Multiple Output Inverter and Monitoring System for Homogeneous Electroporation

Abstract

Electroporation is a phenomenon that increases the permeability of cells by applying an electric field. This technique has relevant applications to cancer treatment using both electrochemotherapy and tumor ablation using irreversible electroporation. In order to carry out these treatments, new power converters are needed to apply of output voltages of several kV and output currents of tens of A in pulses of a width of μs. In addition, to achieve safe and relapse-free treatments, it is necessary to generate a controlled and uniform electric field. A challenge in current treatments is to ensure effective treatments despite tissue heterogeneity. In this context, this article proposes a new pulse generator that allows the use of a multielectrode structure that enables the application of a uniform electric field in multiple directions to avoid issues related to tissue heterogeneity. The proposed generator also allows the continuous monitoring of the treatment to adequately control the generator and apply a safer and more effective treatment. An 18-output 1500-V experimental prototype was designed, implemented, and tested using vegetal tissue, proving the feasibility of this proposal.