Interventional Neuroradiology
Tumor Debulking-Coblation
Tumor debulking, or coblation, uses radiofrequency energy to excite the electrolytes in a conductive medium, such as saline solution, creating a precisely focused plasma.
The plasma's energized particles have sufficient energy to break molecular bond within tissue, causing tissue to dissolve at relatively low temperatures (typically 40°C to 70°C). The result is volumetric removal of target tissue with minimal damage surrounding tissue.
Because radiofrequency current does not pass directly through tissue during the coblation process, tissue heating is minimal. Most of the heat is consumed in the plasma layer, or in other words, by the ionization process. These ions then bombard tissue in their path, causing molecular bonds to simply break apart and tissue to dissolve.
Coblation may be used in conjuction with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty to treat vertebral compression fractures caused by tumors.
How the Procedure Works
Tumor in vertebral body. 
Insert access cannula. 
Deploy tissue debulking Spine Wand. 
Remove tissue to debulk tumor and create cavity. 
Augment with acrylic bone cement.
