Over the years, the three typical methods for treating cancer have included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. In the past 15 years, interventional radiology has continued to offer multiple minimally invasive image guided treatment options for patients. Dr. Patrick Robbins, Interventional Radiologist with special interest in Interventional Oncology, specializes in procedures that directly target tumors in minimally invasive procedures. 

While some bone, liver, kidney and lung lesions can be removed surgically, many are inoperable and must be addressed using an alternate approach or combination of therapies. That’s where Neuwave Microwave Ablation System comes into play as the newest tool in the interventional radiology tool kit at Anderson Regional Medical Center.

During an ablation procedure, a small probe is inserted through the skin, guided to the target lesion, and the probe location is confirmed with imaging. Electromagnetic waves are delivered from the ablation system through the probe, heating the target area and destroying the tissue. When the ablation is complete, the physician slowly removes the probe and places a small bandage over the site of the insertion. The procedure time ranges from one to two hours, with only five to ten minutes of active microwave ablation times. Many patients leave the hospital the same or following day.

Dr. Robbins, said, “Recently, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines have been updated to show the widespread nationwide support for image guided ablation therapy. Top ablation programs around the country are using Neuwave because the probes are the smallest on the market today, making the procedure more comfortable for the patient. Also, only Neuwave offers an “ablation confirmation” software that affords me the greatest chance of success of the ablation during the procedure.”

John G. Anderson, President and CEO of Anderson Regional Health System, said, “We are always looking for new technologies and advanced medical procedures that will benefit our patients. Image guided tumor ablation, and specifically microwave ablation, serves as another example of that commitment. We are grateful to Dr. Robbins for bringing his expertise in interventional radiology from the University of Alabama-Birmingham to Meridian and helping to increase the quality of life for patients.”