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Guo F, Zhou W, Luo Z. Numerical simulation of neural excitation during brain tumor ablation by microsecond pulses. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 160:108752. [PMID: 38852384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Replacing monopolar pulse with bipolar pulses of the same energized time can minimize unnecessary neurological side effects during irreversible electroporation (IRE). An improved neural excitation model that considers dynamic conductivity and thermal effects during brain tumor IRE ablation was proposed for the first time in this study. Nerve fiber excitation during IRE ablation by applying a monopolar pulse (100 μs) and a burst of bipolar pulses (energized time of 100 μs with both the sub-pulse length and interphase delay of 1 μs) was investigated. Our results suggest that both thermal effects and dynamic conductivity change the onset time of action potential (AP), and dynamic conductivity also changes the hyperpolarization amplitude. Considering both thermal effects and dynamic conductivity, the hyperpolarization amplitude in nerve fibers located 2 cm from the tumor center was reduced by approximately 23.8 mV and the onset time of AP was delayed by approximately 17.5 μs when a 500 V monopolar pulse was applied. Moreover, bipolar pulses decreased the excitable volume of brain tissue by approximately 68.8 % compared to monopolar pulse. Finally, bipolar pulses cause local excitation with lesser damage to surrounding healthy tissue in complete tumor ablation, demonstrating the potential benefits of bipolar pulses in brain tissue ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Guo
- Institute of Ecological Safety, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China.
| | - Weina Zhou
- Institute of Ecological Safety, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Zhijun Luo
- Institute of Ecological Safety, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China
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Wang Z, Liang M, Sun J, Zhang J, Han Y. A New Hope for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: Application of Pulsed-Field Ablation Technology. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:175. [PMID: 38921675 PMCID: PMC11204042 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11060175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the prevalence of and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases have been rising in most countries and regions. AF is the most common arrhythmic condition, and there are several treatment options for AF. Pulmonary vein isolation is an effective treatment for AF and is the cornerstone of current ablation techniques, which have one major limitation: even when diagnosed and treated at a facility that specializes in ablation, patients have a greater chance of recurrence. Therefore, there is a need to develop better ablation techniques for the treatment of AF. This article first compares the current cryoablation (CBA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) techniques for the treatment of AF and discusses the utility and advantages of the development of pulsed-field ablation (PFA) technology. The current research on PFA is summarized from three perspectives, namely, simulation experiments, animal experiments, and clinical studies. The results of different stages of experiments are summarized, especially during animal studies, where pulmonary vein isolation was carried out effectively without causing injury to the phrenic nerve, esophagus, and pulmonary veins, with higher safety and shorter incision times. This paper focuses on a review of various a priori and clinical studies of this new technique for the treatment of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China;
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, China; (M.L.); (J.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ming Liang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, China; (M.L.); (J.S.); (J.Z.)
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jingyang Sun
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, China; (M.L.); (J.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, China; (M.L.); (J.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yaling Han
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, China; (M.L.); (J.S.); (J.Z.)
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Shenyang 110016, China
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Lv Y, Feng Z, Liu X, Zhang J, Yao C. The Enhancement of Tumor Ablation Effect by the Combination of High-Frequency and Low-Voltage Bipolar Electroporation Pulses. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2024; 71:1577-1586. [PMID: 38113160 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2023.3344153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The H-FIRE (high-frequency irreversible electroporation) protocol employs high-frequency bipolar pulses (HFBPs) with a width of ∼1 µs for tumor ablation with slight muscle contraction. However, H-FIRE pulses need a higher electric field to generate a sufficient ablation effect, which may cause undesirable thermal damage. OBJECTIVE Recently, combining short high-voltage IRE monopolar pulses with long low-voltage IRE monopolar pulses was shown to enlarge the ablation region. This finding indicates that combining HFBPs with low-voltage bipolar pulses (LVBPs), which are called composited bipolar pulses (CBPs), may enhance the ablation effect. METHODS This study designed a pulse generator by modifying a full-bridge inverter. The cell suspension and 3D tumor mimic experiments (U251 cells) were performed to examine the enhancement of the ablation effect. RESULTS The generator outputs HFBPs with 0-±2.5 kV and LVBPs with 0-±0.3 kV in one period. The pulse parameters are adjustable by programming on a human-computer interface. The cell suspension experiments showed that CBPs could enhance cytotoxicity, as compared to HFBPs with no cell-killing effect. Even at lower electric energy, the cell viability by CBPs was significantly lower than that of the HFBPs protocol. The ablation experiments on the 3D tumor mimic showed that the CBPs could create a larger connected ablation area. In contrast, the HFBPs protocol with a similar dose generated a nonconnected ablation area. CONCLUSION Results indicate that the CBPs protocol can enhance the ablation effect of HFBPs protocol. SIGNIFICANCE This proposed generator that uses the CBPs principle may be a useful tool for tumor ablation.
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Fesmire CC, Williamson RH, Petrella RA, Kaufman JD, Topasna N, Sano MB. Integrated Time Nanosecond Pulse Irreversible Electroporation (INSPIRE): Assessment of Dose, Temperature, and Voltage on Experimental and Clinical Treatment Outcomes. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2024; 71:1511-1520. [PMID: 38145519 PMCID: PMC11035095 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2023.3340718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to investigate a novel strategy using temperature-controlled delivery of nanosecond pulsed electric fields as an alternative to the 50-100 microsecond pulses used for irreversible electroporation. METHODS INSPIRE treatments were carried out at two temperatures in 3D tumor models using doses between 0.001 s and 0.1 s. The resulting treatment zones were quantified using viability staining and lethal electric field intensities were determined numerically. Computational modeling was then used to determine parameters necessary for INSPIRE treatments to achieve equivalent treatment zones to clinical electroporation treatments and evaluate the potential for these treatments to induce deleterious thermal damage. RESULTS Lethal thresholds between 1109 and 709 V/cm were found for nominal 0.01 s treatments with pulses between 350 ns and 2000 ns at physiological temperatures. Further increases in dose resulted in significant decreases in lethal thresholds. Given these experimental results, treatment zones comparable to clinical electroporation are possible by increasing the dose and voltage used with nanosecond duration pulses. Temperature-controlled simulations indicate minimal thermal cell death while achieving equivalent treatment volumes to clinical electroporation. CONCLUSION Nanosecond electrical pulses can achieve comparable outcomes to traditional electroporation provided sufficient electrical doses or voltages are applied. The use of temperature-controlled delivery may minimize thermal damage during treatment. SIGNIFICANCE Intense muscle stimulation and the need for cardiac gating have limited irreversible electroporation. Nanosecond pulses can alleviate these challenges, but traditionally have produced significantly smaller treatment zones. This study suggests that larger ablation volumes may be possible with the INSPIRE approach and that future in vivo studies are warranted.
