Epione Robotic Platform Nabs CE Mark for Lung Tumors

Quantum Surgical, a French medical robotics company, recently announced it has obtained expanded CE mark approval for its Epione robotic platform in the treatment of lung tumors. Epione is a robotic-assisted percutaneous ablation system that uses a robotic arm, a navigation system, and camera as an alternative to surgery in which a needle is inserted through the skin to the tumor to destroy it. This, according to the company, makes it possible to treat particularly difficult to reach tumors, whether that be due to their size or location.

“The CE mark approval proves the relevance and effectiveness of Epione, which will enable us to offer innovative, targeted, and less invasive treatments to new patients,” said Laetitia Messner, clinical director of Quantum Surgical, in a press release.

Along with its new CE mark for lung tumors, the robotic platform can also be used to treat abdominal tumors like in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. The new indication is based on a study conducted at Gustave Roussy evaluating the safety and efficacy of Epione to treat lung tumors.

“Patients were treated at Gustave Roussy with thermal destruction of lung metastases as part of a clinical study investigating the feasibility and safety of robotic guidance,” said Thierry De Baère, interventional radiologist in the Department of Therapeutic Imaging at Gustave Roussy and member of the scientific advisory board of Quantum Surgical, in the release. “In this ongoing study, the Epione robot has consistently enabled technical success and has proven to be safe. The Epione robot could enhance the minimally invasive management of small and hard-to-reach lung tumors.”