US20090292342A1 - Methods and Systems for Treating BPH Using Electroporation - Google Patents

Methods and Systems for Treating BPH Using Electroporation Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20090292342A1
US20090292342A1 US12/510,011 US51001109A US2009292342A1 US 20090292342 A1 US20090292342 A1 US 20090292342A1 US 51001109 A US51001109 A US 51001109A US 2009292342 A1 US2009292342 A1 US 2009292342A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
tissue site
electrodes
bph tissue
electroporation
bph
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/510,011
Inventor
Boris Rubinsky
Gary Onik
Paul Mikus
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US12/510,011 priority Critical patent/US20090292342A1/en
Publication of US20090292342A1 publication Critical patent/US20090292342A1/en
Assigned to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.
Assigned to ANGIODYNAMICS, INC. reassignment ANGIODYNAMICS, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Assigned to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT reassignment JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.
Assigned to ANGIODYNAMICS, INC. reassignment ANGIODYNAMICS, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/327Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for enhancing the absorption properties of tissue, e.g. by electroporation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02Details
    • A61N1/04Electrodes
    • A61N1/0404Electrodes for external use
    • A61N1/0408Use-related aspects
    • A61N1/0412Specially adapted for transcutaneous electroporation, e.g. including drug reservoirs
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00571Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for achieving a particular surgical effect
    • A61B2018/00613Irreversible electroporation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02Details
    • A61N1/04Electrodes
    • A61N1/0404Electrodes for external use
    • A61N1/0472Structure-related aspects
    • A61N1/0476Array electrodes (including any electrode arrangement with more than one electrode for at least one of the polarities)

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to electroporation, and more particularly to systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites of a patient using electroporation.
  • Electroporation is defined as the phenomenon that makes cell membranes permeable by exposing them to certain electric pulses (Weaver, J. C. and Y. A. Chizmadzhev, Theory of electroporation: a review. Bioelectrochem. Bioenerg., 1996. 41: p. 135-60).
  • the permeabilization of the membrane can be reversible or irreversible as a function of the electrical parameters used. In reversible electroporation the cell membrane reseals a certain time after the pulses cease and the cell survives. In irreversible electroporation the cell membrane does not reseal and the cell lyses. (Dev, S. B., Rabussay, D. P., Widera, G., Hofmann, G. A., Medical applications of electroporation, IEEE Transactions of Plasma Science, Vol 28 No 1, February 2000, pp 206-223).
  • electroporation The mechanism of electroporation is not yet fully understood. It is thought that the electrical field changes the electrochemical potential around a cell membrane and induces instabilities in the polarized cell membrane lipid bilayer. The unstable membrane then alters its shape forming aqueous pathways that possibly are nano-scale pores through the membrane, hence the term “electroporation” (Chang, D. C., et al., Guide to Electroporation and Electrofusion. 1992, San Diego, Calif.: Academic Press, Inc.). Mass transfer can now occur through these channels under electrochemical control. Whatever the mechanism through which the cell membrane becomes permeabilized, electroporation has become an important method for enhanced mass transfer across the cell membrane.
  • the first important application of the cell membrane permeabilizing properties of electroporation is due to Neumann (Neumann, E., et al., Gene transfer into mouse lyoma cells by electroporation in high electric fields. J. EMBO, 1982. 1: p. 841-5). He has shown that by applying reversible electroporation to cells it is possible to sufficiently permeabilize the cell membrane so that genes, which are macromolecules that normally are too large to enter cells, can after electroporation enter the cell. Using reversible electroporation electrical parameters is crucial to the success of the procedure, since the goal of the procedure is to have a viable cell that incorporates the gene.
  • electroporation became commonly used to reversible permeabilize the cell membrane for various applications in medicine and biotechnology to introduce into cells or to extract from cells chemical species that normally do not pass, or have difficulty passing across the cell membrane, from small molecules such as fluorescent dyes, drugs and radioactive tracers to high molecular weight molecules such as antibodies, enzymes, nucleic acids, HMW dextrans and DNA.
  • Tissue electroporation is now becoming an increasingly popular minimally invasive surgical technique for introducing small drugs and macromolecules into cells in specific areas of the body. This technique is accomplished by injecting drugs or macromolecules into the affected area and placing electrodes into or around the targeted tissue to generate reversible permeabilizing electric field in the tissue, thereby introducing the drugs or macromolecules into the cells of the affected area (Mir, L. M., Therapeutic perspectives of in vivo cell electropermeabilization. Bioelectrochemistry, 2001. 53: p. 1-10).
  • ECT antitumor electrochemotherapy
  • EHT electrogenetherapy
  • transdermal drug delivery a cytotoxic nonpermeant drug with permeabilizing electric pulses and electrogenetherapy (EGT) as a form of non-viral gene therapy
  • ECT antitumor electrochemotherapy
  • ETT electrogenetherapy
  • transdermal drug delivery a cytotoxic nonpermeant drug with permeabilizing electric pulses and electrogenetherapy (EGT) as a form of non-viral gene therapy
  • transdermal drug delivery transdermal drug delivery
  • Electrochemotherapy is a promising minimally invasive surgical technique to locally ablate tissue and treat tumors regardless of their histological type with minimal adverse side effects and a high response rate (Dev, S. B., et al., Medical Applications of Electroporation. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, 2000. 28(1): p. 206-223; Heller, R., R. Gilbert, and M. J. Jaroszeski, Clinical applications of electrochemotherapy. Advanced drug delivery reviews, 1999. 35: p. 119-129).
  • Electrochemotherapy which is performed through the insertion of electrodes into the undesirable tissue, the injection of cytotoxic dugs in the tissue and the application of reversible electroporation parameters, benefits from the ease of application of both high temperature treatment therapies and non-selective chemical therapies and results in outcomes comparable of both high temperature therapies and non-selective chemical therapies.
  • Irreversible electroporation the application of electrical pulses which induce irreversible electroporation in cells is also considered for tissue ablation (Davalos, R. V., Real Time Imaging for Molecular Medicine through electrical Impedance Tomography of Electroporation, in Mechanical Engineering. 2002, PhD Thesis, University of California at Berkeley: Berkeley, Davalos, R., L. Mir, Rubinsky B., “Tissue ablation with irreversible electroporation” in print February 2005 Annals of Biomedical Eng,). Irreversible electroporation has the potential for becoming and important minimally invasive surgical technique.
  • Medical imaging involves the production of a map of various physical properties of tissue, which the imaging technique uses to generate a distribution.
  • a map of the x-ray absorption characteristics of various tissues is produced, in ultrasound a map of the pressure wave reflection characteristics of the tissue is produced, in magnetic resonance imaging a map of proton density is produced, in light imaging a map of either photon scattering or absorption characteristics of tissue is produced, in electrical impedance tomography or induction impedance tomography or microwave tomography a map of electrical impedance is produced.
  • Minimally invasive surgery involves causing desirable changes in tissue, by minimally invasive means.
  • minimally invasive surgery is used for the ablation of certain undesirable tissues by various means. For instance in cryosurgery the undesirable tissue is frozen, in radio-frequency ablation, focused ultrasound, electrical and micro-waves hyperthermia tissue is heated, in alcohol ablation proteins are denaturized, in laser ablation photons are delivered to elevate the energy of electrons.