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Chen B, Lv C, Cui Y, Lu C, Cai H, Xue Z, Xu X, Su S. A pilot clinical assessment of biphasic asymmetric pulsed field ablation catheter for pulmonary vein isolation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1266195. [PMID: 38385135 PMCID: PMC10879394 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1266195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a new treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), and its selective ablation characteristics give it a significant advantage in treatment. In previous cellular and animal experiments, we have demonstrated that biphasic asymmetric pulses can be used to ablate myocardial tissue. However, small-scale clinical trials are needed to test whether this approach is safe and feasible before extensive clinical trials can be performed. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment is to determine the safety and feasibility of biphasic asymmetric pulses in patients with AF and is to lay the foundation for a larger clinical trial. Ablation was performed in 10 patients with AF using biphasic asymmetric pulses. Voltage mapping was performed before and after PFA operation to help us detect the change in the electrical voltage of the pulmonary veins (PV). 3-Dimensional mapping system showed continuous low potential in the ablation site, and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was achieved in all four PV of the patients. There were no recurrences, PV stenosis, or other serious adverse events during the 12 months follow-up. The results suggest that PFA using biphasic asymmetric waveforms for patients with AF is safe, durable, and effective and that a larger clinical trial could begin. Clinical Trial Registration https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier, ChiCTR2100051894.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingwei Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chang Lv
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingjian Cui
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chengzhi Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Heng Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhixiao Xue
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyu Xu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Siying Su
- Department of Research and Development, Tianjin Intelligent Health Medical Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
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Dunne E, Baena-Montes JM, Donaghey K, Clarke C, Kraśny MJ, Amin B, O’Halloran T, Quinlan LR, Elahi A, O’Halloran M. A Predictive and an Optimization Mathematical Model for Device Design in Cardiac Pulsed Field Ablation Using Design of Experiments. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:423. [PMID: 37887870 PMCID: PMC10607717 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10100423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac catheter ablation (CCA) is a common method used to correct cardiac arrhythmia. Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is a recently-adapted CCA technology whose ablation is dependent on electrode and waveform parameters (factors). In this work, the use of the Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology is investigated for the design and optimization of a PFA device. The effects of the four factors (input voltage, electrode spacing, electrode width, and on-time) and their interactions are analyzed. An empirical model is formed to predict and optimize the ablation size responses. Based on the ranges tested, the significant factors were the input voltage, the electrode spacing, and the on time, which is in line with the literature. Two-factor interactions were found to be significant and need to be considered in the model. The resulting empirical model was found to predict ablation sizes with less than 2.1% error in the measured area and was used for optimization. The findings and the strong predictive model developed highlight that the DoE approach can be used to help determine PFA device design, to optimize for certain ablation zone sizes, and to help inform device design to tackle specific cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoghan Dunne
- Translational Medical Device Lab (TMD Lab), Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Jara M. Baena-Montes
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Kevin Donaghey
- AuriGen Medical, GMIT Innovation Hubs, H91 DCH9 Galway, Ireland
| | - Cormac Clarke
- AuriGen Medical, GMIT Innovation Hubs, H91 DCH9 Galway, Ireland
| | - Marcin J. Kraśny
- Translational Medical Device Lab (TMD Lab), Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Smart Sensors Lab, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Bilal Amin
- Translational Medical Device Lab (TMD Lab), Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Smart Sensors Lab, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Tony O’Halloran
- AuriGen Medical, GMIT Innovation Hubs, H91 DCH9 Galway, Ireland
| | - Leo R. Quinlan
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Adnan Elahi
- Translational Medical Device Lab (TMD Lab), Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Smart Sensors Lab, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin O’Halloran
- Translational Medical Device Lab (TMD Lab), Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
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Fan S, Jia F, Cui Y, Wu D, He L, Zhang F, Xue Z, Xu X, Lu F, Ma W, Su S, Chen Y, Liu Z. Study on the process of cardiomyocyte apoptosis after pulsed field ablation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1112131. [PMID: 37089889 PMCID: PMC10113644 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1112131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe development of pulsed field ablation (PFA) as a new technique for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been advancing rapidly in recent years. My team's previous work has shown the safety and long-term efficacy of bipolar asymmetric pulses in animal experiments. However, in ongoing clinical trials, we have observed that atrial fibrillation (AF) recurs in some patients after surgery, but the rhythm returns to normal without surgical intervention after seven days, and there is no recurrence in the follow-up.Based on this observation, we have proposed the hypothesis that myocardial cell apoptosis may play a role in AF recurrence after PFA. Our team has designed animal experiments to verify this hypothesis and further investigate the process of PFA-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.MethodsPulse field ablation was performed on 15 dogs and the animals were dissected at various time points after the operation (immediately, 3 days, 7 days, 30 days, and 150 days). To obtain ablation voltage maps, electroanatomic mapping was performed before and after ablation and before dissection. The ablation area was also subjected to HE and TUNEL staining to analyze apoptosis and pathological results.ResultsThe edge area of the ablation in the pulmonary vein (PV) demonstrated continuous dynamic changes from 0 to 2 h after the operation and a slight expansion of the ablation range was observed in the long-term follow-up. Myocardial intima hyperplasia was observed from 0 to 7 days. Local apoptosis was detected from 0 to 2 h and massive, concentrated apoptosis was observed at 3 days. No recurrence of apoptosis was seen at 7 days, 30 days, and 150 days.ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that after pulse field ablation (PFA), the central ablation area of the canine heart experienced immediate cardiomyocyte death. Meanwhile, cardiomyocytes in the edge ablation area underwent apoptosis, which began from 0 to 2 h post-operation and ended between 3 and 7 days. This process occurred simultaneously with intimal thickening.In the long-term follow-up group, there was no recovery of isolation and no recurrence of cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and no change was observed in the endomyocardial intima.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobo Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fenglin Jia
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingjian Cui
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dongyan Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Le He
- Department of Cardiology, Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhixiao Xue
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Correspondence: Zhixiao Xue Xinyu Xu Fengmin Lu Wei Ma
| | - Xinyu Xu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Correspondence: Zhixiao Xue Xinyu Xu Fengmin Lu Wei Ma
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Correspondence: Zhixiao Xue Xinyu Xu Fengmin Lu Wei Ma
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Correspondence: Zhixiao Xue Xinyu Xu Fengmin Lu Wei Ma
| | - Siying Su
- Department of Research and Development, Tianjin Intelligent Health Medical Co., Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanpeng Chen
- Department of Research and Development, Tianjin Intelligent Health Medical Co., Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenxu Liu
- Department of Research and Development, Tianjin Intelligent Health Medical Co., Ltd, Tianjin, China
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Irreversible Electroporation in Pancreatic Cancer-An Evolving Experimental and Clinical Method. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054381. [PMID: 36901812 PMCID: PMC10002122 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has no symptoms until the disease has advanced and is aggressive cancer with early metastasis. Up to now, the only curative treatment is surgical resection, which is possible in the early stages of the disease. Irreversible electroporation treatment offers new hope for patients with unresectable tumors. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a type of ablation therapy that has been explored as a potential treatment for pancreatic cancer. Ablation therapies involve the use of energy to destroy or damage cancer cells. IRE involves using high-voltage, low-energy electrical pulses to create resealing in the cell membrane, causing the cell to die. This review summarizes experiential and clinical findings in terms of the IRE applications. As was described, IRE can be a non-pharmacological approach (electroporation) or combined with anticancer drugs or standard treatment methods. The efficacy of irreversible electroporation (IRE) in eliminating pancreatic cancer cells has been demonstrated through both in vitro and in vivo studies, and it has been shown to induce an immune response. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to assess its effectiveness in human subjects and to comprehensively understand IRE's potential as a treatment option for pancreatic cancer.
