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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
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High-Throughput Capable Three-Dimensional Tissue Model for Quantification of Electroporation Thresholds
Published on: August 19, 2025
Intravascular irreversible electroporation: theoretical and experimental feasibility study
Elad Maor1, Antoni Ivorra, Boris Rubinsky
1Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. eladmaor@berkeley.edu
Summary
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) uses electric fields to non-thermally ablate cells. This study defines parameters for safe, non-thermal IRE treatment of vascular smooth muscle cells to prevent restenosis after angioplasty.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a minimally invasive technique using electric fields to induce cell membrane permeabilization.
- Non-thermal energy delivery is crucial to prevent tissue damage during IRE procedures.
- IRE shows potential for ablating vascular smooth muscle cells to treat arterial restenosis post-angioplasty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electric field parameters for non-thermal IRE ablation of arterial wall cells.
- To establish the safety and efficacy of IRE for treating vascular restenosis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized time-dependent finite-element models for electric field and bio-heat equations.
- Incorporated the Henriques and Moritz thermal damage integral for analysis.
- Conducted experimental validation with temperature measurements during intravascular IRE in rodent carotid arteries.
Main Results:
- Identified a range of electric field parameters for non-thermal IRE ablation in blood vessels.
- Experimental data confirmed no significant temperature rise during intravascular IRE in rodent carotid arteries.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of non-thermal cell ablation in the arterial wall.
Conclusions:
- IRE can be optimized for non-thermal ablation of vascular smooth muscle cells.
- This technique holds promise for preventing restenosis following angioplasty.
- The study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for applying IRE in vascular interventions.
