Bloodless operation

A new device for removing liver tumours with virtually no blood loss has been successfully used for the first time in the US.

The Habib 4X resection device is named after its inventor Professor Nagy Habib, Professor of Hepato-Biliary Surgery at Imperial College London and chief of service for gastrointestinal surgery at Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust in west London.

The new device uses radiofrequency energy to 'seal' tissue around a tumour site, allowing the tumour to be removed while preventing blood loss and other complications. The device has enabled surgeons to operate where previously it would have been too risky.

After developing the technology, Professor Habib formed an Imperial College spinout company, EMcision, who have a worldwide licence agreement with US-based RITA Medical Systems.  As part of the licensing deal, the Habib 4X will be made available to developing countries in Africa at cost price.

The Habib 4X received approval from the US Food and Drug administration in August, and the first operation using the Habib 4X took place at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, near Los Angeles, California, last week. The Habib 4X is already licensed for use in Europe.