Dr. Govindarajan Narayanan is at the forefront of a groundbreaking shift in surgical liver cancer care. As a professor of Radiology and an interventional radiologist, Dr. Narayanan has been leading the charge in incorporating the use of the Epione robot into mainstream clinical practice for managing liver cancer. This cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing the way liver tumor ablations are performed, offering increased accuracy and efficiency.
Before the Epione robot, ablation procedures were guided using CT scans or ultrasound, requiring manual adjustments in real-time. However, with the Epione robot, everything is planned and executed through the workstation. The robot precisely plots the path for needle insertion, allowing the physician to push the needle in one smooth motion. This eliminates the need for multiple check scans, reducing radiation exposure for both the patient and the operator.
The Epione robot offers versatility in treating patients with image-guided ablations. Whether using a single-needle or multiple-needle approach, the robot can handle the planning and execution of the procedure. This means that physicians can now utilize robotics in a variety of ablation techniques, including microwave ablation, cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation (IRE).
Dr. Narayanan’s institution is the first in the United States to successfully treat a patient with a liver tumor using the Epione robot. This achievement represents a significant milestone in bringing this cutting-edge technology to mainstream clinical practice. It is an exciting development that holds the potential to transform surgical liver cancer care for patients across the country.
However, the adoption of the Epione robot does come with its challenges. Physicians like Dr. Narayanan are navigating a learning curve as they transition from traditional CT monitor guidance to the robotic workstation. This shift requires reprogramming and relearning the process of treatment planning. Additionally, the physical presence of the robot and workstation in the procedure room occupies space, requiring careful consideration in terms of workflow and logistics.
Overall, the Epione robot is paving the way for a new era in surgical liver cancer care. Its ability to streamline procedures, increase accuracy, and reduce radiation exposure holds immense promise for patients and physicians alike. As this technology continues to evolve, the future may even bring the possibility of remote surgeries, further expanding access to critical treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Epione robot?
The Epione robot is a cutting-edge technology that revolutionizes liver tumor ablation procedures by streamlining the planning and execution process. It offers increased accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional guidance methods.
2. What types of ablation procedures can the Epione robot handle?
The Epione robot can handle a variety of ablation techniques, including microwave ablation, cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation (IRE). It offers versatility in treating patients with image-guided ablations.
3. What are the benefits of using the Epione robot?
The Epione robot reduces the need for multiple check scans during procedures, thereby reducing radiation exposure. It also increases accuracy and efficiency, allowing physicians to navigate a trajectory with a single push of the needle.
4. Are there any challenges to using the Epione robot?
Adopting the Epione robot requires physicians to relearn the process of treatment planning, as it involves transitioning from traditional CT monitor guidance to the robotic workstation. The physical presence of the robot and workstation in the procedure room also requires careful consideration of workflow and logistics.
Sources:
– Original Article: [add original article URL here]
– Baptist Health South Florida: [add Baptist Health South Florida URL here]