Covidien's ablation system gets US nod for liver tumours

The Evident microwave ablation system developed by Covidien has received US 510(k) clearance for use in the ablation of nonresectable liver tumours. The Evident technology can be used to coagulate soft tissue during percutaneous, laparoscopic and open surgical procedures in patients who cannot otherwise be treated surgically. As the system uses microwave ablation, there is no current flow through the patient, eliminating the need for grounding pads, the Boulder, Colorado firm said. Covidien claims that the Evident permits ablation procedures to be performed up to 60% faster than is possible with other ablation products, with ablations being achieved "in approximately 10 minutes".