Diagnosis - Fourier/AS
Concept
Fourier/AS is an instrument combining numerous techniques to improve the process of breast cancer tissue sampling. It uses optimized needles, advanced sampling dynamics as well as a ground breaking process to prevent forced tumor cell spreading using radio frequency energy.
When a sample is taken from tumor tissue, cancerous cells can hypothetically escape into the blood and lymph system punctured by the sampling needle. By using an innovative approach the our technology thermally sterilizes the needle channel while leaving the tissue sample inside unaffected. This is referred to as anti-seeding [1] (see figure 1).
Our goal is to develop a biopsy device that
- Delivers high yield biopsies for a secure diagnoses
- Incorporates our anti-seeding technology in order to prevent the dissemination of tumor cells into the body and decrease bleeding
- Incorporates our Fourier technology in order to introduce the needle as gentle for the patient as possible
Past Experience
The Anti-Seeding (AS) technology has been approved by the Swedish Medical Product Agency and proven to fully meet the set expectations. Thermally sterilizing the needle tract has shown to effectively hinder the dissemination of viable tumour cells in the needle track.
Ongoing R&D
Technological development is focused on applying the anti-seeding technology to core needle biopsy (CNB) devices
We are currently performing a study analyzing the relationship between circulating tumor cells (CTC) in peripheral blood and diagnostic needle procedures.
References
[1] Wiksell H et. al "Prevention of tumour cell dissemination in diagnostic needle procedures" Br. J. Cancer 2010
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