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Updated: Dec 20, 2025
08:23
High-Throughput Capable Three-Dimensional Tissue Model for Quantification of Electroporation Thresholds
Published on: August 19, 2025
473
Cardiac synchronization and arrhythmia during irreversible electroporation
Conor H O'Neill1, Robert C G Martin1
1Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|June 3, 2020
Summary
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is effective for tumors but can cause cardiac arrhythmia. Using cardiac synchronization significantly reduces arrhythmia risk, making it a crucial safety measure for most IRE procedures.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Devices
- Cardiology
Background:
- Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a nonthermal ablation technique for unresectable tumors.
- While generally safe near critical structures, IRE carries a risk of cardiac arrhythmia if not synchronized with the cardiac cycle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature and determine arrhythmia rates associated with IRE, comparing synchronized versus unsynchronized procedures.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted, followed by data extraction and pooled analysis of included articles.
- The review analyzed data from 481 patients undergoing IRE for various tumor locations.
Main Results:
- Arrhythmias occurred in 3.7% of all IRE cases.
- Cardiac synchronization significantly reduced arrhythmia rates (1.2%) compared to unsynchronized procedures (22.0%, P < .0001).
- Arrhythmias were observed in all treated organs except the prostate.
Conclusions:
- Irreversible electroporation is a potent tool for treating unresectable tumors.
- Cardiac synchronization is a critical safety measure to prevent potentially serious cardiac arrhythmias during IRE, particularly for procedures outside the prostate.
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