  • these should produce changes in the physical properties that the imaging technique monitors.
  • nanopores in the cell membrane has the effect of changing the electrical impedance properties of the cell (Huang, Y, Rubinsky, B., “Micro-electroporation: improving the efficiency and understanding of electrical permeabilization of cells” Biomedical Microdevices, Vo 3, 145-150, 2000. (Discussed in “Nature Biotechnology” Vol 18. pp 368, April 2000), B. Rubinsky, Y Huang. “Controlled electroporation and mass transfer across cell membranes U.S. Pat. No. 6,300,108, Oct. 9, 2001).
  • an object of the present invention is to provide improved systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide systems and method for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation using sufficient electrical pulses to induce electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site, without creating a thermal damage effect to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation with real time monitoring.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation where the electroporation is performed in a controlled manner with monitoring of electrical impedance.
  • Still a further object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation that is performed in a controlled manner, with controlled intensity and duration of voltage.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation that is performed in a controlled manner, with a proper selection of voltage magnitude.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation that is performed in a controlled manner, with a proper selection of voltage application time.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation, and a monitoring electrode configured to measure a test voltage delivered to cells in the BPH tissue site and remote sites such as the rectum and the urethra.
  • Still a further object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation that is performed in a controlled manner to provide for controlled pore formation in cell membranes.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation that is performed in a controlled manner to create a tissue effect in the cells at the BPH tissue site while preserving surrounding tissue.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation, and detecting an onset of electroporation of cells at the BPH tissue site.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation where the electroporation is performed in a manner for modification and control of mass transfer across cell membranes.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation, and an array of electrodes that creates a boundary around the BPH tissue site to produce a volumetric cell necrosis region.
  • a system for treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) of a prostate At least first and second mono-polar electrodes are configured to be introduced at or near a BPH tissue site of the prostate gland of the patient.
  • a voltage pulse generator is coupled to the first and second mono-polar electrodes. The voltage pulse generator is configured to apply sufficient electrical pulses between the first and second mono-polar electrodes to induce electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site, to create necrosis of cells of the BPH tissue site, but insufficient to create a thermal damaging effect to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • a system for treating BPH of a prostate is provided.
  • a bipolar electrode is configured to be introduced at or near a BPH tissue site of the prostate gland of the patient.
  • a voltage pulse generator is coupled to the bipolar electrode. The voltage pulse generator is configured to apply sufficient electrical pulses to the bipolar electrode to induce electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site, to create necrosis of cells of the BPH tissue site, but insufficient to create a thermal damaging effect to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • a method for treating BPH of a prostate. At least first and second mono-polar electrodes are introduced to a BPH tissue site of a patient. The at least first and second mono-polar electrodes are positioned at or near the BPH tissue site. An electric field is applied in a controlled manner to the BPH tissue site. The electric field is sufficient to produce electroporation of cells at the BPH tissue site, and below an amount that causes thermal damage to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • a method for treating BPH of a prostate.
  • a bipolar electrode is introduced to a BPH tissue site of a patient.
  • the bipolar electrode is positioned at or near the BPH tissue site.
  • An electric field is applied in a controlled manner to the BPH tissue site. The electric field is sufficient to produce electroporation of cells at the BPH tissue site, and below an amount that causes thermal damage to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram for one embodiment of a electroporation system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2( a ) illustrates an embodiment of the present invention with two mono-polar electrodes that can be utilized for electroporation with the FIG. 1 system.
  • FIG. 2( b ) illustrates an embodiment of the present invention with three mono-polar electrodes that can be utilized for electroporation with the FIG. 1 system.
  • FIG. 2( c ) illustrates an embodiment of the present invention with a single bi-polar electrode that can be utilized for electroporation with the FIG. 1 system.
  • FIG. 2( d ) illustrates an embodiment of the present invention with an array of electrodes coupled to a template that can be utilized for electroporation with the FIG. 1 system.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention with an array of electrodes positioned around a BPH tissue site, creating a boundary around the BPH tissue site to produce a volumetric cell necrosis region.
  • reversible electroporation encompasses permeabilization of a cell membrane through the application of electrical pulses across the cell.
  • reversible electroporation the permeabilization of the cell membrane ceases after the application of the pulse and the cell membrane permeability reverts to normal or at least to a level such that the cell is viable. Thus, the cell survives “reversible electroporation.” It may be used as a means for introducing chemicals, DNA, or other materials into cells.
  • the term “irreversible electroporation” also encompasses the permeabilization of a cell membrane through the application of electrical pulses across the cell. However, in “irreversible electroporation” the permeabilization of the cell membrane does not cease after the application of the pulse and the cell membrane permeability does not revert to normal and as such cell is not viable. Thus, the cell does not survive “irreversible electroporation” and the cell death is caused by the disruption of the cell membrane and not merely by internal perturbation of cellular components. Openings in the cell membrane are created and/or expanded in size resulting in a fatal disruption in the normal controlled flow of material across the cell membrane. The cell membrane is highly specialized in its ability to regulate what leaves and enters the cell. Irreversible electroporation destroys that ability to regulate in a manner such that the cell can not compensate and as such the cell dies.
  • Ultrasound is a method used to image tissue in which pressure waves are sent into the tissue using a piezoelectric crystal. The resulting returning waves caused by tissue reflection are transformed into an image.
  • MRI is an imaging modality that uses the perturbation of hydrogen molecules caused by a radio pulse to create an image.
  • CT is an imaging modality that uses the attenuation of an x-ray beam to create an image.
  • Light imaging is an imaging method in which electromagnetic waves with frequencies in the range of visible to far infrared are send into tissue and the tissue's reflection and/or absorption characteristics are reconstructed.
  • Electrode impedance tomography is an imaging technique in which a tissue's electrical impedance characteristics are reconstructed by applying a current across the tissue and measuring electrical currents and potentials
  • specific imaging technologies used in the field of medicine are used to create images of tissue affected by electroporation pulses.
  • the images are created during the process of carrying out irreversible electroporation and are used to focus the electroporation on tissue to be ablated and to avoid ablating tissue such as nerves.
  • the process of the invention may be carried out by placing electrodes, such as a needle electrode in the imaging path of an imaging device. When the electrodes are activated the image device creates an image of tissue being subjected to electroporation. The effectiveness and extent of the electroporation over a given area of tissue can be determined in real time using the imaging technology.
  • Reversible electroporation requires electrical parameters in a precise range of values that induce only reversible electroporation.
  • the limit is more focused on the lower value of the pulse which should be high enough to induce irreversible electroporation.
  • methods are provided to apply an electrical pulse or pulses to BPH tissue sites.
  • the pulses are applied between electrodes and are applied in numbers with currents so as to result in irreversible electroporation of the cells without damaging surrounding cells.
  • Energy waves are emitted from an imaging device such that the energy waves of the imaging device pass through the area positioned between the electrodes and the irreversible electroporation of the cells effects the energy waves of the imaging device in a manner so as to create an image.
  • Typical values for pulse length for irreversible electroporation are in a range of from about 5 microseconds to about 62,000 milliseconds or about 75 microseconds to about 20,000 milliseconds or about 100 microseconds.+ ⁇ 0.10 microseconds. This is significantly longer than the pulse length generally used in intracellular (nano-seconds) electro-manipulation which is 1 microsecond or less—see published U.S. application 2002/0010491 published Jan. 24, 2002. Pulse lengths can be adjusted based on the real time imaging.
