Aim software offers 3D-interface displaying the position of ultrasound image and Acessa probe to help physicians place the probe accurate into a uterine fibroid.

Halt Medical's Acessa Guidance System uses Aim software with electromagnetic tracking technology and radiofrequency ablation for laparoscopically treating symptomatic uterine fibroids. When ultrasound is added to the system, it can give an instant feedback of device trajectory to the targeted fibroid and tracks the surgical instruments in real time.

It is the first time that this technology has been applied in the field of gynaecology.

Halt Medical president and CEO Kim Bridges said: "Using InnerOptic's Aim, the Acessa Guidance System makes the Acessa procedure more accurate and easier to perform, enabling more women to benefit from uterine fibroid ablation.

"With the launch of the Acessa Guidance System, we're fulfilling our promise of providing the most minimally invasive, outpatient surgical solution to women who aren't satisfied with their current treatment options."

Generally, uterine fibroids are benign, muscular tumours in a woman’s uterus causing heavy bleeding and painful periods, pressure and distension of abdomen. It is estimated that about 70% of women in US can develop uterine fibroids by the age of 50, with higher prevalence among African American women.

The percentage makes uterine fibroids a major issue of concern in the areas of women health and reproduction. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) have estimated that the direct healthcare cost to treat this disease is more than $2.1bn annually.

The Acessa procedure from HaltMedical, involves a minimally invasive, uterine conserving, laparoscopic procedure where radiofrequency energy is used to destroy the fibroids. The fibroids are reabsorbed by the surrounding tissue, once the procedure is complete.

Apart from this, with this procedure, the physician will not have to worry about damaging the surrounding tissue.

InnerOptic Technology CEO Brian Heaney said: "Working closely with Halt and their clinicians, we have carefully optimized the Aim interface, providing easy-to-use and effective guidance for the Acessa procedure."