STAR™ Tumor Ablation System
The STAR™ Tumor Ablation System provide a minimally invasive approach to treating metastatic spinal tumors, one that differs dramatically from previously available options.
Controlled access and navigation
The articulating SpineSTAR™ Ablation Instrument allows physicians to effectively navigate the vertebrae from a minimally invasive uniportal approach to ensure site-specific tumor ablation. Unlike other ablation tools, the STAR Tumor Ablation System was developed exclusively to treat metastatic spinal tumors.
This uniportal approach to the vertebrae helps minimize:
- Incisions to the patient and associated infection risk
- Passes of the spinal column and the potential for spinal cord injury
Controlled energy delivery
The SpineSTAR Ablation Instrument is a bipolar device that provides the physician with real-time procedural information. Temperature-measuring thermocouples located within the instrument are used by the MetaSTAR™ RF Generator to monitor and adjust, in real time, the radiofrequency (RF) energy being delivered to the tumor. In this way, the STAR Tumor Ablation System helps maximize tumor destruction while minimizing the risk of impacting healthy surrounding tissue.
Controlled ablation zone
Controlled access and energy delivery combine to ensure consistent ablation zones. These advantages, together with real-time procedural information, strengthen the ability to target site-specific ablation via pre-operative planning and intra-operative adjustments.
The STAR Tumor Ablation System, with its use of targeted radiofrequency energy, improves the physician’s ability to offer acute pain relief through the use of a single, minimally invasive procedure. Unlike patients being treated with radiation therapy for metastatic spinal tumors, those who undergo RF ablation therapy for the same reasons may have no need to delay their systemic and primary cancer regimens.