Boston Scientific has bought Emcision, a spinout from Imperial College London that is developing a range of surgical instruments.

Emcision, a UK-based medical device spinout from Imperial College London, has been acquired by medical device manufacturer Boston Scientific for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 1999, Emcision has developed a range of surgical instruments that rely on radiofrequency energy. The devices are aimed at percutaneous procedures – the method of accessing organs through a needle-puncture of the skin – as well as open, minimally invasive, vascular and endoscopic surgeries.

The company’s products include the Habib EndoHPB probe, an endoscopic bipolar radiofrequency device that coagulates tissue in the gastrointestinal tract. It is aimed at the treatment and palliative care of patients suffering from pancreaticobiliary cancers.

The probe has gained regulatory approval in the US and received the CE mark in the EU.

Emcision is based on research by Nagy Habib, professor of hepatobiliary surgery in the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London. The spinout has not disclosed details about any equity funding.

Art Butcher, senior vice-president and president, endoscopy, at Boston Scientific, said: “As we continue to search for ways to treat pancreaticobiliary cancers, we also seek to improve the quality of life for patients living with a cancer diagnosis today.

“We are committed to exploring innovative options to help increase the chance of early diagnosis, improve treatment and advance the ability to remove cancers located in challenging areas of the gastrointestinal tract.”