ECU Health Medical Center completed its first procedure using the Edison Histotripsy System to treat liver tumors, marking a new non-invasive option in eastern North Carolina.

ECU Health positions histotripsy as a potential option for patients who cannot tolerate invasive procedures or require combination therapy, signaling a commitment to innovative, patient-centered care in eastern North Carolina.

Dr. Carlos Marroquin, MD, a surgeon at ECU Health Medical Center, led the procedure and discussed expanding access to advanced liver cancer care.

The outpatient procedure is suitable for patients who are not candidates for traditional surgery or prefer non-invasive options, potentially reducing the need for travel to receive advanced care.

The procedure targets liver tumors and can be outpatient, offering an option for patients who are not candidates for invasive surgery or prefer noninvasive treatment.

The procedure involved a multidisciplinary ECU Health team and was performed on an outpatient basis.

ECU Health staff included nurses and physicians such as Kelly Giordano, Kierra Gainer, Jessie Sbrocco, Paula Boyd, Connor Lawler, Daniel Lavalley, and Ryan Louer.

Dr. Carlos Marroquin, who led the procedure, is an adjunct professor at the Brody School of Medicine and notes that histotripsy enables personalized, non-invasive cancer care, usable when surgical options are limited.

The Edison Histotripsy System destroys targeted liver tissue mechanically without incisions, heat, radiation, or needles, suitable for outpatient treatment of primary or metastatic liver tumors.

ECU Health is the first health system in North Carolina east of Winston-Salem to offer this treatment.

Officials emphasize the technology enables precise targeting of tumors while preserving surrounding healthy tissue, supporting personalized patient care.

The April 21 procedure used focused ultrasound to break down tumor tissue without surgery, needles, heat, or radiation.