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Lv Y, Liu H, Feng Z, Zhang J, Chen G, Yao C. The Enlargement of Ablation Area by Electrolytic Irreversible Electroporation (E-IRE) Using Pulsed Field with Bias DC Field. Ann Biomed Eng 2022; 50:1964-1973. [PMID: 35852648 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-03017-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) by high-strength electric pulses is a biomedical technique that has been effectively used for minimally invasive tumor therapy while maintaining the functionality of adjacent important tissues, such as blood vessels and nerves. In general, pulse delivery using needle electrodes can create a reversible electroporation region beyond both the ablation area and the vicinity of the needle electrodes, limiting enlargement of the ablation area. Electrochemical therapy (EChT) can also be used to ablate a tumor near electrodes by electrolysis using a direct field with a constant current or voltage (DC field). Recently, reversible electroporated cells have been shown to be susceptible to electrolysis at relatively low doses. Reversible electroporation can also be combined with electrolysis for tissue ablation. Therefore, the objective of this study is to use electrolysis to remove the reversible electroporation area and thereby enlarge the ablation area in potato slices in vitro using a pulsed field with a bias DC field (constant voltage). We call this protocol electrolytic irreversible electroporation (E-IRE). The area over which the electrolytic effect induced a pH change was also measured. The results show that decreasing the pulse frequency using IRE alone is found to enlarge the ablation area. The ablation area generated by E-IRE is significantly larger than that generated by using IRE or EChT alone. The ablation area generated by E-IRE at 1 Hz is 109.5% larger than that generated by IRE, showing that the reversible electroporation region is transformed into an ablation region by electrolysis. The area with a pH change produced by E-IRE is larger than that produced by EChT alone. Decreasing the pulse frequency in the E-IRE protocol can further enlarge the ablation area. The results of this study are a preliminary indication that the E-IRE protocol can effectively enlarge the ablation area and enhance the efficacy of traditional IRE for use in ablating large tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanpeng Lv
- School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Heqing Liu
- School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zhikui Feng
- School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Genyong Chen
- School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chenguo Yao
- School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
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A computational comparison of radiofrequency and pulsed field ablation in terms of lesion morphology in the cardiac chamber. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16144. [PMID: 36167959 PMCID: PMC9515184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) has been developed over the last years as a novel electrical ablation technique for treating cardiac arrhythmias. It is based on irreversible electroporation which is a non-thermal phenomenon innocuous to the extracellular matrix and, because of that, PFA is considered to be safer than the reference technique, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). However, possible differences in lesion morphology between both techniques have been poorly studied. Simulations including electric, thermal and fluid physics were performed in a simplified model of the cardiac chamber which, in essence, consisted of a slab of myocardium with blood in motion on the top. Monopolar and bipolar catheter configurations were studied. Different blood velocities and catheter orientations were assayed. RFA was simulated assuming a conventional temperature-controlled approach. The PFA treatment was assumed to consist in a sequence of 20 biphasic bursts (100 µs duration). Simulations indicate that, for equivalent lesion depths, PFA lesions are wider, larger and more symmetrical than RFA lesions for both catheter configurations. RFA lesions display a great dependence on blood velocity while PFA lesions dependence is negligible on it. For the monopolar configuration, catheter angle with respect to the cardiac surface impacted both ablation techniques but in opposite sense. The orientation of the catheter with respect to blood flow direction only affected RFA lesions. In this study, substantial morphological differences between RFA and PFA lesions were predicted numerically. Negligible dependence of PFA on blood flow velocity and direction is a potential important advantage of this technique over RFA.
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Novickij V, Rembiałkowska N, Szlasa W, Kulbacka J. Does the shape of the electric pulse matter in electroporation? Front Oncol 2022; 12:958128. [PMID: 36185267 PMCID: PMC9518825 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.958128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electric pulses are widely used in biology, medicine, industry, and food processing. Numerous studies indicate that electroporation (EP) is a pulse-dependent process, and the electric pulse shape and duration strongly determine permeabilization efficacy. EP protocols are precisely planned in terms of the size and charge of the molecules, which will be delivered to the cell. In reversible and irreversible EP applications, rectangular or sine, polar or bipolar pulses are commonly used. The usage of pulses of the asymmetric shape is still limited to high voltage and low voltage (HV/LV) sequences in the context of gene delivery, while EP-based applications of ultra-short asymmetric pulses are just starting to emerge. This review emphasizes the importance and role of the pulse shape for membrane permeabilization by EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Vilnius TECH), Vilnius, Lithuania
- *Correspondence: Vitalij Novickij, ; Julita Kulbacka,
| | - Nina Rembiałkowska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Vitalij Novickij, ; Julita Kulbacka,
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Aycock KN, Campelo SN, Salameh ZS, Vadlamani RA, Lorenzo MF, Davalos RV. Extended interpulse delays improve therapeutic efficacy of microsecond-duration pulsed electric fields. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2022; 2022:5021-5024. [PMID: 36086570 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Irreversible electroporation (IRE), or pulsed field ablation, employs microsecond-duration pulsed electric fields to generate targeted cellular damage without injury to the underlying tissue architecture. Biphasic, burst-type waveforms (termed high-frequency IRE, or H-FIRE) have garnered attention for their ability to elicit clinically relevant ablation volumes while reducing several undesirable side effects (muscle contractions/electrochemical effects) seen with monophasic pulses. Pulse width is generally the main (or only) parameter considered during burst construction, with little attention given to the delays within the burst. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that H-FIRE waveforms could be further optimized by manipulating only the interpulse delay between biphasic pulses within each burst. Using benchtop, ex vivo, and in vivo models, we demonstrate that extended interpulse delays (i.e., ~100 μs) reduce the severity of induced muscle contractions, alleviate mechanical tissue destruction, and minimize the chances of electrical arcing. Clinical Relevance- This proof-of-concept study shows that H-FIRE waveforms with extended interpulse delays provide several therapeutic benefits over conventional waveforms.
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Sugrue A, Maor E, Del-Carpio Munoz F, Killu AM, Asirvatham SJ. Cardiac ablation with pulsed electric fields: principles and biophysics. Europace 2022; 24:1213-1222. [PMID: 35426908 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulsed electric fields (PEFs) have emerged as an ideal cardiac ablation modality. At present numerous clinical trials in humans are exploring PEF as an ablation strategy for both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, with early data showing significant promise. As this is a relatively new technology there is limited understanding of its principles and biophysics. Importantly, PEF biophysics and principles are starkly different to current energy modalities (radiofrequency and cryoballoon). Given the relatively novel nature of PEFs, this review aims to provide an understanding of the principles and biophysics of PEF ablation. The goal is to enhance academic research and ultimately enable optimization of ablation parameters to maximize procedure success and minimize risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Sugrue
- Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elad Maor
- Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Freddy Del-Carpio Munoz
- Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ammar M Killu
- Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Samuel J Asirvatham
- Division of Heart Rhythm Services, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Di Monaco A, Vitulano N, Troisi F, Quadrini F, Romanazzi I, Calvi V, Grimaldi M. Pulsed Field Ablation to Treat Atrial Fibrillation: A Review of the Literature. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9040094. [PMID: 35448070 PMCID: PMC9030965 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9040094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and catheter ablation, which can be used in symptomatic patients refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains the cornerstone of any ablation procedure. A major limitation of current catheter ablation procedures is important to recognize because even when the PVI is performed in highly experienced centers, PVI reconnection was documented in about 20% of patients. Therefore, better technology is needed to improve ablation lesions. One of the novelties in recent years is pulsed filed ablation (PFA), a non-thermal energy that uses trains of high-voltage, very-short-duration pulses to kill the cells. The mechanism of action of this energy consists of creating pores in the myocardiocyte cell membrane in a highly selective and tissue-specific way; this leads to death of the target cells reducing the risk of damage to surrounding non-cardiac tissues. In particular during the animal studies, PVI and atrial lines were performed effectively without PV stenosis. Using PFA directly on coronary arteries, there was no luminal narrowing, there has been no evidence of incidental phrenic nerve injury, and finally, PFA has been shown not to injure esophageal tissue when directly applied to the esophagus or indirectly through ablation in the left atrium. The aim of this review is to report all published animal and clinical studies regarding this new technology to treat paroxysmal and persistent AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Di Monaco
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-33-9735-1594
| | - Nicola Vitulano
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
| | - Federica Troisi
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
| | - Federico Quadrini
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
| | - Imma Romanazzi
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—Azienda O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—San Marco, 95125 Catania, Italy; (I.R.); (V.C.)
