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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
High-Throughput Capable Three-Dimensional Tissue Model for Quantification of Electroporation Thresholds
Published on: August 19, 2025
Impact of Voltage on the Production on Spherical Ablations for Integrated Time Nanosecond Pulse Irreversible
Robert H Williamson1, Jordan A Fong2, Jewels Darrow1
1North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Objective:
To study the safety and reproducibility of high-voltage integrated nanosecond pulse irreversible electroporation (INSPIRE) administered through a single applicator and grounding pad approach in a healthy liver model.
Methods:
A percutaneous approach to the liver was made under ultrasound guidance in female pigs weighing between 25 and 35 kg. INSPIRE treatments at 3000 V, 4500 V, and 6000 V using 1000 ns or 2000 ns waveforms, with a 0.02 s dose and a 45°C temperature set point were delivered using an actively cooled single applicator and distal grounding pad. Ablation size, muscle stimulation, and cardiac safety were evaluated.
Results:
All INSPIRE treatments were completed successfully without cardiac synchronization or break-through muscle stimulation. Ablations were visible on ultrasound shortly after treatments were complete. Treatments were completed within approximately 2-8 minutes. The largest ablations, achieved with the 2000 ns waveform at 6000 V, measured 4.4 ± 0.7 cm by 2.9 ± 0.1 cm.
Conclusion:
INSPIRE can be safely used to achieve significantly larger ablations significantly faster than current irreversible electroporation (IRE) technologies using a simplified single-applicator and grounding pad approach.
Significance:
INSPIRE overcomes technical and procedural challenges facing IRE including ablation size limitations, muscle stimulation, the need for cardiac synchronization, long procedure times, and the lack of visualization during procedures.
