Computational and experimental model of electroporation for human aorta

In this study the computational and experimental electroporation model with human aorta tissue is made in order to examine the reduction of smooth muscle cells.

The segments in native state of the aorta are treated by electroporation method through a series of electrical impulses from 50 V/cm to 2500 V/cm. For each patient we analyzed one sample with and one sample without electroporation as a control. In the computational study, electrical field distribution is solved by the Laplace equation. The Pennes Bioheat equation without metabolism and blood perfusion heating is used to solve heat transfer problems. Different conductivity values are used in order to fit the experimental results.

Experimental histology has shown us that there are a smaller number of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) nuclei at the tunica media, while the elastic fibre morphology is maintained 24 h after electroporation. In the computational model, heat generation coupled with electrical field is included. The fitting procedure is applied for conductivity values in order to make material properties of the aorta tissue. The fitting procedure gives tissue conductivity of 0.44 [S/m] for applied electrical field of 2500 V/cm.

Future studies are necessary for investigation of a new device for in-vivo ablation with electroporation of plaque stenosis. It will open up a new avenue for stenosis treatment without stent implantation.