Percutaneous irreversible electroporation lung ablation: Preliminary results in a porcine model Journal Article


Authors: Deodhar, A.; Monette, S.; Single, G. W. Jr; Hamilton, W. C. Jr; Thornton, R. H.; Sofocleous, C. T.; Maybody, M.; Solomon, S. B.
Article Title: Percutaneous irreversible electroporation lung ablation: Preliminary results in a porcine model
Abstract: Objective Irreversible electroporation (IRE) uses direct electrical pulses to create permanent "pores" in cell membranes to cause cell death. In contrast to conventional modalities, IRE has a nonthermal mechanism of action. Our objective was to study the histopathological and imaging features of IRE in normal swine lung. Materials and Methods Eleven female swine were studied for hyperacute (8 h), acute (24 h), subacute (96 h), and chronic (3 week) effects of IRE ablation in lung. Paired unipolar IRE applicators were placed under computed tomography (CT) guidance. Some applicators were deliberately positioned near bronchovascular structures. IRE pulse delivery was synchronized with the cardiac rhythm only when ablation was performed within 2 cm of the heart. Contrast-enhanced CT scan was performed immediately before and after IRE and at 1 and 3 weeks after IRE ablation. Representative tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathology. Results Twenty-five ablations were created: ten hyperacute, four acute, and three subacute ablations showed alveolar edema and necrosis with necrosis of bronchial, bronchiolar, and vascular epithelium. Bronchovascular architecture was maintained. Chronic ablations showed bronchiolitis obliterans and alveolar interstitial fibrosis. Immediate post-procedure CT images showed linear or patchy density along the applicator tract. At 1 week, there was consolidation that resolved partially or completely by 3 weeks. Pneumothorax requiring chest tube developed in two animals; no significant cardiac arrhythmias were noted. Conclusion Our preliminary porcine study demonstrates the nonthermal and extracellular matrix sparing mechanism of action of IRE. IRE is a potential alternative to thermal ablative modalities. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) 2011.
Keywords: controlled study; histopathology; nonhuman; animal tissue; computer assisted tomography; image analysis; lung disease; animal experiment; pneumothorax; contrast enhancement; fibrosing alveolitis; swine; ablation therapy; cell hyperplasia; intubation; ablation; tumor ablation; interventional oncology; bronchiolitis obliterans; lung alveolus cell; experimental ir; lung/pulmonary; alveolar edema; bronchial necrosis; irreversible electroporation lung ablation; vascular necrosis
Journal Title: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology
Volume: 34
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0174-1551
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2011-12-01
Start Page: 1278
End Page: 1287
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/s00270-011-0143-9
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 21455641
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 1 March 2012" - "CODEN: CARAD" - "Source: Scopus"
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  1. Majid Maybody
    98 Maybody
  2. Ajita Deodhar
    11 Deodhar
  3. Stephen Solomon
    422 Solomon
  4. Sebastien Monette
    148 Monette