Irreversible Electroporation Using the Vasculature of an Organ as Fluid Electrodes

Electroporation is a non-linear biophysical process in which the application of pulsed electric fields leads to an increase in permeability of cells, presumably through the creation of nanoscale pores in the lipid bilayer [1]. At low pulsing energy, this permeability is reversible and cellular health and function is maintained. Once a critical electric field intensity threshold is surpassed the cell membrane is unable to recover and cell death is induced in a precise and controllable manner with sub-millimeter resolution [2]. This process is referred to as irreversible electroporation (IRE). IRE does not rely on thermal mechanisms and preserves the structure of the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as nerve conduits and bile ducts [3].