  • the pulse is at voltage of about 100 V/cm to 7,000 V/cm or 200 V/cm to 2000 V/cm or 300V/cm to 1000 V/cm about 600 V/cm.+ ⁇ 0.10% for irreversible electroporation. This is substantially lower than that used for intracellular electro-manipulation which is about 10,000 V/cm, see U.S. application 2002/0010491 published Jan. 24, 2002.
  • the voltage can be adjusted alone or with the pulse length based on real time imaging information.
  • the voltage expressed above is the voltage gradient (voltage per centimeter).
  • the electrodes may be different shapes and sizes and be positioned at different distances from each other.
  • the shape may be circular, oval, square, rectangular or irregular etc.
  • the distance of one electrode to another may be 0.5 to 10 cm., 1 to 5 cm., or 2-3 cm.
  • the electrode may have a surface area of 0.1-5 sq. cm. or 1-2 sq. cm.
  • the size, shape and distances of the electrodes can vary and such can change the voltage and pulse duration used and can be adjusted based on imaging information. Those skilled in the art will adjust the parameters in accordance with this disclosure and imaging to obtain the desired degree of electroporation and avoid thermal damage to surrounding cells.
  • Thermal effects require electrical pulses that are substantially longer from those used in irreversible electroporation (Davalos, R. V., B. Rubinsky, and L. M. Mir, Theoretical analysis of the thermal effects during in vivo tissue electroporation. Bioelectrochemistry, 2003. Vol 61(1-2): p. 99-107).
  • irreversible electroporation pulses will be as large as to cause thermal damaging effects to the surrounding tissue and the extent of the BPH tissue site ablated by irreversible electroporation will not be significant relative to that ablated by thermal effects.
  • irreversible electroporation could not be considered as an effective BPH tissue site ablation modality as it will act in superposition with thermal ablation. To a degree, this problem is addressed via the present invention using imaging technology.
  • the imaging device is any medical imaging device including ultrasound, X-ray technologies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), light imaging, electrical impedance tomography, electrical induction impedance tomography and microwave tomography. It is possible to use combinations of different imaging technologies at different points in the process.
  • medical imaging device including ultrasound, X-ray technologies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), light imaging, electrical impedance tomography, electrical induction impedance tomography and microwave tomography. It is possible to use combinations of different imaging technologies at different points in the process.
  • one type of imaging technology can be used to precisely locate a BPH tissue site
  • a second type of imaging technology can be used to confirm the placement of electrodes relative to the BPH tissue site.
  • yet another type of imaging technology could be used to create images of the currents of irreversible electroporation in real time.
  • MRI technology could be used to precisely locate the BPH tissue site.
  • Electrodes could be placed and identified as being well positioned using X-ray imaging technologies. Current could be applied to carry out irreversible electroporation while using ultrasound technology to determine the extent of BPH tissue site effected by the electroporation pulses. It has been found that within the resolution of calculations and imaging the extent of the image created on ultrasound corresponds to an area calculated to be irreversibly electroporated. Within the resolution of histology the image created by the ultrasound image corresponds to the extent of BPH tissue site ablated as examined histologically.
  • the effectiveness of the irreversible electroporation can be immediately verified with the imaging it is possible to limit the amount of unwanted damage to surrounding tissues and limit the amount of electroporation that is carried out. Further, by using the imaging technology it is possible to reposition the electrodes during the process. The electrode repositioning may be carried out once, twice or a plurality of times as needed in order to obtain the desired degree of irreversible electroporation on the desired BPH tissue site.
  • a method may be carried out which comprises several steps.
  • a first step an area of BPH tissue site to be treated by irreversible electroporation is imaged. Electrodes are then placed in the BPH tissue site with the BPH tissue site to be ablated being positioned between the electrodes. Imaging can also be carried out at this point to confirm that the electrodes are properly placed.
  • pulses of current are run between the two electrodes and the pulsing current is designed so as to minimize damage to surrounding tissue and achieve the desired irreversible electroporation of the BPH tissue site. While the irreversible electroporation is being carried out imaging technology is used and that imaging technology images the irreversible electroporation occurring in real time.
  • the amount of current and number of pulses may be adjusted so as to achieve the desired degree of electroporation. Further, one or more of the electrodes may be repositioned so as to make it possible to target the irreversible electroporation and ablate the desired BPH tissue site.
  • one embodiment of the present invention provides a system, generally denoted as 10 , for treating a BPH tissue site of a patient.
  • Two or more monopolar electrodes 12 , one or more bipolar electrodes 14 or an array 16 of electrodes can be utilized, as illustrated in FIGS. 2( a )- 2 ( d ).
  • at least first and second monopolar electrodes 12 are configured to be introduced at or near the BPH tissue site of the patient. It will be appreciated that three or more monopolar electrodes 12 can be utilized.
  • the array 16 of electrodes is configured to be in a substantially surrounding relationship to the BPH tissue site.
  • the array 16 of electrodes can employ a template 17 to position and/or retain each of the electrodes. Template 17 can maintain a geometry of the array 16 of electrodes. Electrode placement and depth can be determined by the physician.
  • the monopolar and bi-polar electrodes 12 and 14 , and the array 16 of electrodes can be introduced through, the rectal wall, the peritoneum, urethra and the like.
  • the array 16 of electrodes creates a boundary around the BPH tissue site to produce a volumetric cell necrosis region. Essentially, the array 16 of electrodes makes a treatment area the extends from the array 16 of electrodes, and extends in an inward direction.
  • the array 16 of electrodes can have a pre-determined geometry, and each of the associated electrodes can be deployed individually or simultaneously at the BPH tissue site either percutaneously, or planted in-situ in the patient.
  • the monopolar electrodes 12 are separated by a distance of about 5 mm to 10 cm and they have a circular cross-sectional geometry.
  • One or more additional probes 18 can be provided, including monitoring probes, an aspiration probe such as one used for liposuction, fluid introduction probes, and the like.
  • Each bipolar electrode 14 can have multiple electrode bands 20 .
  • the spacing and the thickness of the electrode bands 20 is selected to optimize the shape of the electric field. In one embodiment, the spacing is about 1 mm to 5 cm typically, and the thickness of the electrode bands 20 can be from 0.5 mm to 5 cm.
  • a voltage pulse generator 22 is coupled to the electrodes 12 , 14 and the array 16 .
  • the voltage pulse generator 22 is configured to apply sufficient electrical pulses between the first and second monopolar electrodes 12 , bi-polar electrode 14 and array 16 to induce electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site, and create necrosis of cells of the BPH tissue site.
  • the applied electrical pulses are insufficient to create a thermal damaging effect to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • the electrodes 12 , 14 and array 16 are each connected through cables to the voltage pulse generator 22 .
  • a switching device 24 can be included.
  • the switching device 24 with software, provides for simultaneous or individual activation of multiple electrodes 12 , 14 and array 16 .
  • the switching device 24 is coupled to the voltage pulse generator 22 .
