Irreversible electroporation near the heart: Ventricular arrhythmias can be prevented with ECG synchronization Journal Article


Authors: Deodhar, A.; Dickfeld, T.; Single, G. W.; Hamilton, W. C. Jr; Thornton, R. H.; Sofocleous, C. T.; Maybody, M.; Gonen, M.; Rubinsky, B.; Solomon, S. B.
Article Title: Irreversible electroporation near the heart: Ventricular arrhythmias can be prevented with ECG synchronization
Abstract: OBJECTIVE. Irreversible electroporation is a nonthermal ablative tool that uses direct electrical pulses to create irreversible membrane pores and cell death. The ablation zone is surrounded by a zone of reversibly increased permeability; either zone can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Our purpose was to establish a safety profile for the use of irreversible electroporation close to the heart. MATERIALS and METHODS. The effect of unsynchronized and synchronized (with the R wave on ECG) irreversible electroporation in swine lung and myocardium was studied in 11 pigs. Twelve lead ECG recordings were analyzed by an electrophysiologist for the presence of arrhythmia. Ventricular arrhythmias were categorized as major events. Minor events included all other dysrhythmias or ECG changes. Cardiac and lung tissue was submitted for histopathologic analysis. Electrical field modeling was performed to predict the distance from the applicators over which cells show electroporation-induced increased permeability. RESULTS. At less than or equal to 1.7 cm from the heart, fatal (major) events occurred with all unsynchronized irreversible electroporation. No major and three minor events were seen with synchronized irreversible electroporation. At more than 1.7 cm from the heart, two minor events occurred with only unsynchronized irreversible electroporation. Electrical field modeling correlates well with the clinical results, revealing increased cell membrane permeability up to 1.7 cm away from the applicators. Complete lung ablation without intervening live cells was seen. No myocardial injury was seen. CONCLUSION. Unsynchronized irreversible electroporation close to the heart can cause fatal ventricular arrhythmias. Synchronizing irreversible electroporation pulse delivery with absolute refractory period avoids significant cardiac arrhythmias. © American Roentgen Ray Society.
Keywords: controlled study; histopathology; nonhuman; animals; animal tissue; animal experiment; lung; electroporation; heart rhythm; heart arrhythmia; electrocardiography; heart; heart ventricle arrhythmia; heart ventricle fibrillation; heart ventricle tachycardia; arrhythmias, cardiac; swine; ablation therapy; heart muscle; cell membrane permeability; lung parenchyma; ablation; cardiac arrhythmia; irreversible electroporation; electric field; electrocardiography synchronization; heart pacing; r wave; st segment elevation; t wave inversion; ventricular dysfunction
Journal Title: American Journal of Roentgenology
Volume: 196
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0361-803X
Publisher: American Roentgen Ray Society  
Date Published: 2011-03-01
Start Page: W330
End Page: W335
Language: English
DOI: 10.2214/ajr.10.4490
PUBMED: 21343484
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC4500941
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 23 June 2011" - "CODEN: AJROA" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Mithat Gonen
    1030 Gonen
  2. Majid Maybody
    98 Maybody
  3. Ajita Deodhar
    11 Deodhar
  4. Stephen Solomon
    424 Solomon