| | - Valeria Calvi
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—Azienda O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—San Marco, 95125 Catania, Italy; (I.R.); (V.C.)
| | - Massimo Grimaldi
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
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15
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Bi S, Jia F, Lv C, He Q, Xu X, Xue Z, Su S. Preclinical Study of Biphasic Asymmetric Pulsed Field Ablation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:859480. [PMID: 35402543 PMCID: PMC8987372 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.859480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel method of pulmonary venous isolation in atrial fibrillation ablation and is featured by tissue-selective ablation. Isolation is achieved via the application of high-voltage microsecond pulses that create irreversible perforations in cell membranes (i.e., electroporation). We proposed a new biphasic asymmetric pulse mode and verified the lesion persistence and safety of this mode for pulmonary vein ostia ablation in preclinical studies. We found that biphasic asymmetric pulses can effectively reduce muscle contractions and drop ablation threshold. In the electroanatomic mapping, the ablation site showed a continuous low potential area, and the atrium was not captured after 30 days of pacing. Pathological staining showed that cardiomyocytes in the ablation area were replaced by fibroblasts and there was no damage outside the ablation zone. Our results show that pulmonary venous isolation using the biphasic asymmetric discharge mode is safe, durable, effective, and causes no damage to other tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyu Bi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fenglin Jia
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chang Lv
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyu Xu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Xinyu Xu
| | - Zhixiao Xue
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Zhixiao Xue
| | - Siying Su
- Tianjin Intelligent Health Medical Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
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16
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Four Channel 6.5 kV, 65 A, 100 ns–100 µs Generator with Advanced Control of Pulse and Burst Protocols for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app112411782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pulsed electric fields in the sub-microsecond range are being increasingly used in biomedical and biotechnology applications, where the demand for high-voltage and high-frequency pulse generators with enhanced performance and pulse flexibility is pushing the limits of pulse power solid state technology. In the scope of this article, a new pulsed generator, which includes four independent MOSFET based Marx modulators, operating individually or combined, controlled from a computer user interface, is described. The generator is capable of applying different pulse shapes, from unipolar to bipolar pulses into biological loads, in symmetric and asymmetric modes, with voltages up to 6.5 kV and currents up to 65 A, in pulse widths from 100 ns to 100 µs, including short-circuit protection, current and voltage monitoring. This new scientific tool can open new research possibility due to the flexibility it provides in pulse generation, particularly in adjusting pulse width, polarity, and amplitude from pulse-to-pulse. It also permits operating in burst mode up to 5 MHz in four independent channels, for example in the application of synchronized asymmetric bipolar pulses, which is shown together with other characteristics of the generator.
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17
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Li J, Wang J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Gao H, Xiao Y. Cardiac impact of high-frequency irreversible electroporation using an asymmetrical waveform on liver in vivo. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2021; 21:581. [PMID: 34876030 PMCID: PMC8650563 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-021-02412-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation (H-FIRE) is a novel technology for non-thermal ablation. Different from Irreversible electroporation (IRE), H-FIRE delivers bipolar electrical pulses without muscle contraction and does not cause electrolysis. Currently, little is known regarding the cardiac safety during the administration of H-FIRE on liver. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) and biomarkers of cardiac damage during asymmetrical waveform of H-FIRE therapy in vivo. Methods The swines (n = 7) in IRE group, which used 100 pulses (2200 V, 100–100 μs configuration), were administrated with muscle relaxant under anesthesia. In the absence of muscle relaxant, 7 swines in H-FIRE group were performed with 2400 pulses (3000 V, 5–3–3–5 μs configuration). Midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) and xylazine hydrochloride (20 mg/kg) were given to induce sedation, followed by Isoflurane (2.5%, 100% oxygen, 3 L/min) to maintain sedation in all the swines. Limb lead ECG recordings were analyzed by two electrophysiologists to judge the arrhythmia. Cardiac and liver tissue was examined by pathology technique. Results The ablation zones were larger in H-FIRE than IRE. Both IRE and H-FIRE did not affect the autonomous cardiac rhythm. Even when the electrical signal of IRE and H-FIRE fell on ventricular vulnerable period. Moreover, cTnI in IRE group showed an increase in 4 h after ablation, and decreased to baseline 72 h after ablation. However, cTnI showed no significant change during the administration of H-FIRE. Conclusions The study suggests an asymmetrical waveform for H-FIRE is a promising measure for liver ablation. The results were based on normal liver and the swines without potential cardiac diseases. With the limitations of these facts, asymmetrical waveform for H-FIRE of liver tissue seems relatively safe without major cardiac complications. The safety of asymmetrical waveform for H-FIRE needs to evaluate in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of MRI, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of Chinese Peoples Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, 300162, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, China.
| | - Yueyong Xiao
- Department of Radiology, The First Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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18
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Fang Z, Chen L, Moser MAJ, Zhang W, Qin Z, Zhang B. Electroporation-Based Therapy for Brain Tumors: A Review. J Biomech Eng 2021; 143:100802. [PMID: 33991087 DOI: 10.1115/1.4051184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Electroporation-based therapy (EBT), as a high-voltage-pulse technology has been prevalent with favorable clinical outcomes in the treatment of various solid tumors. This review paper aims to promote the clinical translation of EBT for brain tumors. First, we briefly introduced the mechanism of pore formation in a cell membrane activated by external electric fields using a single cell model. Then, we summarized and discussed the current in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, in terms of (1) the safety and effectiveness of EBT for brain tumors in animal models, and (2) the blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption induced by EBT. Two therapeutic effects could be achieved in EBT for brain tumors simultaneously, i.e., the tumor ablation induced by irreversible electroporation (IRE) and transient BBB disruption induced by reversible electroporation (RE). The BBB disruption could potentially improve the uptake of antitumor drugs thereby enhancing brain tumor treatment. The challenges that hinder the application of EBT in the treatment of human brain tumors are discussed in the review paper as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fang
- Energy-Based Tumor Ablation Laboratory, School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Lingchao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Michael A J Moser
- Department of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Zhiyong Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Energy-Based Tumor Ablation Laboratory, School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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19
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Verma A, Asivatham SJ, Deneke T, Castellvi Q, Neal RE. Primer on Pulsed Electrical Field Ablation: Understanding the Benefits and Limitations. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2021; 14:e010086. [PMID: 34538095 DOI: 10.1161/circep.121.010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pulsed electrical field (PEF) energy is a promising technique for catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. In this article, the key aspects that need to be considered for safe and effective PEF delivery are reviewed, and their impact on clinical feasibility is discussed. The most important benefit of PEF appears to be the ability to kill cells through mechanisms that do not alter stromal proteins, sparing sensitive structures to improve safety, without sacrificing cardiomyocyte ablation efficacy. Many parameters affect PEF treatment outcomes, including pulse intensity, waveform shape, and number of pulses, as well as electrode configuration and geometry. These physical and electrical characteristics must be titrated carefully to balance target tissue effects with collateral implications (muscle contraction, temperature rise, risk of electrical arcing events). It is important to note that any combination of parameters affecting PEF needs to be tested for clinical efficacy and safety. Applying PEF clinically requires knowledge of the fundamentals of this technology to exploit its opportunities and generate viable, durable health improvements for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Verma
- Division of Cardiology, Southlake Regional Health Center, University of Toronto, Newmarket, Canada (A.V.)
| | - Samuel J Asivatham
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (S.J.A.)
| | - Thomas Deneke
- Division of Cardiology, Rhon-Klinikum Campus Bad Neustadt, Bad Neustadt, Germany (T.D.)
