Toward a clinical real time tissue ablation technology: combining electroporation and electrolysis (E2)

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Percutaneous image-guided tissue ablation (IGA) is increasingly used for solid tumors.
• Electroporation techniques include irreversible electroporation (IRE) and electrochemotherapy (ECT).
• A combination of electrolysis and electroporation (E2) offers enhanced efficiency over IRE and avoids chemotoxic agents used in ECT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel E2 waveform for percutaneous image-guided tissue ablation.
• To determine optimal parameters for E2 waveform in clinical applications.
• To assess E2's potential for real-time ablation of clinically relevant tissue volumes.

Main Methods:

• A new E2 waveform was designed, integrating electroporation and electrolysis.
• Experiments were conducted on porcine liver models to assess E2 efficacy.
• Key parameters investigated included electrical field, pulse duration, and charge.

Main Results:

• A single E2 waveform successfully ablated large tissue volumes in porcine livers.
• Ablation was achieved at relatively low voltages, preserving large blood vessels and lumen structures.
• The E2 waveform did not require chemotoxic or paralyzing drugs.

Conclusions:

• The E2 waveform demonstrates efficient and safe tissue ablation for potential clinical use.
• E2 offers advantages over IRE and ECT, including reduced treatment times and improved usability.
• This technique holds promise for advancing image-guided tumor ablation therapies.