New technology eliminates liver tumors with almost no blood loss

A resectioning device is allowing surgeons to seal the tissue around a tumor, permitting its removal without blood loss and other complications. The Habib 4X has been named after the inventor, Professor Nagy Habib, of the Imperial College of London.

Professor Habib formed a spinout company, Emcision and has a worldwide licensing agreement with RITA Medical Systems in the U.S. Approved for use in Europe the Habib 4X recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been used in its first operation at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California.

High-energy radio waves are sent into tissue around a tumor by the hand held Habib 4X’s four electrodes. The cells are heated which causes them to dehydrate, forming a seal. At that point, the tumor may be removed with just a scalpel and no blood loss. No staples, glues, ties or sutures are required.

Prior to use of the Habib 4X in England for liver tumor removal, patients could lose as much as 10 pints of blood during the course of the operation. With the use of the device, less than 50 ml of blood is lost. More than 100 patients have been operated on with the Habib 4X in the last year with no resulting fatalities or serious illnesses. Follow-up found no return of tumors in any patient.

“The liver is the second most common site of cancer in the body,” says Professor Habib. “So the potential of the Habib 4X is huge. The first use of the device in America is a significant and exciting milestone as we continue to develop the potential of radio frequency and microwave technologies for surgery.”

To learn more, visit www.ritamedical.com.