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20
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Jenkins EPW, Finch A, Gerigk M, Triantis IF, Watts C, Malliaras GG. Electrotherapies for Glioblastoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100978. [PMID: 34292672 PMCID: PMC8456216 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Non-thermal, intermediate frequency (100-500 kHz) electrotherapies present a unique therapeutic strategy to treat malignant neoplasms. Here, pulsed electric fields (PEFs) which induce reversible or irreversible electroporation (IRE) and tumour-treating fields (TTFs) are reviewed highlighting the foundations, advances, and considerations of each method when applied to glioblastoma (GBM). Several biological aspects of GBM that contribute to treatment complexity (heterogeneity, recurrence, resistance, and blood-brain barrier(BBB)) and electrophysiological traits which are suggested to promote glioma progression are described. Particularly, the biological responses at the cellular and molecular level to specific parameters of the electrical stimuli are discussed offering ways to compare these parameters despite the lack of a universally adopted physical description. Reviewing the literature, a disconnect is found between electrotherapy techniques and how they target the biological complexities of GBM that make treatment difficult in the first place. An attempt is made to bridge the interdisciplinary gap by mapping biological characteristics to different methods of electrotherapy, suggesting important future research topics and directions in both understanding and treating GBM. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper that attempts an in-tandem assessment of the biological effects of different aspects of intermediate frequency electrotherapy methods, thus offering possible strategies toward GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise P. W. Jenkins
- Division of Electrical EngineeringDepartment of EngineeringUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB3 0FAUK
| | - Alina Finch
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic ScienceUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamB15 2TTUK
| | - Magda Gerigk
- Division of Electrical EngineeringDepartment of EngineeringUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB3 0FAUK
| | - Iasonas F. Triantis
- Department of Electrical and Electronic EngineeringCity, University of LondonLondonEC1V 0HBUK
| | - Colin Watts
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic ScienceUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamB15 2TTUK
| | - George G. Malliaras
- Division of Electrical EngineeringDepartment of EngineeringUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB3 0FAUK
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21
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McBride S, Avazzadeh S, Wheatley AM, O’Brien B, Coffey K, Elahi A, O’Halloran M, Quinlan LR. Ablation Modalities for Therapeutic Intervention in Arrhythmia-Related Cardiovascular Disease: Focus on Electroporation. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122657. [PMID: 34208708 PMCID: PMC8235263 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted cellular ablation is being increasingly used in the treatment of arrhythmias and structural heart disease. Catheter-based ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered a safe and effective approach for patients who are medication refractory. Electroporation (EPo) employs electrical energy to disrupt cell membranes which has a minimally thermal effect. The nanopores that arise from EPo can be temporary or permanent. Reversible electroporation is transitory in nature and cell viability is maintained, whereas irreversible electroporation causes permanent pore formation, leading to loss of cellular homeostasis and cell death. Several studies report that EPo displays a degree of specificity in terms of the lethal threshold required to induce cell death in different tissues. However, significantly more research is required to scope the profile of EPo thresholds for specific cell types within complex tissues. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) as an ablative approach appears to overcome the significant negative effects associated with thermal based techniques, particularly collateral damage to surrounding structures. With further fine-tuning of parameters and longer and larger clinical trials, EPo may lead the way of adapting a safer and efficient ablation modality for the treatment of persistent AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna McBride
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (S.M.); (S.A.); (A.M.W.)
| | - Sahar Avazzadeh
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (S.M.); (S.A.); (A.M.W.)
| | - Antony M. Wheatley
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (S.M.); (S.A.); (A.M.W.)
| | - Barry O’Brien
- AtriAN Medical Limited, Unit 204, NUIG Business Innovation Centre, Upper Newcastle, H91 R6W6 Galway, Ireland; (B.O.); (K.C.)
| | - Ken Coffey
- AtriAN Medical Limited, Unit 204, NUIG Business Innovation Centre, Upper Newcastle, H91 R6W6 Galway, Ireland; (B.O.); (K.C.)
| | - Adnan Elahi
- Translational Medical Device Lab (TMDL), Lamb Translational Research Facility, University College Hospital Galway, H91 V4AY Galway, Ireland; (A.E.); (M.O.)
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 HX31 Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin O’Halloran
- Translational Medical Device Lab (TMDL), Lamb Translational Research Facility, University College Hospital Galway, H91 V4AY Galway, Ireland; (A.E.); (M.O.)
| | - Leo R. Quinlan
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, H91 W5P7 Galway, Ireland; (S.M.); (S.A.); (A.M.W.)
- CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, H92 W2TY Galway, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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22
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Aycock KN, Zhao Y, Lorenzo MF, Davalos RV. A Theoretical Argument for Extended Interpulse Delays in Therapeutic High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation Treatments. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2021; 68:1999-2010. [PMID: 33400646 PMCID: PMC8291206 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2021.3049221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
High-frequency irreversible electroporation (H-FIRE) is a tissue ablation modality employing bursts of electrical pulses in a positive phase-interphase delay (d1)-negative phase-interpulse delay (d2) pattern. Despite accumulating evidence suggesting the significance of these delays, their effects on therapeutic outcomes from clinically-relevant H-FIRE waveforms have not been studied extensively. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether modifications to the delays within H-FIRE bursts could yield a more desirable clinical outcome in terms of ablation volume versus extent of tissue excitation. METHODS We used a modified spatially extended nonlinear node (SENN) nerve fiber model to evaluate excitation thresholds for H-FIRE bursts with varying delays. We then calculated non-thermal tissue ablation, thermal damage, and excitation in a clinically relevant numerical model. RESULTS Excitation thresholds were maximized by shortening d1, and extension of d2 up to 1,000 μs increased excitation thresholds by at least 60% versus symmetric bursts. In the ablation model, long interpulse delays lowered the effective frequency of burst waveforms, modulating field redistribution and reducing heat production. Finally, we demonstrate mathematically that variable delays allow for increased voltages and larger ablations with similar extents of excitation as symmetric waveforms. CONCLUSION Interphase and interpulse delays play a significant role in outcomes resulting from H-FIRE treatment. SIGNIFICANCE Waveforms with short interphase delays (d1) and extended interpulse delays (d2) may improve therapeutic efficacy of H-FIRE as it emerges as a clinical tissue ablation modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth N. Aycock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Yajun Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Melvin F. Lorenzo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Rafael V. Davalos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
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23
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OpenEP: an open-source simulator for electroporation-based tumor treatments. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1423. [PMID: 33446750 PMCID: PMC7809294 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation (EP), the increase of cell membrane permeability due to the application of electric pulses, is a universal phenomenon with a broad range of applications. In medicine, some of the foremost EP-based tumor treatments are electrochemotherapy (ECT), irreversible electroporation, and gene electrotransfer (GET). The electroporation phenomenon is explained as the formation of cell membrane pores when a transmembrane cell voltage reaches a threshold value. Predicting the outcome of an EP-based tumor treatment consists of finding the electric field distribution with an electric threshold value covering the tumor (electroporated tissue). Threshold and electroporated tissue are also a function of the number of pulses, constituting a complex phenomenon requiring mathematical modeling. We present OpenEP, an open-source specific purpose simulator for EP-based tumor treatments, modeling among other variables, threshold, and electroporated tissue variations in time. Distributed under a free/libre user license, OpenEP allows the customization of tissue type; electrode geometry and material; pulse type, intensity, length, and frequency. OpenEP facilitates the prediction of an optimal EP-based protocol, such as ECT or GET, defined as the critical pulse dosage yielding maximum electroporated tissue with minimal damage. OpenEP displays a highly efficient shared memory implementation by taking advantage of parallel resources; this permits a rapid prediction of optimal EP-based treatment efficiency by pulse number tuning.
