Epione Robotic Ablation System

Developed by French robotics company Quantum Surgical and commercialized in China through LifeTech Quantum, the Epione robotic platform addresses the technical challenges of percutaneous tumor ablation through integrated planning, robotic-assisted targeting, and real-time treatment confirmation.

Product Overview

Epione represents a robotic-assisted percutaneous ablation system designed to treat inoperable or early-stage tumors that are difficult to access due to their size, shape, or location. Unlike conventional manual approaches that require iterative imaging and adjustment, Epione consolidates the entire ablation workflow into a single platform: planning, targeting, delivery, and confirmation.

The system targets percutaneous tumor ablation, a minimally invasive alternative to surgery where needles are inserted through the skin to destroy tumors using thermal energy. Despite proven efficacy, this technique remains underutilized as a first-line cancer treatment due to procedural complexity and steep learning curves. Epione addresses these barriers by standardizing and automating key workflow steps.

Key Features

Cleared in three regulatory jurisdictions—CE (September 2021), FDA (March 2022), and NMPA (August 2023)—Epione consolidates planning, robotic targeting, and treatment confirmation into one platform.

• Integrated Workflow: Single platform combining pre-procedure planning, intra-procedure navigation, and post-procedure confirmation
• Respiratory Tracking: Patient reference system monitors breathing under general anesthesia, synchronizing needle placement with respiratory cycles
• Smart Segmentation: 3D tumor visualization using fused MRI and CT images with automated segmentation tools
• Multi-Needle Planning: Automated calculation of optimal needle patterns for complete tumor coverage
• Open Platform Design: Compatible with multiple ablation technologies (MWA, RFA, cryoablation, IRE) and needle types
• Reduced Radiation Exposure: Needle placement performed outside CT gantry, limiting physician radiation dose
• Treatment Confirmation: Real-time verification of tumor margin coverage following procedure completion

Technical Specifications

With MRI-CT fusion, multi-needle planning, and continuous respiratory tracking, Epione supports MWA, RFA, cryoablation, IRE, and ECT from a single console.

Clinical Applications

Epione supports interventional radiologists in performing percutaneous tumor ablation across multiple abdominal organs. The NMPA-approved indications cover all adult abdominal solid organ tumors, including:

Liver Tumors: Primary hepatocellular carcinoma and secondary liver metastases from other cancer sites. Clinical data from Gustave Roussy Cancer Center and Montpellier University Hospital supported initial regulatory approvals, with teams treating primary and secondary liver tumors.

Kidney Tumors: Renal cell carcinoma and other solid kidney masses amenable to thermal ablation.

Pancreatic Tumors: Selected pancreatic lesions where surgical resection is not feasible.

The platform also supports biopsy and particle implantation procedures, extending utility beyond pure ablation applications. In European markets, CE Mark coverage includes chest and musculoskeletal indications, enabling treatment of lung tumors and bone lesions.

Over 400 patients have been treated globally using the Epione system, with procedures performed at institutions in France, the United States, and China.

Regulatory Status

Frequently Asked Questions

What ablation technologies work with Epione?

Epione maintains an open platform architecture compatible with physician-preferred ablation systems. Supported technologies include microwave ablation (MWA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation, irreversible electroporation (IRE), and electrochemotherapy (ECT). The system accommodates single or multiple probe configurations depending on tumor characteristics.

How does Epione handle patient breathing during procedures?

The Patient Reference system continuously tracks respiratory motion under general anesthesia. Physicians set a reference level to ensure consistent apnea or jet-ventilation states during imaging and probe placement. This synchronization enables accurate needle placement even with normal breathing variations.

What training is required for Epione procedures?

LifeTech Quantum and Quantum Surgical provide structured training programs for interventional radiologists. The first China workshop was held in December 2023, covering hands-on experience with tumor segmentation, needle path planning, robotic guidance, and treatment confirmation protocols.

How does Epione compare to conventional ablation procedures?

Conventional percutaneous ablation relies on manual needle placement guided by pre-procedural imaging and repeated CT scans during the procedure. This approach requires significant experience, results in variable accuracy, and exposes physicians to radiation during gantry-based adjustments. Epione automates planning calculations, provides robotic guidance for consistent needle placement, and tracks respiratory motion to improve targeting precision while reducing radiation exposure through out-of-gantry placement.