  • means are provided for individually activating the electrodes 12 , 14 and array 16 in order to produce electric fields that are produced between pre-selected electrodes 12 , 14 and array 16 in a selected pattern relative to the BPH tissue site.
  • the switching of electrical signals between the individual electrodes 12 , 14 and array 16 can be accomplished by a variety of different means including but not limited to, manually, mechanically, electrically, with a circuit controlled by a programmed digital computer, and the like.
  • each individual electrode 12 , 14 and array 16 is individually controlled.
  • the pulses are applied for a duration and magnitude in order to permanently disrupt the cell membranes of cells at the BPH tissue site.
  • a ratio of electric current through cells at the BPH tissue site to voltage across the cells can be detected, and a magnitude of applied voltage to the BPH tissue site is then adjusted in accordance with changes in the ratio of current to voltage.
  • an onset of electroporation of cells at the BPH tissue site is detected by measuring the current.
  • monitoring the effects of electroporation on cell membranes of cells at the BPH tissue site are monitored. The monitoring can be preformed by image monitoring using ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, CT scan, and the like.
  • the monitoring is achieved using a monitoring electrode 18 .
  • the monitoring electrode 18 is a high impedance needle that can be utilized to prevent preferential current flow to a monitoring needle.
  • the high impedance needle is positioned adjacent to or in the BPH tissue site, at a critical location. This is similar in concept and positioning as that of placing a thermocouple as in a thermal monitoring.
  • a “test pulse” Prior to the full electroporation pulse being delivered a “test pulse” is delivered that is some fraction of the proposed full electroporation pulse, which can be, by way of illustration and without limitation, 10%, and the like. This test pulse is preferably in a range that does not cause irreversible electroporation.
  • the monitoring electrode 18 measures the test voltage at the location. The voltage measured is then extrapolated back to what would be seen by the monitoring electrode 18 during the full pulse, e.g., multiplied by 10 in one embodiment, because the relationship is linear). If monitoring for a potential complication at the BPH tissue site, a voltage extrapolation that falls under the known level of irreversible electroporation indicates that the BPH tissue site where monitoring is taking place is safe. If monitoring at that BPH tissue site for adequacy of electroporation, the extrapolation falls above the known level of voltage adequate for irreversible tissue electroporation.
  • the monitoring electrode 18 is integral to the bipolar electrode 14 placed either distal or proximal to the active bipolar electrodes 14 .
  • the monitoring electrode 18 is a fixed distance form the bipolar electrode 14 .
  • the monitoring electrode 18 is mounted on a sheath through which the bipolar electrode 14 is placed. The distance from the bipolar electrode 14 can then be varied and positioned based on imaging and the structure to be monitored, such as the rectal mucosa.
  • the monitoring electrode 18 is mounted on a biopsy guide through which the bipolar electrode 14 is placed. The moniroing electrode 18 is placed at the tip of the guide and rests against the rectal mucosa as the bipolar electrode 14 is placed.
  • the effects of electroporation on cell membranes of cells at the BPH tissue site can be detected by measuring the current flow.
  • the electroporation is performed in a controlled manner, with real time monitoring, to provide for controlled pore formation in cell membranes of cells at the BPH tissue site, to create a tissue effect in the cells at the BPH tissue site while preserving surrounding tissue, with monitoring of electrical impedance, and the like.
  • the electroporation can be performed in a controlled manner by controlling the intensity and duration of the applied voltage and with or without real time control. Additionally, the electroporation is performed in a manner to provide for modification and control of mass transfer across cell membranes. Performance of the electroporation in the controlled manner can be achieved by selection of a proper selection of voltage magnitude, proper selection of voltage application time, and the like.
  • the system 10 can include a control board 26 that functions to control temperature of the BPH tissue site.
  • the control board 26 receives its program from a controller.
  • Programming can be in computer languages such as C or BASIC (registered trade mark) if a personnel computer is used for a controller 28 or assembly language if a microprocessor is used for the controller 28 .
  • a user specified control of temperature can be programmed in the controller 28 .
  • the controller 28 can include a computer, a digital or analog processing apparatus, programmable logic array, a hardwired logic circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), or other suitable device.
  • the controller 28 includes a microprocessor accompanied by appropriate RAM and ROM modules, as desired.
  • the controller 28 can be coupled to a user interface 30 for exchanging data with a user. The user can operate the user interface 30 to input a desired pulsing pattern and corresponding temperature profile to be applied to the electrodes 12 , 14 and array 16 .
  • the user interface 30 can include an alphanumeric keypad, touch screen, computer mouse, push-buttons and/or toggle switches, or another suitable component to receive input from a human user.
  • the user interface 30 can also include a CRT screen, LED screen, LCD screen, liquid crystal display, printer, display panel, audio speaker, or another suitable component to convey data to a human user.
  • the control board 26 can function to receive controller input and can be driven by the voltage pulse generator 22 .
  • the voltage pulse generator 22 is configured to provide that each pulse is applied for a duration of about, 5 microseconds to about 62 seconds, 90 to 110 microseconds, 100 microseconds, and the like.
  • a variety of different number of pulses can be applied, including but not limited to, from about 1 to 15 pulses, about eight pulses of about 100 microseconds each in duration, and the like.
  • the pulses are applied to produce a voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 8000 volt/cm.
  • the BPH tissue site is monitored and the pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of, 100 degrees Celsius or less at the BPH tissue site, 75 degrees CELSIUS or less at the BPH tissue site, 60 degrees Celsius or less at the BPH tissue site, 50 degrees Celsius or less at the BPH tissue site, and the like.
  • the temperature is controlled in order to minimize the occurrence of a thermal effect to the BPH tissue site. These temperatures can be controlled by adjusting the current-to-voltage ratio based on temperature.
  • the system 10 is utilized to treat BPH with electroporation of cells at a BPH tissue site, creating cell necrosis in the BPH tissue site around the urethra.
  • the system 10 delivers electroporation pulses along the muscular fibers and nerves at the BPH tissue site and produces a volume of necrotic cells at the BPH tissue site around the urethra. Destruction of these nerves, that create an elevation in tension of the muscle fibers, is also achieved. The resulting necrotic tissue is removed by macrophages.
  • electroporation results in the removal of cells at the BPH tissue site, associated nerves, and the total volume of the BPH tissue site is reduced, causing a reduction in pressure on the urethra and a relaxation of the prostate.
  • the electroporation is controllably applied to spare urethral sphincters and other tissues in the prostate, as well as in adjacent tissues and organs.
  • First and second mono-polar electrodes 12 , or more, the bi-polar electrode 14 or the array 16 of electrodes are introduced through the rectal wall, the peritoneum or the urethra of the patient.
  • the electroporation is positioned and monitored by image monitoring with ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, CT scan, and the like, or with a monitoring electrode 18 .
  • Each of the electrodes 12 , 14 or array 16 can have insulated portions and is connected to the voltage pulse generator 22 .
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged.
  • Two bi-polar electrodes 12 with sharpened distal ends, are introduced into in the BPH tissue site through the rectal wall of the patient.
  • the area of the BPH tissue site to be ablated is positioned between the two electrodes. Imaging is used to confirm that the mono-polar electrodes are properly placed.
  • the two mono-polar electrodes are separated by a distance of 5 mm to 10 cm at various locations of the BPH tissue site.
