Preface - Ous-research.no

Focal hydrothermal ablation
Principal investigator:
Sumit Roy, Dept. of Radiology, Stavanger University Hospital
Thermal destruction of tissue with the help of alternating electric current, radiofrequency ablation, has been steadily gaining acceptance
as treatment for hepatic metastases that cannot be resected. The growth of the tumours can be halted, and an appreciable
prolongation
of survival can be achieved (that are not amenable to surgery).
However due to limitations imposed by the electrothermal processes underlying the procedure, the utility of radiofrequency ablation
is largely restricted to relatively small tumours. The goal of the study is therefore to investigate whether interstitial instillation
of steam in the target lesion, focal hydrothermal ablation, can be a more effective alternative. As the use of steam as energy vector
avoids the intermediary step of converting electrical energy to thermal energy, more efficient transfer of energy to the lesion can
be anticipated.
The exclusion of dielectric heterogeneity as a confounding factor, could translate into more homogenous and predictable heating
of tumours being treated. Furthermore, steam’s high latent heat of condensation would permit very rapid deposition of large
amounts of thermal energy at the target site, thereby considerably shortening the time required for treatment. Given that the
thermal ablation with steam represents an entirely new concept, the study willaddress the fundamental questions of feasibility
and efficacy, in an animal model.
In-vivo evaluation of an implant for non-sutured anastomosis
Principal investigator
Sumit Roy, Dept. of Radiology, Stavanger University Hospital
A structurally sound, geometrically optimal anastomosis is the key to therapeutic success in peripheral vascular surgery. A simple
technique for achieving this goal without suturing has for long been the focus of research. One product is currently commercially
available for mechanically join peripheral blood vessels without sutures. However, it is unsuitable for use when the if the arterial
wall is not pliable, as is not uncommon in elderly patients. Further, based on published literature, it is unlikely that the product can
be incorporated into synthetic blood vessel substitutes commonly used in clinical practice.
To satisfy the unmet need for a versatile method for anastomosing tubular organs without sutures, a simple, inexpensive implant
has been developed. Based on the results of assessment of the first iterations of the implant in porcine coronary arteries, the
design has been refined, and scaled up for use in larger arteries. The goal of the study is to determine whether the alterations in
design serve their purpose.
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