New device for coagulating and killing unwanted tissue during surgery

May 24 2009

Acculis Limited, the UK based specialist microwave ablation company based in Denmead, England, has announced the clearance of its latest device for coagulating and killing unwanted tissue during surgery.

The device, designed for coagulations at the surface of the tissue fires controlled high power microwave energy into the target area causing it to heat rapidly and the cells to die. Liver surgeons around the world are using the Acculis MTA System to address tumours inside the liver using its existing needle probes that take the microwave energy to the centre of tumours. Using the same control unit, this latest device allows surgeons to address deposits on the surface of the liver without using a needle. David Lloyd, consultant surgeon from Leicester Royal Infirmary, worked with Professor Nigel Cronin on the device which was also used by consultant HPB surgeons Graeme Poston, Liverpool Aintree and David Sherlock, North Manchester General during the development phase under MHRA control.

"During development we used the device to treat patients with multiple surface tumours quickly and decisively. There is no other high-tech device available in the market which can coagulate as quickly and as deeply as the Acculis Surface Applicator. It is extremely useful in patients with multiple tumours which are non-resectable. For example I successfully treated a patient with severe symptoms relating to more than 40 liver tumours using both this surface device and the high power needle. It is an important addition to our capability alongside the existing high power microwave needle probes." commented Lloyd.

The device will now be made available for patients in the UK and Europe under the CE mark at centres already employing the Acculis MTA System. These include Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, North Hants Hospital Basingstoke as well as the Leicester Royal, Liverpool Aintree and North Manchester General. The device will be distributed by Acculis' sister company Microsulis Medical Limited. 

"The Acculis MTA System is a groundbreaking system for the inter-operative coagulation of tissue. Focussed and controlled high power microwave energy kills the target cells very rapidly by quickly raising their temperature while blood flowing around the outside of the target area keeps adjacent tissue cool. The simplicity of the system also allows surgeons and staff to focus on the treatment rather than on managing complex control and generator systems. We are delighted to add this new device to the range." said Acculis and Microsulis Managing Director, Stuart McIntyre.