Novel tetrapolar single-needle electrode for electrochemotherapy in bone cavities: Modeling, design and validation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a cancer treatment utilizing pulsed electric fields.
• Effective ECT relies on achieving a threshold electric field at the tumor site.
• Electrode design is critical for optimal electric field distribution, particularly in complex or deep-seated tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a novel tetrapolar single-needle electrode for electrochemotherapy in bone cavities.
• To evaluate the electric field and current distribution of the novel electrode.
• To assess the electrode's performance in a simulated nasal cavity tumor model.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a tetrapolar single-needle electrode.
• In silico and in vitro experiments to analyze electric field and current.
• 3D simulation using segmented tomography images of a nasal cavity tumor.

Main Results:

• The tetrapolar electrode was successfully developed and validated.
• The electrode's operating range was established up to 650 V.
• In a simulated nasal cavity tumor, the electrode generated a 3 mm circular electric field with 14.1 A current at 500 V.

Conclusions:

• The novel tetrapolar single-needle electrode is suitable for electrochemotherapy in bone cavities.
• The electrode's performance aligns with electrochemotherapy standards and existing equipment.
• This innovation offers a potential solution for treating tumors in difficult-to-reach bone locations.