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24
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Lv Y, Tang X, Peng W, Cheng X, Chen S, Yao C. Analysis on reversible/irreversible electroporation region in lung adenocarcinoma cell model in vitro with electric pulses delivered by needle electrodes. Phys Med Biol 2020; 65:225001. [PMID: 33053520 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/abc12e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a minimally invasive tumor therapy using pulsed electric field with high intensity while the important tissues such as blood vessel, bile duct, and nerve are preserved. In addition to ablation area, reversible electroporation (RE) region is also generated using needle electrodes for pulse delivery. The goal of this work is to study the generation of RE region and ablation region on a 2D lung adenocarcinoma cell model in vitro. The tumor model is exposed to electric pulses with various number. The calcium AM and propidium iodide (PI) are examined to detect the ablation area and electroporation area, respectively. The results show that electroporation area firstly tends to plateau after approximately 50 pulses, while the ablation area continues to increase. The percentage of IRE area in total electroporation area increases with additional pulses, which means that RE region could be gradually turned into ablation area with increased pulse number. However, the percentage of IRE area only achieves to 54% for 200 pulses, which indicates that RE region still cannot be completely removed. RE and IRE thresholds appear to converge as the number of pulses increases. An equation between pulse number and the electric field threshold of ablation including the electric field threshold of RE is also provided for lung adenocarcinoma cell ablation. This work may have the value for the optimization of IRE protocols on tumor ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanpeng Lv
- School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, People's Republic of China. Author to whom any correspondance should be addressed
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25
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Petrella RA, Fesmire CC, Kaufman JD, Topasna N, Sano MB. Algorithmically Controlled Electroporation: A Technique for Closed Loop Temperature Regulated Pulsed Electric Field Cancer Ablation. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2020; 67:2176-2186. [PMID: 32673194 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2019.2956537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of a closed-loop temperature based feedback algorithm on ablative outcomes for pulsed electric field treatments. METHODS A 3D tumor model of glioblastoma was used to assess the impact of 2 μs duration bipolar waveforms on viability following exposure to open and closed-loop protocols. Closed-loop treatments evaluated transient temperature increases of 5, 10, 15, or 22 °C above baseline. RESULTS The temperature controlled ablation diameters were conditionally different than the open-loop treatments and closed-loop treatments generally produced smaller ablations. Closed-loop control enabled the investigation of treatments with steady state 42 °C hyperthermic conditions which were not feasible without active feedback. Baseline closed-loop treatments at 20 °C resulted in ablations measuring 9.9 ± 0.3 mm in diameter while 37 °C treatments were 20% larger (p < 0.0001) measuring 11.8 ± 0.3 mm indicating that this protocol induces a thermally mediated biological response. CONCLUSION A closed-loop control algorithm which modulated the delay between successive pulse waveforms to achieve stable target temperatures was demonstrated. Algorithmic control enabled the evaluation of specific treatment parameters at physiological temperatures not possible with open-loop systems due to excessive Joule heating. SIGNIFICANCE Irreversible electroporation is generally considered to be a non-thermal ablation modality and temperature monitoring is not part of the standard clinical practice. The results of this study indicate ablative outcomes due to exposure to pulses on the order of one microsecond may be thermally mediated and dependent on local tissue temperatures. The results of this study set the foundation for experiments in vivo utilizing temperature control algorithms.
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Novickij V, Balevičiūtė A, Ruzgys P, Šatkauskas S, Novickij J, Zinkevičienė A, Girkontaitė I. Sub-microsecond electrotransfection using new modality of high frequency electroporation. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 136:107594. [PMID: 32679337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Micro-millisecond range electric field pulses have been used for decades to facilitate DNA transfer into cells and tissues, while the growing number of clinical trials underline the strong potential of DNA electroporation. In this work, we present new sub-microsecond range protocols and methodology enabling successful electrotransfection in the sub-microsecond range. To facilitate DNA transfer, a 3 kV/60 A and high frequency (1 MHz) sub-microsecond range square wave generator was applied in the study. As a model, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells were used. Sub-microsecond range (300-700 ns) high frequency pulsed electric fields of 2-15 kV/cm were applied. The efficiency of electrotransfection was evaluated using two green fluorescent protein encoding plasmids of different size (3.5 kbp and 4.7 kbp). It was shown that transfection efficiency cannot be effectively improved with increase of the number of pulses after a certain threshold, however, independently on the plasmid size, the proposed sub-microsecond range pulsing methodology (2-5 kV/cm; n = 250) efficiency-wise was equivalent to 1.5 kV/cm × 100 μs × 4 electroporation procedure. The results of the study are useful for further development of in vitro and in vivo methods for effective electrotransfer of DNA using shorter pulses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Austėja Balevičiūtė
- State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Paulius Ruzgys
- Biophysical Research Group, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Šatkauskas
- Biophysical Research Group, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jurij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Auksė Zinkevičienė
- State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Irutė Girkontaitė
- State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Department of Immunology, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Temperature Dependence of High Frequency Irreversible Electroporation Evaluated in a 3D Tumor Model. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 48:2233-2246. [PMID: 32409902 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-019-02423-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Electroporation is a bioelectric phenomenon used to deliver target molecules into cells in vitro and irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging cancer therapy used to treat inoperable tumors in situ. These phenomena are generally considered to be non-thermal in nature. In this study, a 3D tumor model was used to investigate the correlation between temperature and the effectiveness of standard clinical IRE and high frequency (H-FIRE) protocols. It was found for human glioblastoma cells that in the range of 2 to 37 °C the H-FIRE lethal electric field threshold value, which describes the minimum electric field to cause cell death, is highly dependent on temperature. Increasing the initial temperature from 2 to 37 °C resulted in a significant decrease in lethal electric field threshold from 1168 to 507 V/cm and a 139% increase in ablation size for H-FIRE burst treatments. Standard clinical protocol IRE treatments resulted in a decrease in lethal threshold from 485 to 453 V/cm and a 7% increase in ablation size over the same temperature range. Similar results were found for pancreatic cancer cells which indicate that tissue temperature may be a significant factor affecting H-FIRE ablation size and treatment planning in vivo while lower temperatures may be useful in maintaining cell viability for transfection applications.
