IRE Technology

Irreversible electroporation (IRE): A pioneering use of technology

Electroporation is the process of using brief and controlled electric pulses to open microscopic pores in a targeted area.

By increasing the number, strength, and duration of electric pulses, electroporation can be made permanent, or irreversible. After IRE, the pores in the cells remain open permanently. This causes microscopic damage to the cells, and they die.

Established focal ablation technologies vs. IRE

Other focal ablation technologies, such as radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation, use extreme heat to destroy soft-tissue lesions. The problem with this approach is that heat can also irreparably damage the cells of blood vessels, nerves, and bile ducts in the area. In addition to the unnecessary destruction, without these natural pathways, the body may have to struggle for years to rid itself of dead tissue. Often referred to as “surgery at the cellular level,” the NanoKnife® System utilizes IRE instead of heat. This allows for extreme precision. While targeted soft-tissue cells are killed, blood vessels and other important structures in the area remain functional. The body is able to naturally rid itself of the dead cells. In regenerating organs, such as the liver, the dead cells are replaced with healthy cells.

Future developments

Scientists at leading institutions around the world are to conduct clinical studies and research programs on IRE for the treatment of soft-tissue lesions. To ensure objectivity, the studies are being guided by Institutional Review Boards. Because it goes beyond ablation and allows tissue to be removed naturally, the potential applications for IRE are extensive. In addition to the elimination of soft-tissue lesions, it is being studied for the treatment of other conditions, such as benign soft tissue lesions, cardiovascular disease, and electrophysiology disorders.

International Clinical Trials are conducted under local Ethics Committee approval and in compliance with all local-country regulations. US Clinical Trials are conducted under Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) approval in compliance with FDA’s Investigational Device Exemption (“IDE”) regulations.

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