Design of an Irreversible Electroporation System for Clinical Use

Irreversible electroporation is an ablation modality in which microseconds, high-voltage electrical pulses are applied to induce cell necrosis in a target tissue. To perform irreversible electroporation it is necessary to use a medical device specifically designed for this use. The design of an irreversible electroporation system is a complex task in which the effective delivery of high energy pulses and the safety of the patient and operator are equally important. Pulses of up to 3000 V of amplitude and 50 A of current need to be generated to irreversibly electroporate a target volume of approximately 50 to 70 cm3 with as many as six separate electrodes; therefore, a traditional approach based on high voltage amplifiers becomes hard to implement. In this paper, we present the process that led to the first irreversible electroporator capable of such performances approved for clinical use. The main design choices and its architecture are outlined. Safety issues are also explained along with the solutions adopted.

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High-Voltage Electrical Pulses in Oncology: Irreversible Electroporation, Electrochemotherapy, Gene Electrotransfer, Electrofusion, and Electroimmunotherapy

Radiology ◽

10.1148/radiol.2020192190 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 295 (2) ◽

pp. 254-272 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Bart Geboers ◽

Hester J. Scheffer ◽

Philip M. Graybill ◽

Alette H. Ruarus ◽

Sanne Nieuwenhuizen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Voltage ◽

Irreversible Electroporation ◽

Gene Electrotransfer ◽

Electrical Pulses

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Fast damaging processes in the TaN thin film absorbers under action of nanosecond electrical pulses

International Journal of Structural Integrity ◽

10.1108/ijsi-09-2015-0031 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. 607-616 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Linas Ardaravičius ◽

Skirmantas Keršulis ◽

Oleg Kiprijanovič ◽

Česlovas Šimkevicius ◽

Bonifacas Vengalis

Keyword(s):

Thin Film ◽

Crack Propagation ◽

High Voltage ◽

Crack Opening ◽

High Voltage Pulse ◽

High Energy ◽

Physical Parameters ◽

Nanosecond Duration ◽

Content Type ◽

Electrical Pulses

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate damaging processes in TaN thin film absorbers under action of high-voltage electrical pulse of nanosecond duration. Despite having mechanical origin of crack opening, estimation based on the readings from oscillograms shows uncharacteristically high velocities of the crack propagation. Design/methodology/approach Microscopic images of damaged absorbers showing the final result of the damaging process provided initial information about its geometrical peculiarities. Then, to clarify the dynamics of the process, the authors create the model of the crack, having elements of self-similarities and multiple stage opening. The influence of heating induced by current concentration at crack tip and of magnetic stress of this concentrated current are both included in the model. Findings Using physical parameters of TaN layers with flowing current and performing calculations the authors define the conditions required to initiate the damaging process and to sustain it. Danger of such damage is relevant for high-Tc superconducting thin films after their switching to normal state which is induced by the high-voltage pulse. Practical implications There were made recommendations to manufactures aiming to improve electrical durability of the absorbers in an effort to prevent the damaging influence of power nanosecond electrical pulses. Originality/value Three stage opening model implies the appearance of zone of high-energy dissipation that can lead to detonation-like destruction of the film and, therefore, explain the high velocities of crack propagation.

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Concept for parallel placement of flexible needles for Irreversible Electroporation

Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering ◽

10.1515/cdbme-2021-2056 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 219-222

Author(s):

Hanbal Arif ◽

Uwe Bernd Liehr ◽

Johann Jakob Wendler ◽

Michael Friebe ◽

Axel Boese

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Electric Fields ◽

High Speed ◽

Irreversible Electroporation ◽

The Body ◽

Target Tissue ◽

Needle Placement ◽

Prostate Cancer Treatment ◽

Electrical Pulses

Abstract Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal tumor ablation treatment applicable for prostate cancer. IRE uses ultra-short but strong electrical pulses to destroy cancer cells nonthermally [1]. Clinically available IRE therapy requires two or more needle electrodes placed around the target tissue to apply the electric fields. A pre-requirement to achieve successful and effective ablation is an accurate and parallel needle placement to cover the tumor zone. Differences in tissue density, organ surface curvature as well as organ and patient motion in combination with long and highly flexible needle electrodes causes’ difficulties to achieve the desired target accuracy during needle placement process. We propose a concept of a shooting mechanism in combination with a grid template support to improve the parallel needle placement process for prostate cancer treatment. Instead of conventionally inserting the needle in the body by hand, it can be placed with high speed using a shooting device setup, that works similar like a biopsy gun.

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A high-voltage aqueous lithium ion capacitor with high energy density from an alkaline–neutral electrolyte

Journal of Materials Chemistry A ◽

10.1039/c8ta11735g ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. 4110-4118 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Chunyang Li ◽

Wenzhuo Wu ◽

Shuaishuai Zhang ◽

Liang He ◽

Yusong Zhu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Density ◽

High Voltage ◽

Lithium Ion ◽

High Energy ◽

High Energy Density ◽

Carbon Anode ◽

Biomass Carbon ◽

Proof Of Concept ◽

Lithium Ion Capacitor ◽

Neutral Electrolyte

A proof-of-concept lithium ion capacitor comprising LiMn2O4 nanorods as the cathode, a nitrogen-rich biomass carbon anode and a stable alkaline–neutral electrolyte was designed and fabricated.

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