FV First in Southern Vietnam to Use Fusion and Navigation Imaging for Liver Tumour Treatment

For the first time in Southern Vietnam, a complex liver tumour has been successfully treated using a combination of biopsy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) guided by a next-generation Fusion and Navigation Ultrasound Imaging system at FV Hospital. The minimally invasive procedure was performed under local anaesthesia, completed quickly, and allowed the patient to recover and be discharged after just one day of observation.

Fusion and ultrasound imaging enables precise localisation of liver tumours

Fusion and Navigation Imaging is an advanced ultrasound-guided technology that enables physicians to accurately identify liver lesions located in difficult-to-access areas. It facilitates precise biopsy and radiofrequency ablation of liver tumours without the need for open surgery. As a result, the procedure is faster, safer, and allows patients to recover more quickly, with most being discharged after only one to two days of monitoring.

Ms T.T.X.H. (51, from Tay Ninh Province) was found to have a liver tumour while undergoing chemotherapy for upper abdominal cancer. The tumour was located in an extremely challenging position and could not be visualised using conventional ultrasound equipment. According to her doctors, without timely treatment, the tumour could continue to grow, spread locally, and metastasise to surrounding organs, significantly impairing liver function and reducing her quality of life.

In similar cases, surgical liver resection would normally be recommended. However, this invasive approach requires general anaesthesia, causes greater postoperative discomfort, and involves a longer recovery period. To provide a less invasive alternative, FV’s interventional team utilised the Philips PercuNav Fusion and Navigation System, integrated into the hospital’s high-end ultrasound platform.

Simply put, the technology functions like a dedicated GPS navigation system for physicians. It automatically overlays detailed CT or MRI images onto live ultrasound during the procedure, creating a real-time roadmap for accurate intervention. One of its key advantages is its automatic image registration capability. Instead of relying on time-consuming manual alignment, the AI-powered system automatically recognises the patient’s liver anatomy and vascular structures in less than one minute, generating a highly accurate navigation map that guides the physician throughout the procedure.

Specialists perform Fusion and Navigation Imaging in FV Hospital’s state-of-the-art cathlab

This breakthrough technology delivers significant clinical benefits. It reduces the number of needle repositioning attempts by up to 64%, minimising the risk of complications for patients. It also decreases the need for repeat CT scans during the procedure by 45%, significantly reducing radiation exposure while shortening procedure time.

“In addition, this minimally invasive approach offers several advantages. Patients remain fully awake throughout the procedure and experience little to no pain or discomfort at the treatment site afterwards,” said FV’s interventional radiology team.

Where advanced technology meets patient trust

The liver tumour ablation procedure lasted just over two hours and was performed in FV’s state-of-the-art interventional suite under local anaesthesia, eliminating the need for general anaesthesia. Guided by the real-time navigation system, the medical team accurately inserted the needle through the skin into the centre of the tumour before delivering radiofrequency energy of up to 100°C to completely and safely destroy the liver lesion.

Specialists reviewing the Fusion and Navigation Imaging system

It is natural for patients to feel anxious before undergoing an interventional procedure, especially when the lesion is hidden in a difficult-to-reach location. However, thorough counselling from the medical team, combined with their expertise and the precision of the real-time navigation technology, gave Ms X.H. the confidence to proceed with treatment. “I wasn’t sure whether there were any treatment options left because my case was quite complicated. But after the procedure, I can truly say it was a success,” she said.

Thanks to the technology’s ability to minimise damage to healthy liver tissue and support faster recovery, Ms X.H. was able to resume normal daily activities and was discharged after just one day of close observation. The dedicated care and continuous support from FV’s medical team also helped ease her concerns and made her feel reassured throughout the treatment process.

Reflecting on her experience, Ms X.H. said she felt fortunate to have benefited from this advanced technology and the attentive care provided at FV Hospital. She hopes her successful treatment will pave the way for more patients to benefit from the same innovative approach in the future.

Ms T.T.X.H. made a rapid recovery following the procedure

The success of the first Fusion and Navigation Imaging-guided liver intervention in Southern Vietnam not only delivered an excellent outcome for the patient, but also reinforced FV Hospital’s position as a pioneer in adopting advanced medical technologies. It marks an important milestone that will support the expansion of this technology into a wider range of complex interventional procedures, further enhancing the quality of patient care.