  • Pulses are applied with a duration of 5 microseconds to about 62 seconds each.
  • Monitoring is preformed using ultrasound.
  • the BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 100 degrees Celsius.
  • a voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 1000 volt/cm is created.
  • a volume of the BPH tissue site of about 1 cm by 0.5 cm undergoes cell necrosis.
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged.
  • Two mono-polar electrodes 12 are introduced into in the BPH tissue site through the urethra of the patient.
  • the area of the BPH tissue site to be ablated is positioned between the two mono-polar electrodes 12 .
  • Imaging is used to confirm that the electrodes are properly placed.
  • the two mono-polar electrodes 12 are separated by a distance of 5 mm to 10 cm at various locations of the BPH tissue site.
  • Pulses are applied with a duration of about 90 to 110 microseconds each.
  • Monitoring is performed using a CT scan.
  • the BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 75 degrees Celsius.
  • a voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 5000 volt/cm is created.
  • the BPH tissue site undergoes cell necrosis.
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged.
  • the array 16 of electrodes are introduced into in the BPH tissue site through the peritoneum of the patient.
  • the array 16 of electrodes is positioned in a surrounding relationship to the BPH. Imaging is used to confirm that the electrodes are properly placed.
  • Pulses are applied with a duration of about 100 microseconds each.
  • a monitoring electrode 18 is utilized. Prior to the full electroporation pulse being delivered a test pulse is delivered that is about 10% of the proposed full electroporation pulse. The test pulse does not cause irreversible electroporation.
  • the BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 60 degrees Celsius.
  • a voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 8000 volt/cm is created. The BPH tissue site undergoes cell necrosis.
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged.
  • a single bi-polar electrode 14 with a sharpened distal end, is introduced into the BPH tissue site through the rectal wall of the patient.
  • a monitoring electrode 18 is placed at a tip of a biopsy guide and rests against the rectal mucosa when the bipolar electrode 14 is placed. Imaging is used to confirm that the bi-polar electrode 14 is properly placed.
  • Pulses are applied with a duration of 5 microseconds to about 62 seconds each. Monitoring is preformed using ultrasound.
  • the BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 100 degrees Celsius.
  • a voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 1000 volt/cm is created.
  • the BPH tissue site undergoes cell necrosis.
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged.
  • a array 16 of electrodes is introduced into the BPH tissue site through the rectal wall of the patient, and are positioned around the BPH tissue site. Imaging is used to confirm that the array 16 of electrodes is properly placed.
  • Pulses are applied with a duration of about 90 to 110 microseconds each. Monitoring is performed using a CT scan. The BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 75 degrees Celsius.
  • a voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 5000 volt/cm is created. The BPH tissue site undergoes cell necrosis.
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged.
  • the array 16 of electrodes is introduced into the BPH tissue site through the peritoneum of the patient, and positioned in a surrounding relationship to the BPH tissue site. Imaging is used to confirm that the array 16 of electrodes is properly placed.
  • Pulses are applied with a duration of about 100 microseconds each.
  • a monitoring electrode 18 is utilized. Prior to the full electroporation pulse being delivered a test pulse is delivered that is about 10% of the proposed full electroporation pulse. The test pulse does not cause irreversible electroporation.
  • the BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 60 degrees Celsius.
  • a voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 8000 volt/cm is created. The BPH tissue site undergoes cell necrosis.

Abstract

A system for treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) of a prostate. At least first and second mono-polar electrodes are configured to be introduced at or near a BPH tissue site of the prostate gland of the patient. A voltage pulse generator is coupled to the first and second mono-polar electrodes. The voltage pulse generator is configured to apply sufficient electrical pulses between the first and second mono-polar electrodes to induce electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site, to create necrosis of cells of the BPH tissue site, but insufficient to create a thermal damaging effect to a majority of the BPH tissue site.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/166,974, filed Jun. 24, 2005, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. Ser. Nos. 11/165,881, 11/165,908 and 11/165,961 all of which were filed on Jun. 24, 2005 and all of which applications are fully incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates generally to electroporation, and more particularly to systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites of a patient using electroporation.
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
  • Electroporation is defined as the phenomenon that makes cell membranes permeable by exposing them to certain electric pulses (Weaver, J. C. and Y. A. Chizmadzhev, Theory of electroporation: a review. Bioelectrochem. Bioenerg., 1996. 41: p. 135-60). The permeabilization of the membrane can be reversible or irreversible as a function of the electrical parameters used. In reversible electroporation the cell membrane reseals a certain time after the pulses cease and the cell survives. In irreversible electroporation the cell membrane does not reseal and the cell lyses. (Dev, S. B., Rabussay, D. P., Widera, G., Hofmann, G. A., Medical applications of electroporation, IEEE Transactions of Plasma Science, Vol 28 No 1, February 2000, pp 206-223).
  • Dielectric breakdown of the cell membrane due to an induced electric field, irreversible electroporation, was first observed in the early 1970s (Neumann, E. and K. Rosenheck, Permeability changes induced by electric impulses in vesicular membranes. J. Membrane Biol., 1972. 10: p. 279-290; Crowley, J. M., Electrical breakdown of biomolecular lipid membranes as an electromechanical instability. Biophysical Journal, 1973. 13: p. 711-724; Zimmermann, U., J. Vienken, and G. Pilwat, Dielectric breakdown of cell membranes,. Biophysical Journal, 1974. 14(11): p. 881-899). The ability of the membrane to reseal, reversible electroporation, was discovered separately during the late 1970s (Kinosita Jr, K. and T. Y. Tsong, Hemolysis of human erythrocytes by a transient electric field. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1977. 74(5): p. 1923-1927; Baker, P. F. and D. E. Knight, Calcium-dependent exocytosis in bovine adrenal medullary cells with leaky plasma membranes. Nature, 1978. 276: p. 620-622; Gauger, B. and F. W. Bentrup, A Study of Dielectric Membrane Breakdown in the Fucus Egg,. J. Membrane Biol., 1979. 48(3): p. 249-264).
  • The mechanism of electroporation is not yet fully understood. It is thought that the electrical field changes the electrochemical potential around a cell membrane and induces instabilities in the polarized cell membrane lipid bilayer. The unstable membrane then alters its shape forming aqueous pathways that possibly are nano-scale pores through the membrane, hence the term “electroporation” (Chang, D. C., et al., Guide to Electroporation and Electrofusion. 1992, San Diego, Calif.: Academic Press, Inc.). Mass transfer can now occur through these channels under electrochemical control. Whatever the mechanism through which the cell membrane becomes permeabilized, electroporation has become an important method for enhanced mass transfer across the cell membrane.
  • The first important application of the cell membrane permeabilizing properties of electroporation is due to Neumann (Neumann, E., et al., Gene transfer into mouse lyoma cells by electroporation in high electric fields. J. EMBO, 1982. 1: p. 841-5). He has shown that by applying reversible electroporation to cells it is possible to sufficiently permeabilize the cell membrane so that genes, which are macromolecules that normally are too large to enter cells, can after electroporation enter the cell. Using reversible electroporation electrical parameters is crucial to the success of the procedure, since the goal of the procedure is to have a viable cell that incorporates the gene.