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Miklavcic D, Novickij V, Kranjc M, Polajzer T, Haberl Meglic S, Batista Napotnik T, Romih R, Lisjak D. Contactless electroporation induced by high intensity pulsed electromagnetic fields via distributed nanoelectrodes. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 132:107440. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2019.107440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Murauskas A, Staigvila G, Girkontaitė I, Zinkevičienė A, Ruzgys P, Šatkauskas S, Novickij J, Novickij V. Predicting electrotransfer in ultra-high frequency sub-microsecond square wave electric fields. Electromagn Biol Med 2019; 39:1-8. [PMID: 31884821 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2019.1710529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Measurement of cell transmembrane potential (TMP) is a complex methodology involving patch-clamp methods or fluorescence-based potentiometric markers, which have limited to no applicability during ultrafast charging and relaxation phenomena. In such a case, analytical methods are applied for evaluation of the voltage potential changes in biological cells. In this work, the TMP-based electrotransfer mechanism during ultra-high frequency (≥1 MHz) electric fields is studied and the phenomenon of rapid membrane charge accumulation, which is non-occurrent during conventional low-frequency electroporation is simulated using finite element method (FEM). The influence of extracellular medium conductivity (0.1, 1.5 S/m) and pulse rise/fall times (10-50 ns) TMP generation are presented. It is shown that the medium conductivity has a dramatic influence on the electroporation process in the high-frequency range of applied pulsed electric fields (PEF). The applied model allowed to grasp the differences in polarization between 100 and 900 ns PEF and enabled successful prediction of the experimental outcome of propidium iodide electrotransfer into CHO-K1 cells and the conductivity-dependent patterns of MHz range PEF-triggered electroporation were determined. The results of this study form recommendations for development and pre-evaluation of future PEF protocols and generators based on ultra-high frequency electroporation for anticancer and gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arūnas Murauskas
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gediminas Staigvila
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Irutė Girkontaitė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Auksė Zinkevičienė
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Paulius Ruzgys
- Biophysics Group, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Jurij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Lv Y, Yao C, Rubinsky B. A 2-D Cell Layer Study on Synergistic Combinations of High-Voltage and Low-Voltage Irreversible Electroporation Pulses. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2019; 67:957-965. [PMID: 31265380 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2019.2925774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) employs brief, high-electric field pulses to ablate tumors while preserving the extracellular matrix. Recently, we showed that combining short high-voltage (SHV) IRE pulses and long low-voltage (LLV) IRE pulses can enlarge the tissue ablation region, presumably through a synergistic effect. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to further investigate the effect of this combination on a 2-D cell layer tumor model. METHODS 2-D layers of tumor cells are exposed to various SHV and LLV combinations, and the results of propidium iodide (PI) and fluorescein diacetate staining are examined to correlate treatment protocols with the ensuing irreversible and reversible electroporation areas. RESULTS The combination of SHV+LLV pulses produces a larger area of electroporation and ablation than LLV+SHV pulses, LLV pulses alone, and SHV pulses alone. CONCLUSION Judiciously combining SHV and LLV pulses can produce a synergistic effect that enlarges the electroporation-induced ablation area. A hypothetical explanation for this effect is that it involves a combination of pore expansion and electrolysis induced by LLV pulses in the area that had been reversibly permeabilized by the SHV pulses. SIGNIFICANCE This paper is valuable for the design of improved IRE protocols and provides a hypothesis for the mechanisms involved.
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Pulsed electric fields for cardiac ablation and beyond: A state-of-the-art review. Heart Rhythm 2019; 16:1112-1120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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The use of high-frequency short bipolar pulses in cisplatin electrochemotherapy in vitro. Radiol Oncol 2019; 53:194-205. [PMID: 31194692 PMCID: PMC6572501 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2019-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In electrochemotherapy (ECT), chemotherapeutics are first administered, followed by short 100 μs monopolar pulses. However, these pulses cause pain and muscle contractions. It is thus necessary to administer muscle relaxants, general anesthesia and synchronize pulses with the heart rhythm of the patient, which makes the treatment more complex. It was suggested in ablation with irreversible electroporation, that bursts of short high-frequency bipolar pulses could alleviate these problems. Therefore, we designed our study to verify if it is possible to use high-frequency bipolar pulses (HF-EP pulses) in electrochemotherapy. Materials and methods We performed in vitro experiments on mouse skin melanoma (B16-F1) cells by adding 1–330 μM cisplatin and delivering either (a) eight 100 μs long monopolar pulses, 0.4–1.2 kV/cm, 1 Hz (ECT pulses) or (b) eight bursts at 1 Hz, consisting of 50 bipolar pulses. One bipolar pulse consisted of a series of 1 μs long positive and 1 μs long negative pulse (0.5–5 kV/cm) with a 1 μs delay in-between. Results With both types of pulses, the combination of electric pulses and cisplatin was more efficient in killing cells than cisplatin or electric pulses only. However, we needed to apply a higher electric field in HF-EP (3 kV/cm) than in ECT (1.2 kV/cm) to obtain comparable cytotoxicity. Conclusions It is possible to use HF-EP in electrochemotherapy; however, at the expense of applying higher electric fields than in classical ECT. The results obtained, nevertheless, offer an evidence that HF-EP could be used in electrochemotherapy with potentially alleviated muscle contractions and pain.
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Zhang B, Yang Y, Ding L, Moser MAJ, Zhang EM, Zhang W. Tumor Ablation Enhancement by Combining Radiofrequency Ablation and Irreversible Electroporation: An In Vitro 3D Tumor Study. Ann Biomed Eng 2018; 47:694-705. [PMID: 30565007 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-018-02185-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesized and demonstrated for the first time that significant tumor ablation enhancement can be achieved by combining radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and irreversible electroporation (IRE) using a 3D cervical cancer cell model. Three RFA (43, 50, and 60 °C for 2 min) and IRE protocols (350, 700, and 1050 V/cm) were used to study the combining effect in the 3D tumor cell model. The in vitro experiment showed that both RFA enhanced IRE and IRE enhanced RFA can lead to a significant increase in the size of the ablation zone compared to IRE and RFA alone. It was also noted that the sequence of applying ablation energy (RFA → RE or IRE → RFA) affected the efficacy of tumor ablation enhancement. The electrical conductivity of 3D tumor was found to be increased after preliminary RFA or IRE treatment. This increase in tumor conductivity may explain the enhancement of tumor ablation. Another explanation might be that there is repeat injury to the transitional zone of the first treatment by the second one. The promising results achieved in the study can provide us useful clues about the treatment of large tumors abutting large vessels or bile ducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- Tumor Ablation Group, Biomedical Science and Technology Research Center, School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Baoshan, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Yongji Yang
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Lujia Ding
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Michael A J Moser
- Department of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Edwin M Zhang
- Division of Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 1W7, Canada
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Tumor Ablation Group, Biomedical Science and Technology Research Center, School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Baoshan, Shanghai, 200444, China.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A9, Canada
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Sano MB, Fesmire CC, DeWitt MR, Xing L. Burst and continuous high frequency irreversible electroporation protocols evaluated in a 3D tumor model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 63:135022. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aacb62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Sano MB, Fan RE, Cheng K, Saenz Y, Sonn GA, Hwang GL, Xing L. Reduction of Muscle Contractions during Irreversible Electroporation Therapy Using High-Frequency Bursts of Alternating Polarity Pulses: A Laboratory Investigation in an Ex Vivo Swine Model. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2018; 29:893-898.e4. [PMID: 29628296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2017.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the intensity of muscle contractions in irreversible electroporation (IRE) treatments when traditional IRE and high-frequency IRE (H-FIRE) waveforms are used in combination with a single applicator and distal grounding pad (A+GP) configuration. MATERIALS AND METHODS An ex vivo in situ porcine model was used to compare muscle contractions induced by traditional monopolar IRE waveforms vs high-frequency bipolar IRE waveforms. Pulses with voltages between 200 and 5,000 V were investigated, and muscle contractions were recorded by using accelerometers placed on or near the applicators. RESULTS H-FIRE waveforms reduced the intensity of muscle contractions in comparison with traditional monopolar IRE pulses. A high-energy burst of 2-μs alternating-polarity pulses energized for 200 μs at 4,500 V produced less intense muscle contractions than traditional IRE pulses, which were 25-100 μs in duration at 3,000 V. CONCLUSIONS H-FIRE appears to be an effective technique to mitigate the muscle contractions associated with traditional IRE pulses. This may enable the use of voltages greater than 3,000 V necessary for the creation of large ablations in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Sano
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Division of Radiation Physics, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California; University of North Carolina/North Carolina State University Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, 4130 Engineering Building III, Campus Box 7115, Raleigh, NC 27695.
