NOVILASE® BREAST THERAPY
Novilase is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser ablation to destroy tumors. It is the first thermal ablation device to receive a CE Mark for treatment of malignant tumors of the breast. Novilase is also available for the treatment of benign breast tumors. Novilase continues to be evaluated in post marketing clinical follow up in breast tumors. Evaluation of other indications has begun.
Novilase laser ablation provides a minimally-invasive alternative to surgery (lumpectomy). The Novilase procedure does not require general anesthesia and can be performed in a breast center procedure room where breast biopsies are typically performed. The procedure consists of ultrasound or x-ray image-guided placement of two small 14 gauge probes (one to deliver laser energy and the second to monitor temperature at the edge of the ablation zone). Only local anesthetic is required. For malignant breast tumors, effectiveness is confirmed with MRI. Patients with malignant breast tumors would still proceed with adjuvant therapies if directed (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy) following laser ablation.