Liwen RF™ Radiofrequency Ablation and Myocardial Biopsy System: A Novel Minimally Invasive Solution for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Xi'an, Oct. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The team led by Director Liu Liwen of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis and Treatment Center at Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University, in collaboration with NCC Medical Co., Ltd., jointly developed the Liwen RF™ radiofrequency ablation system (hereinafter referred to as the Liwen RF™ system). The system has been successfully applied in 15 clinical procedures at Xijing Hospital, with smooth surgical processes and favorable patient recovery. This marks the first time that the "Liwen procedure" has incorporated twoWorld's First Innovative Technology-- Adjustable Radiofrequency Ablation NeedleandMyocardial Biopsy.

"Liwen Procedure" + Adjustable Radiofrequency Ablation Needle

On July 30, the world’s first surgery using the original Liwen RF™ System was successfully performed. The inaugural patient treated with the Liwen RF™ System had preoperative asymmetric obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The entire procedure was conducted under ultrasound guidance via a minimally invasive transthoracic transmyocardial interventional approach. Precise puncture was achieved at the hypertrophied interventricular septum, where adjustable ablation needles were employed to generate varying ablation zones, thereby enabling precise ablation, widening of the left ventricular outflow tract, and relief of obstruction. Throughout the procedure, the patient’s vital signs remained stable, and postoperative symptoms improved significantly. The adjustable ablation needle allows real-time modulation of the ablation zone size based on lesion thickness, making the “Liwen Procedure” more flexible, agile, and safe, while maximizing conformal ablation.

“Liwen Procedure” + Myocardial Biopsy

On August 6, the world’s first Liwen RF™ radiofrequency ablation procedure with simultaneous myocardial biopsy was successfully performed. During the operation, a myocardial biopsy was conducted for the first time, successfully obtaining myocardial tissue samples. The intraoperative procedure was convenient and smooth, and the patient recovered well postoperatively.

Liwen RF Endomyocardial Biopsy: The Latest Clinical Application of the Liwen Procedure, Offering a Novel Approach to Myocardial BiopsyTraditional endocardial biopsy is technically complex and may cause damage to the endocardium and conduction system. In contrast, the innovative transapical transmural biopsy approach is more effective and safer, providing valuable specimens for clinical guidance and medical research.

How Much Do You Know About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyDisease (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) isMost CommonHereditary heart disease is a cardiomyopathy characterized by myocardial hypertrophy, reduced ventricular cavity size, impaired ventricular filling, and decreased diastolic compliance. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can onset at any age and is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young people, as well as one of the main causes of heart failure. Currently, treatment options for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) primarily include pharmacological therapy, alcohol septal ablation, and surgical intervention. The team led by Director Liu Liwen at Xijing Hospital is an innovative medical group in China dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of HCM. The successful development of ultrasound-guided percutaneous intramyocardial septal radiofrequency ablation (the Liwen procedure) and the R&D of the Liwen RF™ system technology have undoubtedly brought new hope to patients with HCM.

The Liwen RF™ system employs a proprietary surgical approach,Minimally Invasive Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedure via the Transapical Transseptal Myocardial Route Under Ultrasound Guidance. The therapeutic principle of the Liwen RF™ system lies in using high-frequency radiofrequency waves to generate a thermal effect on ions within hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, thereby causing dehydration and necrosis of these cells. Additionally, the Liwen RF™ system can occlude the blood supply to the hypertrophic myocardial tissue.

Compared with traditional radiofrequency ablation needles, the ablation range of the Liwen RF™ system’s ablation needle can be freely adjusted according to the thickness of the interventricular septum, precisely matching the pre-planned ablation zone. It offers minimally invasive, gentle, and conformal ablation. Additionally, the product is equipped with a biopsy needle, enabling safe myocardial biopsy via a transapical approach through the interventricular septal myocardium. Its unique outer cannula design allows for a single puncture to perform multiple ablation and biopsy procedures, making the surgery simpler and safer.

The Liwen Procedure is an innovative and effective surgical approach, representing a new strategy for safe, effective, and minimally invasive myocardial biopsy and treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). By the end of September, 141 patients with HCM had undergone the Liwen Procedure. Notably, the most recent 15 cases marked the first clinical application of the “Liwen RF™ System” for both diagnosis and treatment, yielding favorable outcomes. Under the leadership of Director Liu Liwen, the team has continuously overcome challenges and broken through bottlenecks in the field of HCM treatment. Through close collaboration between medical and technical professionals, leveraging accumulated expertise, fostering innovative thinking, and advancing new technologies, the Liwen Procedure has embarked on a new journey, bringing hope and promising prospects to the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

NCC Medical, a new technology incubation company under the Deno Medical Group, is dedicated to providing safe and effective treatment options for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who lack access to adequate care worldwide. The companyIndependently DevelopedLiwen RF^TMThe system provides a safe, effective, precise, and minimally invasive innovative treatment strategy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.