The study involved 88 patients who underwent this procedure, and the results showed that cryoablation using the maze procedure is a safe method with a high likelihood of restoring sinus rhythm. The study also reported a hospital mortality rate of 1.1% and survival rates of 88.9% at 1 year and 73.5% at 4 years. The research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of this cardiac surgery technique. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06473688, has been launched to study the safety and efficacy of the Dexter Robotic System in patients undergoing robotic-assisted and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The trial aims to confirm the perioperative and early postoperative performance of the robotic system. The study is observational and will enroll 50 participants, with a primary completion date of October 31, 2024. The trial is not yet recruiting, and eligibility criteria include age over 18 and planned elective cholecystectomy. [Extracted from the article]

NanoImaging Services and Cube Biotech have announced a partnership to develop a streamlined workflow for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) enabled gene-to-structure analysis. This collaboration aims to accelerate medicinal chemistry analysis and revolutionize membrane protein research. NanoImaging Services will provide expertise in cryo-EM, while Cube Biotech will contribute innovative polymer technologies for membrane protein production. The integrated workflow will facilitate target and structure validation, streamline drug discovery pipelines, and reduce time to clinic. This partnership is expected to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of membrane protein research. [Extracted from the article]

A new study on lung cancer has been conducted by researchers at CPSI Biotech. The study investigated the response of lung cancer cells to cryoablation and adjunctive gemcitabine-based cryo-chemotherapy using the A549 cell line. The results showed that repeat freezing to -20 °C to -25 °C resulted in a high degree of lung cancer destruction. Additionally, the combination of gemcitabine pretreatment and freezing shifted the minimum lethal temperature for lung cancer from -25 °C to -15 °C. These findings suggest that cryoablation alone or in combination with chemotherapy may provide an improved treatment option for lung cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Cincinnati explored the use of magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion (MRI-US) guided focal cryoablation as a primary treatment for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The study involved 36 men who underwent the treatment and were followed up with regular testing and biopsies. The results showed that the treatment appeared to be safe, with minimal short and intermediate-term side effects and acceptable oncological outcomes. However, the long-term durability of the treatment for this specific type of cancer remains uncertain. [Extracted from the article]

Medtronic CryoCath LP has been granted a patent for a multi-lobe balloon for cryoablation, a medical procedure that freezes and destroys abnormal tissue. The patent describes a device and system that can accommodate different shapes of pulmonary veins and a method of ablating tissue using the same. The cryotreatment catheter includes an outer elongate body with multiple balloon lobes arranged around it, aiming to address the variability in pulmonary vein morphology and improve the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The patent was filed by Safar Remali and Lies and published in May 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses the cost-effectiveness of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation compared to antiarrhythmic drugs for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in Canada. The study analyzed data from three randomized controlled trials and developed a cost-effectiveness model. The results showed that first-line cryoablation reduces the rate of AF recurrence and subsequent ablation, and improves health-related quality of life compared to first-line antiarrhythmic drugs. The study concludes that first-line cryoballoon ablation is cost-effective for patients with symptomatic PAF. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides a concise summary of a clinical trial that is currently recruiting patients for a study on pain management after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cryoablation of intercostal nerves in reducing postoperative pain and opioid analgesic consumption. The study is being conducted in the Russian Federation and is expected to be completed by February 2025. The document also includes contact information for the primary investigator and lists keywords related to the study. [Extracted from the article]

A meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University Medical Centre in Munich compared the efficacy and safety of pulsed field ablation (PFA) and cryoballoon ablation (CBA) in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The analysis included 11 studies with a total of 3,805 patients. The findings showed that PFA was associated with a lower recurrence of AF and fewer periprocedural complications compared to CBA. However, there were more cases of cardiac tamponades after PFA. PFA also resulted in shorter procedure times and lower radiation exposure. The researchers concluded that PFA may be a promising alternative to CBA, but further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

