Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is the first health center in the Midwest to offer the Epione robotic-assisted ablation system. This cutting-edge technology can treat kidney, liver and other abdominal cancers. This minimally invasive approach allows providers to target and destroy small tumors.
How the Epione System Works
The Epione system uses advanced imaging, robotics and real-time feedback to accurately and safely shrink abdominal tumors. The system is a new way to perform ablation, a procedure to shrink or destroy tumors in your abdomen.
Ablation uses waves of extreme heat or cold energy to destroy tissue. Expert interventional radiologists use tiny needles or thin, hollow tubes to deliver this energy to tumors while avoiding healthy tissue.
Here’s how the Epione system works:
- Preoperative planning: Rush specialists use 3D imaging to map the safest, most direct path to the tumor.
- Robotic guidance: The Epione robotic arm positions the ablation needle along that exact path.
- Precise needle insertion: Your provider inserts the probe through the skin, guided by the robot’s alignment system.
- Targeted ablation: The system delivers energy to destroy tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue.
- Confirmation: Imaging confirms that the tumor has been completely treated.
Meet our robotic-assisted tumor ablation providers
Benefits of the Epione Robotic System
Robotic-assisted tumor ablation can treat liver, kidney, pancreatic and other abdominal cancers without surgery. The Epione robotic platform targets tumors with precision accuracy. Because the robotic platform reduces the time needed to perform the ablation, you’ll be exposed to less radiation.
Benefits of robotic tumor ablation include:
- Minimally invasive treatment: Radiofrequency ablation does not require large incisions. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day.
- Enhanced precision: Robotic guidance allows interventional radiologists to target hard-to-reach and small tumors.
- Reduced radiation exposure: The Epione machine reduces the amount of radiation you are exposed to during the procedure compared to traditional radiofrequency ablation.
- Shorter recovery time: With robotic-assisted tumor ablation, you’ll likely be able to return to your normal activities within a few days after your procedure. 
- Broader treatment options: If your cancer cannot be surgically removed, or you are not healthy enough for surgery, radiofrequency ablation can shrink or destroy tumors.
Am I a Candidate for Robotic-Assisted Tumor Ablation?
Robotic-assisted tumor ablation may be an option for you if:
- You have liver or kidney cancer
- You have abdominal metastases (cancer that has spread from another site to your abdomen)
- Your tumors cannot be surgically removed
Your Rush providers will develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
What to Expect: Robotic Tumor Ablation
Before robotic-assisted tumor ablation, you’ll have imaging tests to determine the exact size and location of tumors. These tests may include a CT scan, MRI or ultrasound.
Most radiofrequency ablation procedures are done on an outpatient basis, so you’ll be able to go home the same day. You’ll receive anesthesia to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Your provider will use the Epione system to position needles at the exact path to reach the tumors being treated. They will then insert these needles through your skin. The Epione machine will deliver energy to destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue.
You may have some pain at the treatment site for a few days after an ablation procedure. You should be able to return to your normal activities within a few days.
Choosing Rush for Robotic Tumor Ablation
- Recognized experts: Our interventional radiologists are experts in their field, performing thousands of procedures each year. Rush interventional radiologists are involved in research advancing new minimally invasive techniques.
- Advanced technology: Rush is one of a few health centers in the U.S. using the Epione system. This cutting-edge technology delivers precision tumor ablation faster, with less radiation exposure.
- Minimally invasive options: Rush interventional radiologists are experts in the latest minimally invasive techniques to treat abdominal cancers. With minimally invasive procedures, you’ll recover faster with less pain than traditional open surgery.
- Collaborative, personalized care: At Rush, oncologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists and other specialists will work together to create a personalized care plan for you.
FAQs About Robotic-Assisted Abdominal Tumor Ablation
Robotic-assisted tumor ablation shrinks liver, kidney and other abdominal tumors using targeted energy. The Epione robotic system allows providers to target tumors more accurately with a shorter exposure to radiation.
The Epione system uses advanced imaging to find the best path to reach tumors. The robotic system then positions needles to destroy cancerous cells more accurately than previous technology. The high degree of precision spares healthy tissue, shortens procedure time and reduces your exposure to radiation.
Robotic-assisted ablation can treat kidney and liver tumors and metastases in your abdomen.
Yes, most tumor ablation procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day.
You will likely be able to return home the same day after a tumor ablation. You may have some pain and soreness at the treatment site for a few days. You should be able to return to your usual activities in a few days.
Call (888) 352-7874 to schedule an appointment. Your providers will explain your options and determine if you are a candidate for robotic-assisted tumor ablation.