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In Vitro Assay Development to Study Pulse Field Ablation Outcome Using Solanum Tuberosum
Akshay Narkar1, Abouzar Kaboudian1, Yasaman Ardeshirpour1
1Center for Devices and Radiological Health, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 29, 2024
Summary
This study refines bench testing for Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) using potato tubers to assess ablation outcomes. It establishes an electroporation threshold, enabling rapid screening of PFA device parameters.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Biotechnology
- Medical Device Testing
Background:
- Electroporation uses electric fields to alter cell permeability, with applications in cancer and cardiac arrhythmia treatments as irreversible electroporation (IRE) or Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA).
- Comprehensive characterization of PFA pulse parameters is crucial for ablation device testing to determine lesion boundaries and efficacy, while minimizing animal burden.
- The potato tuber is a common model for initial electroporation testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and refine bench testing methods for evaluating Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) outcomes in a potato tuber model.
- To investigate the effects of various pulse parameters (voltage, duration, frequency) on 2D ablation area, 3D depth, and volume.
- To measure temperature changes during PFA and supplement experimental data with in silico modeling of electric field distribution.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays were conducted on potato tubers, modulating voltage, duration, and frequency of electric field pulses.
- Measurements included 2D ablation area, 3D depth, volume, and temperature changes before, during, and after ablation.
- In silico modeling was used to analyze electric field distribution, complementing experimental findings.
Main Results:
- The irreversible electroporation threshold in *Solanum Tuberosum* was estimated to be 240 V/cm.
- The study characterized the impact of different pulse parameters on ablation outcomes in the potato model.
- Minimal thermal effects were observed, consistent with PFA's characteristics.
Conclusions:
- A refined bench testing platform using potato tubers allows for rapid, high-throughput screening of PFA pulse parameters.
- This approach facilitates early-stage PFA device development, reducing the need for extensive animal trials.
- The established electroporation threshold provides a critical benchmark for PFA device efficacy assessment.