  • Following this discovery electroporation became commonly used to reversible permeabilize the cell membrane for various applications in medicine and biotechnology to introduce into cells or to extract from cells chemical species that normally do not pass, or have difficulty passing across the cell membrane, from small molecules such as fluorescent dyes, drugs and radioactive tracers to high molecular weight molecules such as antibodies, enzymes, nucleic acids, HMW dextrans and DNA.
  • Following work on cells outside the body, reversible electroporation began to be used for permeabilization of cells in tissue. Heller, R., R. Gilbert, and M. J. Jaroszeski, Clinical applications of electrochemotherapy. Advanced drug delivery reviews, 1999. 35: p. 119-129. Tissue electroporation is now becoming an increasingly popular minimally invasive surgical technique for introducing small drugs and macromolecules into cells in specific areas of the body. This technique is accomplished by injecting drugs or macromolecules into the affected area and placing electrodes into or around the targeted tissue to generate reversible permeabilizing electric field in the tissue, thereby introducing the drugs or macromolecules into the cells of the affected area (Mir, L. M., Therapeutic perspectives of in vivo cell electropermeabilization. Bioelectrochemistry, 2001. 53: p. 1-10).
  • The use of electroporation to ablate undesirable tissue was introduced by Okino and Mohri in 1987 and Mir et al. in 1991. They have recognized that there are drugs for treatment of cancer, such as bleomycin and cys-platinum, which are very effective in ablation of cancer cells but have difficulties penetrating the cell membrane. Furthermore, some of these drugs, such as bleomycin, have the ability to selectively affect cancerous cells which reproduce without affecting normal cells that do not reproduce. Okino and Mori and Mir et al. separately discovered that combining the electric pulses with an impermeant anticancer drug greatly enhanced the effectiveness of the treatment with that drug (Okino, M. and H. Mohri, Effects of a high-voltage electrical impulse and an anticancer drug on in vivo growing tumors. Japanese Journal of Cancer Research, 1987. 78(12): p. 1319-21; Mir, L. M., et al., Electrochemotherapy potentiation of antitumour effect of bleomycin by local electric pulses. European Journal of Cancer, 1991. 27: p. 68-72). Mir et al. soon followed with clinical trials that have shown promising results and coined the treatment electrochemotherapy (Mir, L. M., et al., Electrochemotherapy, a novel antitumor treatment: first clinical trial. C. R. Acad. Sci., 1991. Ser. III 313(613-8)).
  • Currently, the primary therapeutic in vivo applications of electroporation are antitumor electrochemotherapy (ECT), which combines a cytotoxic nonpermeant drug with permeabilizing electric pulses and electrogenetherapy (EGT) as a form of non-viral gene therapy, and transdermal drug delivery (Mir, L. M., Therapeutic perspectives of in vivo cell electropermeabilization. Bioelectrochemistry, 2001. 53: p. 1-10). The studies on electrochemotherapy and electrogenetherapy have been recently summarized in several publications (Jaroszeski, M. J., et al., In vivo gene delivery by electroporation. Advanced applications of electrochemistry, 1999. 35: p. 131-137; Heller, R., R. Gilbert, and M. J. Jaroszeski, Clinical applications of electrochemotherapy. Advanced drug delivery reviews, 1999. 35: p. 119-129; Mir, L. M., Therapeutic perspectives of in vivo cell electropermeabilization. Bioelectrochemistry, 2001. 53: p. 1-10; Davalos, R. V., Real Time Imaging for Molecular Medicine through electrical Impedance Tomography of Electroporation, in Mechanical Engineering. 2002, University of California at Berkeley: Berkeley. p. 237). A recent article summarized the results from clinical trials performed in five cancer research centers. Basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, adenocarcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were treated for a total of 291 tumors (Mir, L. M., et al., Effective treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous malignant tumours by electrochemotherapy. British journal of Cancer, 1998. 77(12): p. 2336-2342).
  • Electrochemotherapy is a promising minimally invasive surgical technique to locally ablate tissue and treat tumors regardless of their histological type with minimal adverse side effects and a high response rate (Dev, S. B., et al., Medical Applications of Electroporation. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, 2000. 28(1): p. 206-223; Heller, R., R. Gilbert, and M. J. Jaroszeski, Clinical applications of electrochemotherapy. Advanced drug delivery reviews, 1999. 35: p. 119-129). Electrochemotherapy, which is performed through the insertion of electrodes into the undesirable tissue, the injection of cytotoxic dugs in the tissue and the application of reversible electroporation parameters, benefits from the ease of application of both high temperature treatment therapies and non-selective chemical therapies and results in outcomes comparable of both high temperature therapies and non-selective chemical therapies.
  • Irreversible electroporation, the application of electrical pulses which induce irreversible electroporation in cells is also considered for tissue ablation (Davalos, R. V., Real Time Imaging for Molecular Medicine through electrical Impedance Tomography of Electroporation, in Mechanical Engineering. 2002, PhD Thesis, University of California at Berkeley: Berkeley, Davalos, R., L. Mir, Rubinsky B., “Tissue ablation with irreversible electroporation” in print February 2005 Annals of Biomedical Eng,). Irreversible electroporation has the potential for becoming and important minimally invasive surgical technique. However, when used deep in the body, as opposed to the outer surface or in the vicinity of the outer surface of the body, it has a drawback that is typical to all minimally invasive surgical techniques that occur deep in the body, it cannot be closely monitored and controlled. In order for irreversible electroporation to become a routine technique in tissue ablation, it needs to be controllable with immediate feedback. This is necessary to ensure that the targeted areas have been appropriately treated without affecting the surrounding tissue. This invention provides a solution to this problem in the form of medical imaging.
  • Medical imaging has become an essential aspect of minimally and non-invasive surgery since it was introduced in the early 1980s by the group of Onik and Rubinsky (G. Onik, C. Cooper, H. I. Goldenberg, A. A. Moss, B. Rubinsky, and M. Christianson, “Ultrasonic Characteristics of Frozen Liver,” Cryobiology, 21, pp. 321-328, 1984, J. C. Gilbert, G. M. Onik, W. Haddick, and B. Rubinsky, “The Use of Ultrasound Imaging for Monitoring Cryosurgery,” Proceedings 6th Annual Conference, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology, 107-112, 1984 G. Onik, J. Gilbert, W. K. Haddick, R. A. Filly, P. W. Collen, B. Rubinsky, and L. Farrel, “Sonographic Monitoring of Hepatic Cryosurgery, Experimental Animal Model,” American J. of Roentgenology, May 1985, pp. 1043-1047.) Medical imaging involves the production of a map of various physical properties of tissue, which the imaging technique uses to generate a distribution. For example, in using x-rays a map of the x-ray absorption characteristics of various tissues is produced, in ultrasound a map of the pressure wave reflection characteristics of the tissue is produced, in magnetic resonance imaging a map of proton density is produced, in light imaging a map of either photon scattering or absorption characteristics of tissue is produced, in electrical impedance tomography or induction impedance tomography or microwave tomography a map of electrical impedance is produced.
