Quantum Surgical | Epione | Which Medical Device

Freehand ablation, a proven technique, relies on the operator’s expertise—top interventional radiologists can achieve high success rates (e.g., 90-95% complete ablation for small liver tumors, per general literature). Epione’s edge might be narrower for these experts, possibly shining more for less-experienced practitioners or complex cases, as suggested by symposiums like the 2024 ECIO session on robotics in interventional oncology.

Clinical studies hint at promise but stop short of conclusive proof. The lung tumor study (CE mark approved in 2023) and the ongoing Epibone study (launched 2024) emphasize safety and performance, with Gustave Roussy’s Dr. Baptiste Bonnet calling bone procedures an “ambitious” application for Epione. Results presented at CIRSE 2023 for lung ablations showed technical success and safety, but again, no freehand control group was included. Without randomized trials pitting Epione against expert freehand—measuring endpoints like ablation success, complication rates, or procedure time—claims of superiority remain speculative.

In summary, evidence suggests Epione enhances precision, reduces radiation exposure, and standardizes complex ablations, potentially outperforming freehand in challenging cases or for less-skilled operators. However, no robust, comparative studies (e.g., randomized controlled trials) confirm it beats an expert interventional radiologist across the board. Its performance likely exceeds freehand in specific contexts—like multi-probe procedures or difficult trajectories—but for a proficient radiologist with advanced imaging tools, the gap may be minimal. More rigorous, head-to-head research is needed to settle the question definitively.