Undergraduate researchers at UW-Eau Claire, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Health System, developed a biocompatible foam for use in tumor ablation procedures and characterized its properties to improve patient outcomes. Tumor ablation is a minimally invasive cancer treatment in which a narrow probe is inserted directly into a tumor to apply intense thermal energy that induces tissue necrosis. However, this technique often results in unintended damage to surrounding healthy tissue and post-operative complications for patients. Therefore, the development of an insulative and stable foam presents a viable improvement to current tumor ablation procedures. Characterization of both the biocompatible materials and the resulting foam is essential for quantifying the foam’s physical properties and evaluating its effectiveness. Stability testing, pendant drop tensiometry, rheology, and thermal testing utilizing tissue mimics were implemented to assess these properties. Additionally, experiments involving the freeze-drying of the foam are being conducted and present a possible strategy to improve shelf-life and clinical applicability. Ongoing development and testing of this biocompatible foam aim to improve the outcomes of tumor ablation procedures.
