Irreversible electroporation
Irreversible Electroporation
Irreversible electroporation (pronunciation: ih-reh-ver-suh-buhl ih-lek-troh-poh-ray-shuhn) is a soft tissue ablation technique using ultra short but strong electrical fields to create permanent and hence, irreversible pores (nanoscale defects) in the cell membrane. It is used to treat cancer, especially in areas where precision is needed.
Etymology
The term "irreversible electroporation" is derived from the Greek words "elektor" (amber) and "poros" (passage), and the Latin word "reversibilis" (reversible). The prefix "ir-" is of English origin, meaning "not".
Related Terms
- Electroporation: A technique in which an electrical field is applied to cells to increase the permeability of the cell membrane.
- Ablation: The removal of a body tissue or the destruction of its function.
- Nanopore: A nanoscale hole in a solid-state membrane.
- Cancer: A group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
Procedure
Irreversible electroporation is a minimally invasive procedure performed under imaging guidance. An electrical current is applied through small needles that are inserted through the skin to the tumor. The change in the electrical field causes tiny pores to open in the cells, leading to cell death.
Applications
Irreversible electroporation is used in the treatment of cancer, particularly those located close to blood vessels, nerves, and other sensitive structures. It has been used in the treatment of prostate cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and other types of cancer.
Advantages
The main advantage of irreversible electroporation is its ability to selectively ablate tumors without causing significant damage to surrounding tissues. This is particularly important in areas of the body where traditional surgical techniques may be risky.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of irreversible electroporation is that it is not suitable for all types of cancer or all patients. It is also a relatively new technique, and long-term outcomes are not yet known.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Irreversible electroporation
- Wikipedia's article - Irreversible electroporation
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