Reliance Cool Muscle used in novel treatment for prostate cancer

With one in eight men affected before the age of 75, and 37,000 cases diagnosed in the UK each year, prostate cancer is by far the most common form of cancer affecting men today. In what has been described as a 'paradigm shift' in the treatment of prostate cancer, the French company EDAP TMS, in collaboration with Inserm (French Institute of Medical Research), has developed the Ablatherm High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system for the non-invasive treatment of prostate cancer. Unlike conventional methods, this procedure is free from any major side effects and studies have shown that 95 per cent of men make a full recovery within 12 months.

Contributing to Ablatherm's efficient system performance is the Reliance Cool Muscle intelligent actuator, an integrated drive and control product supplied by Reliance Precision Mechatronics. The Reliance Cool Muscle actuator enables the Ablatherm probe to create a 3D image of the prostate. Urologists then use a PC to identify the area damaged by lesions, and ultrasound waves destroy the affected area. Unlike radiation treatment, this procedure focuses specifically on the area concerned, leaving surrounding tissue healthy and undamaged.

The probe is guided by Reliance's Cool Muscle technology and effects micron-point accuracy. Closed-loop control and a 50,000-count encoder facilitate precise execution of movement, torque and velocity. Reliability in positional accuracy and force are essential requirements for the Ablatherm probe, and the constant feedback data provided by the Cool Muscle helps to ensure the probe is positioned carefully and effectively during patient treatment.

In addition, the level of integration of the Reliance Cool Muscle actuator - which incorporates the motor, encoder, driver, controller and slide assembly - has also helped top simplify the design and manufacture of the Ablatherm instrument, enabling EDAP to focus its resources on the development of the innovative ultrasound medical device.

EDAP's Mechanical Design Manager stressed the importance not just of the functionality of the product, but also of the design support provided by Reliance, remarking: "They always help us with our selection of mechatronic components and their early involvement in the design stage is greatly appreciated."

Reliance strives to provide in-depth technical support in the context of its customers' applications and engineering constraints, working responsively to adapt its products to suit individual requirements. This has led to a strong technical relationship between the companies, with Reliance working closely with EDAP on the next generation of the Ablatherm instrument.

Follow the link for more information about the Reliance Cool Muscle or contact Peter Hynes at Reliance France, [email protected].