Electromagnetic thermal surgery system for liver resection: an animal study

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Minimally Invasive Techniques

Background:

• Electromagnetic thermal surgery is an emerging technique.
• It utilizes high-frequency magnetic fields to heat magnetic materials for targeted tissue coagulation.
• This study explores its application in liver resection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of electromagnetic thermal surgery for bloodless liver resection.
• To assess the safety and feasibility of this technique in animal models (rats and rabbits).

Main Methods:

• A novel electromagnetic system generated a 62.1 kHz magnetic field.
• Stainless steel needles were heated to over 90°C to induce tissue coagulation.
• Liver resections were performed on porcine explants and live rats and rabbits using the heated needles.

Main Results:

• Ex vivo tests confirmed effective needle heating and tissue coagulation.
• In vivo liver resection in rats and rabbits was performed without bleeding.
• No adverse events like bile peritonitis were observed, with all animals surviving the 30-day study period.

Conclusions:

• The electromagnetic thermal surgery system enables effective bloodless liver resection.
• The technique obviates the need for additional ligation or embolization.
• This innovative approach holds significant potential for future clinical translation.