Tissue Ablation is Predominantly Cancer Therapy

Tissue ablation is defined as the “removal of a body part or the destruction of its function, as by surgery, disease, or a noxious substance.” Put more simply, ablation is considered to be a therapeutic destruction and sealing of tissue.

The technologies representing the majority of physical (rather than chemical) ablation are comprised of the following:

Tissue ablation is defined as the “removal of a body part or the destruction of its function, as by surgery, disease, or a noxious substance.” Put more simply, ablation is considered to be a therapeutic destruction and sealing of tissue.

The technologies representing the majority of physical (rather than chemical) ablation are comprised of the following:

• Electrical
• Radiation
• Light
• Radiofrequency
• Ultrasound
• Cryotherapy
• Thermal (other than cryotherapy)
• Microwave
• Hydromechanical

Source: Report #A145, “Ablation Technologies Worldwide Market, 2009-2019: Products, Technologies, Markets, Companies and Opportunities.”

The largest share of the market for energy-based ablation devices is used in cancer therapy, primarily using the radiation therapy modality. Following that is general surgery with its use of electrocautery and electrosurgical devices, RF ablation, cryotherapy, etc. Cardiovascular is thought to be third, even though cardiovascular is making the most noise in the medical press with RF and cryoablation of atrial fibrillation, this segment is thought to be third in share order. The remaining applications are relatively small and fall in line behind the three leading sectors.