A Method to Delineate Irreversible Electroporation From Thermal Damage Validated Ex Vivo With Real-Time Temperature

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a new non-thermal focal tissue ablation technique that uses low-energy electric pulses to destabilize cell membranes, thus achieving tissue death [1]. The procedure is minimally invasive and is performed through small electrodes inserted into the tissue with pulse delivery of about one minute. The pulses create an electric field that induces an increase in the resting transmembrane potential (TMP) of the cells [1]. Depending on the magnitude of the induced TMP, the electric pulses can have no effect, transiently increase membrane permeability, or cause cell death [1]. Our group has confirmed the safety of the procedure in brain with three experimental dogs [2]. We also treated a canine patient with IRE and radiation therapy for a non-resectable, high-grade glioma, resulting in complete remission of the tumor at four months [3].