STARmed Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS RFA)

An effective, minimally invasive alternative for pancreatic and extra-pancreatic tumors

Achieve local control of advanced pancreatic tumors with endoscopic radiofrequency ablation

With the evolution of endoscopic RFA therapies, STARmed introduced EUSRATM – an advanced technique of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation. This innovative approach utilizes EUS to precisely target and ablate locally advanced lesions.

STARmed EUS RFA provides a safe and feasible alternative for managing borderline resectable and unresectable pancreatic cancers, neuroendocrine tumors, cystic neoplasms, and lesions in other systems.

EUSRA technology for EUS-guided RF ablation shortens the length of RFA treatments by reducing the steps and streamlining the procedure. Achieve ultimate control for the safest and most focused ablation. The result is an efficient, minimally invasive outpatient procedure that increases patient comfort, improving the lives of non-surgical candidates.

Pancreatic Cancer Statistics

<5%1

5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer but varies based on the stage of cancer at diagnosis.

~95%2

of pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas, with most patients diagnosed at stage IV.

3%-14%3

Mortality rates of surgical resection of benign tumors like neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

About EUS RFA

Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (EUS RFA) is a recent, emerging, non-surgical technique for patients who are not candidates for surgery. The FDA has cleared this minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, including tumors that are unresectable at the time of discovery. That accounts for up to 95% of lesions, making EUS RFA a valuable therapeutic intervention in the treatment of the disease.

EUSRA technology for EUS-guided RF ablation induces coagulative necrosis using heat application to targeted pancreatic structures. Tumor antigens are released, which may trigger the abscopal effect. There is minimal or no damage to the surrounding tissue.

The result of treatment is frequently a reduction in tumor size without the need for invasive surgeries or extensive healing time. The procedure is associated with clinical remission in the majority of clinical studies.

Why Choose STARmed EUS RFA Technology?

Real-time imaging

The real-time EUS-guided RF ablation with Doppler enhances visualization of the targeted anatomical structures. This ensures minimal passage through normal pancreatic tissue. Plus, it avoids critical structures like major vessels and the pancreatic duct.

Internal cooling system

During an ablation, the EUSRA RF electrode for tumors is continuously cooled. It is perfused internally with circulating chilled saline solution delivered by the VIVA pump. This prevents the charring of the electrode surface, improving the treatment’s accuracy and efficiency.4
A medical device setup used for endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (EUS RFA)
Image illustrates how the EUS RFA device is used inside the body, showing the probe inserted through the mouth and positioned near the pancreas to target a tumor for ablation.

Diverse applications

Physicians around the world have been exploring diverse applications of the EUSRATM electrode. Beyond pancreatic treatments, it has also shown efficacy in treating extra-pancreatic tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), adrenal tumors, the celiac plexus, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

PRODUCT INDICATIONS FOR ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND RF ABLATION
The EUSRA RF Electrode is indicated for coagulation and ablation of soft tissue when used in conjunction with a compatible radiofrequency generator.
  1. Song, T. J., Seo, D. W., Lakhtakia, S., Reddy, N., Oh, D. W., Park, D. H., Lee, S. S., Lee, S. K., & Kim, M.-H. (2016). Initial experience of eus-guided radiofrequency ablation of unresectable pancreatic cancer. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 83(2), 440–443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2015.08.048
  2. What is pancreatic cancer?: Types of pancreatic cancer. Types of Pancreatic Cancer | American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer/about/what-is-pancreatic-cancer.html
  3. Law, R., & Levy, M. J. (2021). Follow-up after EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation for pancreatic lesions: With more answers, come more questions. Endoscopy International Open, 09(08). https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1393-5780
  4. Lakhtakia, S., Ramchandani, M., Galasso, D., Gupta, R., Venugopal, S., Kalpala, R., & Reddy, D. N. (2016). EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation for management of pancreatic insulinoma by using a novel needle electrode (with videos). Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 83(1), 234–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gie.2015.08.085