UWEC CERCA 2025

Tumor ablation is an effective, minimally invasive technique for cancer removal. The procedure uses medical imaging and a needle-like probe, which is guided to the target cancerous tissue where it is subsequently heated or cooled to a cytotoxic level. Thus, surrounding tissue must be separated from the cancerous tissue to prevent damage to healthy tissue. Saline and carbon dioxide are current methods of separation, but both migrate from the site due to gravity and cause risk of postoperative pain. To create a stable, stationary, and thermally protective barrier, a biocompatible foam has been developed with FDA-approved materials to optimize tissue separation for a typical 60 minute procedure. As progress continues, further characterization of the foam is being tested using rheology, which mimics deformation during foam injection and quantifies stability as a function of time and deformation rate. Current project goals involve developing a freeze-dried procedure that maximizes the shelf life of the foam and minimizes preparation steps for future commercialization and clinical use. Continued testing is essential for confirming previous qualitative tests of the foam’s material properties and providing data required for publication and implementation of these foams in a clinical setting.