Development of novel microsecond-nanosecond pulsed electric field ablation equipment and its animal experimental study

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.1672-6448.2024.12.005

Abstract

Abstract:

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy of the new microsecond-nanosecond pulsed electric field (μs-nsPEF) ablation technology, focusing on ablation range, degree of muscle contraction,and protection of vital vascular structures.

Methods

A three-dimensional (3D) model was established using 3D electric field simulation software, followed by an ultrasound-guided open-abdomen ablation procedure.Four pigs were randomly assigned to μs-nsPEF (n=2) and nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) groups(n=2).Safety and efficacy of μs-nsPEFs in porcine liver tissue were evaluated by comparing preoperative simulated electric field distributions, intraoperative muscle contraction measurements, postoperative ablation area, and histopathological findings between the two groups.Student's t-test was used for comparisons between groups.

Results

3D electric field distribution maps created with COMSOL software showed a maximum ablation area of 6.06±0.02 cm² for the μs-nsPEF group and 5.00±0.03 cm² for the nsPEF group (P＜0.01).Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging 10 minutes post-ablation indicated an ablation area of 4.70±1.62 cm² for the μs-nsPEF group and 4.33±1.55 cm² for the nsPEF group (P＞0.05).Ultrasound examination on postoperative day 7 revealed a hypoechoic area in the μs-nsPEF group, whereas no such area was observed in the nsPEF group.H&E staining on postoperative day 7 showed a well-defined ablation boundary in the μs-nsPEF group with an area of 0.15±0.08 cm², while no ablation lesion was observed in the nsPEF group.H&E staining of the gallbladder wall indicated that on postoperative day 7, blood flow around the μs-nsPEF ablation site remained unobstructed, the gallbladder structure was intact, and liver and kidney function indicators showed no abnormalities.

Conclusion

The novel μs-nsPEF technique demonstrates sustained and effective liver ablation while ensuring muscle contraction and vascular protection during surgery, indicating promising clinical applications.

Key words: Liver ablation, Irreversible electroporation, Microsecond-nanosecond pulsed electric fields, Ultrasound-guided, Animal experiment

Ju Li, Qiang Chen, Xun Zhang, Liting Xie, Tian’an Jiang. Development of novel microsecond-nanosecond pulsed electric field ablation equipment and its animal experimental study[J]. Chinese Journal of Medical Ultrasound (Electronic Edition), 2024, 21(12): 1124-1131.

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URL: https://chaosheng.cma-cmc.com.cn/EN/10.3877/cma.j.issn.1672-6448.2024.12.005

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Figures/Tables 5

References 26

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电解质及生化指标	术前2h	术后2h	术后7d
天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶（U/L）	36.00	88.00	29.20
丙氨酸氨基转移酶（U/L）	77.60	99.30	68.20
白蛋白（g/L）	39.16	37.97	35.28
总蛋白（g/L）	60.11	67.63	64.97
球蛋白（g/L）	29.82	29.66	29.69
碱性磷酸酶（U/L）	77.70	78.20	58.90
胆固醇（mmol/L）	1.69	1.42	1.77
肌酐（μmol/L）	106.10	110.50	106.40
谷氨酰转肽酶（U/L）	35.10	41.00	36.70
葡萄糖（mmol/L）	5.99	4.77	5.13
总胆红素（μmol/L）	1.22	1.30	1.20
甘油三酯（mmol/L）	0.25	0.60	0.22
尿素（mmol/L）	3.37	8.23	3.46
钙（mmol/L）	2.33	2.37	2.29
无机磷（μmol/L）	1.99	1.98	1.96
钾（mmol/L）	4.53	4.33	4.49
钠（mmol/L）	144.50	141.70	141.20
氯（mmol/L）	98.20	97.80	98.90

电解质及生化指标	术前2h	术后2h	术后7d
天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶（U/L）	36.00	88.00	29.20
丙氨酸氨基转移酶（U/L）	77.60	99.30	68.20
白蛋白（g/L）	39.16	37.97	35.28
总蛋白（g/L）	60.11	67.63	64.97
球蛋白（g/L）	29.82	29.66	29.69
碱性磷酸酶（U/L）	77.70	78.20	58.90
胆固醇（mmol/L）	1.69	1.42	1.77
肌酐（μmol/L）	106.10	110.50	106.40
谷氨酰转肽酶（U/L）	35.10	41.00	36.70
葡萄糖（mmol/L）	5.99	4.77	5.13
总胆红素（μmol/L）	1.22	1.30	1.20
甘油三酯（mmol/L）	0.25	0.60	0.22
尿素（mmol/L）	3.37	8.23	3.46
钙（mmol/L）	2.33	2.37	2.29
无机磷（μmol/L）	1.99	1.98	1.96
钾（mmol/L）	4.53	4.33	4.49
钠（mmol/L）	144.50	141.70	141.20
氯（mmol/L）	98.20	97.80	98.90

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