Microblate Fine

Microblate Fine is a first-of-a-kind medical instrument for ablating cancerous tumours in soft tissue.

A close-up of a white Spyderblade electrosurgical instrument with blue accents, numbered dials, and attached blue cables, placed on a white surface.

The Project

Microblate Fine is a soft tissue ablation device that can be deployed through an ultrasound guided endoscope. It ablates tumours in-situ with minimal damage to surrounding tissue, and is being used to help patients that often have no other treatment options left.

White and blue Spyderblade electrosurgical instrument with numbered dial and attached blue cables on a white surface.
A white handheld medical device with buttons and a blue coiled cable attached, the Spyderblade electrosurgical instrument is placed on a plain white background.
Close-up of a metalworking lathe with a drill bit positioned for precise machining—ideal for early stage design and prototyping. Various machine components and adjustment knobs are visible.
A man wearing goggles and holding a SpyderBlade electrosurgical instrument.

Design

The UW team was closely involved with the early stage design and prototyping of the instrument. Batches of repeatable prototypes were created to support testing through clinical trials to trigger further development work. In-house 3D printing and model making proved very helpful in iterating both the antenna and the injection moulded handle.