A research study conducted at Qingdao University in Weihai, China, compared different freezing methods for micro-volume semen. The study aimed to determine the most effective freezing method for preserving fertility in patients undergoing cancer treatment or reproductive surgeries. The researchers found that semen freezing with volumes greater than 100 μL had better outcomes than volumes less than or equal to 50 μL after thawing. The study concluded that the FLNV technique was more efficient for cryopreservation of smaller volumes of semen. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in Cryoletters. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Ulm University in Germany compared two new techniques for the treatment of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF): the thermal size-adjustable cryo-balloon (CB) system and the non-thermal pulsed field ablation (PFA) system. The study involved 100 patients who underwent first-time treatment using either the CB or PFA system. The researchers found that both systems were effective and safe, but the PFA group had a significantly shorter procedural duration. This comparative analysis provides valuable information for healthcare professionals and patients considering these treatment options. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Army Medical University in Chongqing, China explored the correlation between pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy and the recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF) after cryoballoon ablation (CBA) therapy. The study included 274 pAF patients who underwent their first CBA between October 2019 and March 2022. The researchers found that the right inferior PV (RIPV) vertical angle and PV variation were correlated with postoperative AF recurrence. These findings suggest that the RIPV vertical angle and PV variation can serve as reliable prognostic predictors for pAF patients undergoing CBA. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from University Hospital Centre Zagreb in Croatia discusses the findings of a study on paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). The study focused on the use of superior vena cava (SVC) isolation in addition to conventional cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) as a treatment method for PAF. The study found that while SVC isolation can be successfully achieved in most PAF patients using conventional cryoballoon, it significantly increases the risk of transient or impending phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) and sinus node injury compared to conventional cryoballoon PVI. The researchers recommend careful monitoring of phrenic nerve function and attention to bradycardia or junctional rhythm to mitigate these risks. Further follow-up data is being collected to determine if the benefits of SVC isolation outweigh the risks. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by inventors Thomas G. Cooper and Bram Gilbert Antoon Lambrecht has been made available online. The patent application is for a geared roll drive for a medical instrument, which aims to provide precise control of mechanical degrees of freedom during minimally-invasive medical procedures. The invention includes a roll mechanism with a spur gear and a beveloid gear to accommodate the angle between the instrument shaft and the rotation axis of an input spindle. The patent application was filed by Intuitive Surgical Operations Inc. and is intended to improve the assembly and functionality of medical instruments used in robotic systems. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Mayo Clinic Arizona examined pain control methods for adult patients undergoing surgical repair for pectus excavatum. The study analyzed different analgesic modalities used over a 10-year period and classified patients into three groups: epidural, elastomeric continuous infusion subcutaneous catheters (SC-Caths), and intercostal nerve cryoablation. The results showed that patients in the cryoablation group required lower doses of morphine equivalents, had shorter hospital stays, and experienced fewer complications compared to the other groups. The study suggests that cryoablation, in combination with enhanced recovery pathways, provides significant benefits for patients undergoing pectus excavatum repair. Further research is needed to assess long-term benefits after discharge. [Extracted from the article]

R2 Technologies Inc. has been issued a patent for automated control and positioning systems for dermatological cryospray devices. The patent describes improved methods, systems, and devices for cryotherapy that provide consistent and reliable skin freezing while limiting adverse side effects. The invention includes a mechanical arm with a cryospray applicator that can be controlled by a processor to adjust the position, orientation, and distance from the patient's skin. The cryospray applicator dispenses cryogen through an array of orifices and includes sensors to maintain a constant distance and orientation for effective treatment. The patent was filed in December 2019 and published in May 2024. [Extracted from the article]

Sight Sciences Inc. has been issued a patent for ocular delivery systems and methods that aim to improve the drainage of fluid in the eye and reduce intraocular pressure. The systems and methods described in the patent offer a less invasive approach compared to current procedures and may have potential benefits for treating glaucoma and other eye conditions. The patent describes a universal handle that can be used by both right-handed and left-handed individuals to access any quadrant of the eye, as well as a drive assembly for translating rotational movement to linear movement. The methods involve creating an incision in the ocular wall, advancing a cannula to the trabecular meshwork, accessing Schlemm's canal, and implanting an ocular device within the canal to reduce intraocular pressure or treat conditions such as glaucoma. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by McGill University in Montreal, Canada, examined the safety and effectiveness of ultra-low-temperature cryoablation in treating non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. The study enrolled 64 patients with recurrent monomorphic ventricular tachycardias (VTs) of both ischemic and non-ischemic causes. The results showed that the cryoablation procedure was successful in 94% of patients, with no major adverse events reported. At the 6-month follow-up, 60.3% of patients remained VT-free. The study concluded that endocardial ultra-low-temperature cryoablation is a safe and effective treatment for monomorphic VT in patients with both ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom has found that pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a promising new treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). The study compared the costs of using the pentaspline PFA catheter with cryoablation for a single patient over a 12-month period. The results showed that PFA was associated with lower costs overall, due to a reduction in repeat ablations required and lower costs of managing complications. The researchers concluded that routine adoption of PFA with the pentaspline PFA catheter is as affordable for the NHS as the current treatment alternative, cryoablation. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston evaluated the long-term efficacy and survival rates of MRI-guided cryoablation for patients with biopsy-proven cT1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The study included 29 patients who underwent MRI-guided cryoablation for tumor lesions with a median size of 2.2 cm. The results showed no tumor recurrence or metastatic disease in any of the patients, with a 5-year overall survival rate of 72% and a 10-year overall survival rate of 55.6%. The researchers concluded that MRI-guided cryoablation is a safe treatment option with long-standing oncologic control. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Yale University School of Medicine explored the combination of image-guided tumor ablation and immunotherapies as a potential treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer. The researchers focused on the effect of incomplete cryoablation, a type of tumor ablation, with or without matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition on the local immune response in residual tumors in a murine HCC model. The study found that MMP inhibition demonstrated immunomodulatory potential and reduced HCC tumor growth when combined with ablative treatment. This research provides valuable insights into potential treatment options for liver cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Japan by investigators at St. Marianna University examined the use of percutaneous ultrasound-guided cryoablation (PCA) as a potential treatment for early-stage primary breast cancer (ESBC). The study found that PCA, performed under local anesthesia, was effective and safe, with no serious adverse events reported and no instances of local recurrence or distant metastasis in the five-year follow-up. Patients also experienced improved quality of life and cosmetic outcomes. The study contributes to the growing evidence supporting cryoablation as a potential standard treatment for ESBC, given compliance to pre-defined patient selection criteria. [Extracted from the article]