  • Minimally invasive surgery involves causing desirable changes in tissue, by minimally invasive means. Often minimally invasive surgery is used for the ablation of certain undesirable tissues by various means. For instance in cryosurgery the undesirable tissue is frozen, in radio-frequency ablation, focused ultrasound, electrical and micro-waves hyperthermia tissue is heated, in alcohol ablation proteins are denaturized, in laser ablation photons are delivered to elevate the energy of electrons. In order for imaging to detect and monitor the effects of minimally invasive surgery, these should produce changes in the physical properties that the imaging technique monitors.
  • The formation of nanopores in the cell membrane has the effect of changing the electrical impedance properties of the cell (Huang, Y, Rubinsky, B., “Micro-electroporation: improving the efficiency and understanding of electrical permeabilization of cells” Biomedical Microdevices, Vo 3, 145-150, 2000. (Discussed in “Nature Biotechnology” Vol 18. pp 368, April 2000), B. Rubinsky, Y Huang. “Controlled electroporation and mass transfer across cell membranes U.S. Pat. No. 6,300,108, Oct. 9, 2001).
  • Thereafter, electrical impedance tomography was developed, which is an imaging technique that maps the electrical properties of tissue. This concept was proven with experimental and analytical studies (Davalos, R. V., Rubinsky, B., Otten, D. M., “A feasibility study for electrical impedance tomography as a means to monitor tissue electroporation in molecular medicine” IEEE Trans of Biomedical Engineering. Vol. 49, No. 4 pp 400-404, 2002, B. Rubinsky, Y. Huang. “Electrical Impedance Tomography to control electroporation” U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,671, May 14, 2002.)
  • There is a need for improved systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide improved systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide systems and method for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation using sufficient electrical pulses to induce electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site, without creating a thermal damage effect to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation with real time monitoring.
  • A further object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation where the electroporation is performed in a controlled manner with monitoring of electrical impedance.
  • Still a further object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation that is performed in a controlled manner, with controlled intensity and duration of voltage.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation that is performed in a controlled manner, with a proper selection of voltage magnitude.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation that is performed in a controlled manner, with a proper selection of voltage application time.
  • A further object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation, and a monitoring electrode configured to measure a test voltage delivered to cells in the BPH tissue site and remote sites such as the rectum and the urethra.
  • Still a further object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation that is performed in a controlled manner to provide for controlled pore formation in cell membranes.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation that is performed in a controlled manner to create a tissue effect in the cells at the BPH tissue site while preserving surrounding tissue.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation, and detecting an onset of electroporation of cells at the BPH tissue site.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation where the electroporation is performed in a manner for modification and control of mass transfer across cell membranes.
  • A further object of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for treating BPH tissue sites using electroporation, and an array of electrodes that creates a boundary around the BPH tissue site to produce a volumetric cell necrosis region.
  • These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in, a system for treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) of a prostate. At least first and second mono-polar electrodes are configured to be introduced at or near a BPH tissue site of the prostate gland of the patient. A voltage pulse generator is coupled to the first and second mono-polar electrodes. The voltage pulse generator is configured to apply sufficient electrical pulses between the first and second mono-polar electrodes to induce electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site, to create necrosis of cells of the BPH tissue site, but insufficient to create a thermal damaging effect to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for treating BPH of a prostate is provided. A bipolar electrode is configured to be introduced at or near a BPH tissue site of the prostate gland of the patient. A voltage pulse generator is coupled to the bipolar electrode. The voltage pulse generator is configured to apply sufficient electrical pulses to the bipolar electrode to induce electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site, to create necrosis of cells of the BPH tissue site, but insufficient to create a thermal damaging effect to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for treating BPH of a prostate. At least first and second mono-polar electrodes are introduced to a BPH tissue site of a patient. The at least first and second mono-polar electrodes are positioned at or near the BPH tissue site. An electric field is applied in a controlled manner to the BPH tissue site. The electric field is sufficient to produce electroporation of cells at the BPH tissue site, and below an amount that causes thermal damage to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for treating BPH of a prostate. A bipolar electrode is introduced to a BPH tissue site of a patient. The bipolar electrode is positioned at or near the BPH tissue site. An electric field is applied in a controlled manner to the BPH tissue site. The electric field is sufficient to produce electroporation of cells at the BPH tissue site, and below an amount that causes thermal damage to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram for one embodiment of a electroporation system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2( a) illustrates an embodiment of the present invention with two mono-polar electrodes that can be utilized for electroporation with the FIG. 1 system.
  • FIG. 2( b) illustrates an embodiment of the present invention with three mono-polar electrodes that can be utilized for electroporation with the FIG. 1 system.
  • FIG. 2( c) illustrates an embodiment of the present invention with a single bi-polar electrode that can be utilized for electroporation with the FIG. 1 system.
  • FIG. 2( d) illustrates an embodiment of the present invention with an array of electrodes coupled to a template that can be utilized for electroporation with the FIG. 1 system.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention with an array of electrodes positioned around a BPH tissue site, creating a boundary around the BPH tissue site to produce a volumetric cell necrosis region.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions
  • The term “reversible electroporation” encompasses permeabilization of a cell membrane through the application of electrical pulses across the cell. In “reversible electroporation” the permeabilization of the cell membrane ceases after the application of the pulse and the cell membrane permeability reverts to normal or at least to a level such that the cell is viable. Thus, the cell survives “reversible electroporation.” It may be used as a means for introducing chemicals, DNA, or other materials into cells.
  • The term “irreversible electroporation” also encompasses the permeabilization of a cell membrane through the application of electrical pulses across the cell. However, in “irreversible electroporation” the permeabilization of the cell membrane does not cease after the application of the pulse and the cell membrane permeability does not revert to normal and as such cell is not viable. Thus, the cell does not survive “irreversible electroporation” and the cell death is caused by the disruption of the cell membrane and not merely by internal perturbation of cellular components. Openings in the cell membrane are created and/or expanded in size resulting in a fatal disruption in the normal controlled flow of material across the cell membrane. The cell membrane is highly specialized in its ability to regulate what leaves and enters the cell. Irreversible electroporation destroys that ability to regulate in a manner such that the cell can not compensate and as such the cell dies.
  • “Ultrasound” is a method used to image tissue in which pressure waves are sent into the tissue using a piezoelectric crystal. The resulting returning waves caused by tissue reflection are transformed into an image.
  • “MRI” is an imaging modality that uses the perturbation of hydrogen molecules caused by a radio pulse to create an image.
  • “CT” is an imaging modality that uses the attenuation of an x-ray beam to create an image.
  • “Light imaging” is an imaging method in which electromagnetic waves with frequencies in the range of visible to far infrared are send into tissue and the tissue's reflection and/or absorption characteristics are reconstructed.
  • “Electrical impedance tomography” is an imaging technique in which a tissue's electrical impedance characteristics are reconstructed by applying a current across the tissue and measuring electrical currents and potentials
  • In accordance with the present invention specific imaging technologies used in the field of medicine are used to create images of tissue affected by electroporation pulses. The images are created during the process of carrying out irreversible electroporation and are used to focus the electroporation on tissue to be ablated and to avoid ablating tissue such as nerves. The process of the invention may be carried out by placing electrodes, such as a needle electrode in the imaging path of an imaging device. When the electrodes are activated the image device creates an image of tissue being subjected to electroporation. The effectiveness and extent of the electroporation over a given area of tissue can be determined in real time using the imaging technology.
