Ablation Hand Piece Helps Treat Uterine Fibroids

A new accessory hand piece delivers controlled radiofrequency (RF) volumetric thermal ablation for targeted destruction of symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Intended for use with the Acessa System, the Guidance hand piece includes a generator control interface and a deployable electrode array to allow the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids of varying sizes. Once the tip of the hand piece is inserted in to the myoma, the electrode array is deployed under ultrasound guidance. In smaller tissue volumes, it is not always necessary to deploy the electrode array. The duration of the RF ablation is defined by a treatment algorithm, with the generator continuously sampling the applied voltage, current, and temperatures in the electrodes, as well as other system parameters.


During ablation, the generator produces an alternating current, which flows between the hand piece and the patient. The electrically-active portions at the tip of the hand piece include a stainless steel trocar and the optional electrode array, with each element containing an internal thermocouple. The procedure is performed in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, allowing minimal scarring and enabling the patient to return home the same day. The Acessa System and Procedure are products of Halt Medical (Brentwood, CA, USA), and have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The Acessa Procedure provides women with an attractive uterine-sparing fibroid treatment alternative,” said Jeffrey M. Cohen, CEO of Halt Medical. “The FDA's clearance of this advanced technology is another step forward for Halt Medical in the development of safe, minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids.”

A uterine fibroid is a benign tumor that originates from the smooth muscle layer (myometrium) of the uterus. Fibroids are the most common benign tumors in females and typically found during the middle and later reproductive years. While most are asymptomatic, they can grow and cause heavy and painful menstruation, painful sexual intercourse, and urinary frequency and urgency. Fibroids are often multiple and if the uterus contains too many to count, it is referred to as diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis.

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