Using EU research funding, scientists and surgeons from France, Germany, United Kingdom and Switzerland have developed a "virtual liver" which will help surgeons better plan and carry out tumour operations and ensure quicker patient recovery. The virtual software being used in the project is based on open source technology.

The PASSPORT (Patient-Specific Simulation and Pre-Operative Realistic Training) project, financed through EU funding, have developed a "virtual liver". More particularly, the project makes a uniquely accurate "virtual liver" available to physicians based on medical images sent by the radiologist to a PASSPORT online service, which helps surgeons decide whether they should or not operate. According to the Commission, thanks to this project surgeons can now see more precisely where a tumour is and where they will have to operate to safely remove it.

European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes highlighted that the technology developed in the EU-funded PASSPORT project is a breakthrough that will improve diagnosis and surgery, and help to save lives. In addition, the virtual software being used in the project is based on open source technology available online making it easier for surgeons to collaborate and share their analysis.

The cost effectiveness and benefits of patient-specific surgical planning are, according to the Commission, clearly demonstrated. The Commission is planning now commercialise the routine clinical use of PASSPORT results. In practice, this means that a surgeon based anywhere in the world will be able to use this model, adjust it to the needs of each patient and considerably lower the cost of each patient's operation.