| | - Richard E Fan
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
| | - Kai Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Division of Radiation Physics, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
| | - Yamil Saenz
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Geoffrey A Sonn
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
| | - Gloria L Hwang
- Department of Radiology and Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California; Department of Radiology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
| | - Lei Xing
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Division of Radiation Physics, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California
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Sano MB, DeWitt MR, Teeter SD, Xing L. Optimization of a single insertion electrode array for the creation of clinically relevant ablations using high-frequency irreversible electroporation. Comput Biol Med 2018; 95:107-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Valdez CM, Barnes RA, Roth CC, Moen EK, Throckmorton GA, Ibey BL. Asymmetrical bipolar nanosecond electric pulse widths modify bipolar cancellation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16372. [PMID: 29180756 PMCID: PMC5703993 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A bipolar (BP) nanosecond electric pulse (nsEP) exposure generates reduced calcium influx compared to a unipolar (UP) nsEP. This attenuated physiological response from a BP nsEP exposure is termed "bipolar cancellation" (BPC). The predominant BP nsEP parameters that induce BPC consist of a positive polarity (↑) front pulse followed by the delivery of a negative polarity (↓) back pulse of equal voltage and width; thereby the duration is twice a UP nsEP exposure. We tested these BPC parameters, and discovered that a BP nsEP with symmetrical pulse widths is not required to generate BPC. For example, our data revealed the physiological response initiated by a ↑900 nsEP exposure can be cancelled by a second pulse that is a third of its duration. However, we observed a complete loss of BPC from a ↑300 nsEP followed by a ↓900 nsEP exposure. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed these asymmetrical BP nsEP exposures generate distinct local YO-PRO®-1 uptake patterns across the plasma membrane. From these findings, we generated a conceptual model that suggests BPC is a phenomenon balanced by localized charging and discharging events across the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris M Valdez
- National Research Council Research Associateship Program, Air Force Research Laboratory, 4141 Petroleum Rd., JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 78234, USA
| | - Ronald A Barnes
- Radio Frequency Bioeffects Branch, Bioeffects Division, Airman Systems Directorate, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, 4141 Petroleum Rd., JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 78234, USA
| | - Caleb C Roth
- Radio Frequency Bioeffects Branch, Bioeffects Division, Airman Systems Directorate, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, 4141 Petroleum Rd., JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 78234, USA
| | - Erick K Moen
- Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering- Electrophysics, University of Southern California, 920 Bloom Walk, SSC, 502, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Graham A Throckmorton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, Tennessee, 37235, USA
| | - Bennett L Ibey
- Radio Frequency Bioeffects Branch, Bioeffects Division, Airman Systems Directorate, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, 4141 Petroleum Rd., JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 78234, USA.
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Yao C, Lv Y, Zhao Y, Dong S, Liu H, Ma J. Synergistic combinations of short high-voltage pulses and long low-voltage pulses enhance irreversible electroporation efficacy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15123. [PMID: 29123231 PMCID: PMC5680269 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15494-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) uses ~100 μs pulsed electric fields to disrupt cell membranes for solid tumor ablation. Although IRE has achieved exciting preliminary clinical results, implementing IRE could be challenging because of volumetric limitations at the ablation region. Combining short high-voltage (SHV: 1600V, 2 μs, 1 Hz, 20 pulses) pulses with long low-voltage (LLV: 240-480 V, 100 μs, 1 Hz, 60-80 pulses) pulses induces a synergistic effect that enhances IRE efficacy. Here, cell cytotoxicity and tissue ablation were investigated. The results show that combining SHV pulses with LLV pulses induced SKOV3 cell death more effectively, and compared to either SHV pulses or LLV pulses applied alone, the combination significantly enhanced the ablation region. Particularly, prolonging the lag time (100 s) between SHV and LLV pulses further reduced cell viability and enhanced the ablation area. However, the sequence of SHV and LLV pulses was important, and the LLV + SHV combination was not as effective as the SHV + LLV combination. We offer a hypothesis to explain the synergistic effect behind enhanced cell cytotoxicity and enlarged ablation area. This work shows that combining SHV pulses with LLV pulses could be used as a focal therapy and merits investigation in larger pre-clinical models and microscopic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenguo Yao
- The State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, the School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Yanpeng Lv
- The State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, the School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Yajun Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, the School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Shoulong Dong
- The State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, the School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, the School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Jianhao Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, the School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
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Mercadal B, Arena CB, Davalos RV, Ivorra A. Avoiding nerve stimulation in irreversible electroporation: a numerical modeling study. Phys Med Biol 2017; 62:8060-8079. [PMID: 28901954 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aa8c53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Electroporation based treatments consist in applying one or multiple high voltage pulses to the tissues to be treated. As an undesired side effect, these pulses cause electrical stimulation of excitable tissues such as nerves and muscles. This increases the complexity of the treatments and may pose a risk to the patient. To minimize electrical stimulation during electroporation based treatments, it has been proposed to replace the commonly used monopolar pulses by bursts of short bipolar pulses. In the present study, we have numerically analyzed the rationale for such approach. We have compared different pulsing protocols in terms of their electroporation efficacy and their capability of triggering action potentials in nerves. For that, we have developed a modeling framework that combines numerical models of nerve fibers and experimental data on irreversible electroporation. Our results indicate that, by replacing the conventional relatively long monopolar pulses by bursts of short bipolar pulses, it is possible to ablate a large tissue region without triggering action potentials in a nearby nerve. Our models indicate that this is possible because, as the pulse length of these bipolar pulses is reduced, the stimulation thresholds raise faster than the irreversible electroporation thresholds. We propose that this different dependence on the pulse length is due to the fact that transmembrane charging for nerve fibers is much slower than that of cells treated by electroporation because of their geometrical differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borja Mercadal
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Roc Boronat, 138, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
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Sano MB, Volotskova O, Xing L. Treatment of Cancer In Vitro Using Radiation and High-Frequency Bursts of Submicrosecond Electrical Pulses. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2017; 65:928-935. [PMID: 28783621 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2017.2734887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
High-frequency irreversible electroporation (H-FIRE) is an emerging cancer therapy, which uses bursts of short duration, alternating polarity, high-voltage electrical pulses to focally ablate tumors. Here, we present a preliminary investigation of the combinatorial effects of H-FIRE and ionizing radiation. In vitro cell cultures were exposed to bursts of 500 ns pulses and single radiation doses of 2 or 20 Gy then analyzed for 14 days. H-FIRE and radiation therapy (RT) appear to induce different delayed cell death mechanisms and in all treatment groups combinatorial therapy resulted in lower overall viabilities. These results indicate that in vivo investigation of the antitumor efficacy of combined H-FIRE and RT is warranted.
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Rolong A, Schmelz EM, Davalos RV. High-frequency irreversible electroporation targets resilient tumor-initiating cells in ovarian cancer. Integr Biol (Camb) 2017; 9:979-987. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ib00116a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Targeting resilient tumor-initiating cells with high-frequency irreversible electroporation could be driven by the bioelectromechanical properties of malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Rolong
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences
- Blacksburg
- USA
| | - E. M. Schmelz
- Virginia Tech
- Department of Human Nutrition
- Foods
- and Exercise
- Virginia Tech
| | - R. V. Davalos
- Virginia Tech – Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences
- Blacksburg
- USA
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