  • Reversible electroporation requires electrical parameters in a precise range of values that induce only reversible electroporation. To accomplish this precise and relatively narrow range of values (between the onset of electroporation and the onset of irreversible electroporation) when reversible electroporation devices are designed they are designed to generally operate in pairs or in a precisely controlled configuration that allows delivery of these precise pulses limited by certain upper and lower values. In contrast, in irreversible electroporation the limit is more focused on the lower value of the pulse which should be high enough to induce irreversible electroporation.
  • Higher values can be used provided they do not induce thermal damage. Therefore the design principles are such that no matter how many electrodes are use the only constrain is that the electrical parameters between the most distant ones be at least the value of irreversible electroporation. If within the electroporated regions and within electrodes there are higher gradients this does not diminish the effectiveness of the probe. From these principles we can use a very effective design in which any irregular region to be ablated can be treated by surrounding the region with ground electrodes and providing the electrical pulses from a central electrode. The use of the ground electrodes around the treated area has another potential value—it protects the tissue outside the area that is intended to be treated from electrical currents and is an important safety measure. In principle, to further protect an area of tissue from stray currents it would be possible to put two layers of ground electrodes around the area to be ablated. It should be emphasized that the electrodes can be infinitely long and can also be curves to better hug the undesirable area to be ablated.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, methods are provided to apply an electrical pulse or pulses to BPH tissue sites. The pulses are applied between electrodes and are applied in numbers with currents so as to result in irreversible electroporation of the cells without damaging surrounding cells. Energy waves are emitted from an imaging device such that the energy waves of the imaging device pass through the area positioned between the electrodes and the irreversible electroporation of the cells effects the energy waves of the imaging device in a manner so as to create an image.
  • Typical values for pulse length for irreversible electroporation are in a range of from about 5 microseconds to about 62,000 milliseconds or about 75 microseconds to about 20,000 milliseconds or about 100 microseconds.+−0.10 microseconds. This is significantly longer than the pulse length generally used in intracellular (nano-seconds) electro-manipulation which is 1 microsecond or less—see published U.S. application 2002/0010491 published Jan. 24, 2002. Pulse lengths can be adjusted based on the real time imaging.
  • The pulse is at voltage of about 100 V/cm to 7,000 V/cm or 200 V/cm to 2000 V/cm or 300V/cm to 1000 V/cm about 600 V/cm.+−0.10% for irreversible electroporation. This is substantially lower than that used for intracellular electro-manipulation which is about 10,000 V/cm, see U.S. application 2002/0010491 published Jan. 24, 2002. The voltage can be adjusted alone or with the pulse length based on real time imaging information.
  • The voltage expressed above is the voltage gradient (voltage per centimeter). The electrodes may be different shapes and sizes and be positioned at different distances from each other. The shape may be circular, oval, square, rectangular or irregular etc. The distance of one electrode to another may be 0.5 to 10 cm., 1 to 5 cm., or 2-3 cm. The electrode may have a surface area of 0.1-5 sq. cm. or 1-2 sq. cm.
  • The size, shape and distances of the electrodes can vary and such can change the voltage and pulse duration used and can be adjusted based on imaging information. Those skilled in the art will adjust the parameters in accordance with this disclosure and imaging to obtain the desired degree of electroporation and avoid thermal damage to surrounding cells.
  • Thermal effects require electrical pulses that are substantially longer from those used in irreversible electroporation (Davalos, R. V., B. Rubinsky, and L. M. Mir, Theoretical analysis of the thermal effects during in vivo tissue electroporation. Bioelectrochemistry, 2003. Vol 61(1-2): p. 99-107). When using irreversible electroporation for tissue ablation, there may be concern that the irreversible electroporation pulses will be as large as to cause thermal damaging effects to the surrounding tissue and the extent of the BPH tissue site ablated by irreversible electroporation will not be significant relative to that ablated by thermal effects. Under such circumstances irreversible electroporation could not be considered as an effective BPH tissue site ablation modality as it will act in superposition with thermal ablation. To a degree, this problem is addressed via the present invention using imaging technology.
  • In one aspect of the invention the imaging device is any medical imaging device including ultrasound, X-ray technologies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), light imaging, electrical impedance tomography, electrical induction impedance tomography and microwave tomography. It is possible to use combinations of different imaging technologies at different points in the process.
  • For example, one type of imaging technology can be used to precisely locate a BPH tissue site, a second type of imaging technology can be used to confirm the placement of electrodes relative to the BPH tissue site. And yet another type of imaging technology could be used to create images of the currents of irreversible electroporation in real time. Thus, for example, MRI technology could be used to precisely locate the BPH tissue site. Electrodes could be placed and identified as being well positioned using X-ray imaging technologies. Current could be applied to carry out irreversible electroporation while using ultrasound technology to determine the extent of BPH tissue site effected by the electroporation pulses. It has been found that within the resolution of calculations and imaging the extent of the image created on ultrasound corresponds to an area calculated to be irreversibly electroporated. Within the resolution of histology the image created by the ultrasound image corresponds to the extent of BPH tissue site ablated as examined histologically.
  • Because the effectiveness of the irreversible electroporation can be immediately verified with the imaging it is possible to limit the amount of unwanted damage to surrounding tissues and limit the amount of electroporation that is carried out. Further, by using the imaging technology it is possible to reposition the electrodes during the process. The electrode repositioning may be carried out once, twice or a plurality of times as needed in order to obtain the desired degree of irreversible electroporation on the desired BPH tissue site.
  • In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method may be carried out which comprises several steps. In a first step an area of BPH tissue site to be treated by irreversible electroporation is imaged. Electrodes are then placed in the BPH tissue site with the BPH tissue site to be ablated being positioned between the electrodes. Imaging can also be carried out at this point to confirm that the electrodes are properly placed. After the electrodes are properly placed pulses of current are run between the two electrodes and the pulsing current is designed so as to minimize damage to surrounding tissue and achieve the desired irreversible electroporation of the BPH tissue site. While the irreversible electroporation is being carried out imaging technology is used and that imaging technology images the irreversible electroporation occurring in real time. While this is occurring the amount of current and number of pulses may be adjusted so as to achieve the desired degree of electroporation. Further, one or more of the electrodes may be repositioned so as to make it possible to target the irreversible electroporation and ablate the desired BPH tissue site.
  • Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention provides a system, generally denoted as 10, for treating a BPH tissue site of a patient.
  • Two or more monopolar electrodes 12, one or more bipolar electrodes 14 or an array 16 of electrodes can be utilized, as illustrated in FIGS. 2( a)-2(d). In one embodiment, at least first and second monopolar electrodes 12 are configured to be introduced at or near the BPH tissue site of the patient. It will be appreciated that three or more monopolar electrodes 12 can be utilized. The array 16 of electrodes is configured to be in a substantially surrounding relationship to the BPH tissue site. The array 16 of electrodes can employ a template 17 to position and/or retain each of the electrodes. Template 17 can maintain a geometry of the array 16 of electrodes. Electrode placement and depth can be determined by the physician. The monopolar and bi-polar electrodes 12 and 14, and the array 16 of electrodes can be introduced through, the rectal wall, the peritoneum, urethra and the like.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, the array 16 of electrodes creates a boundary around the BPH tissue site to produce a volumetric cell necrosis region. Essentially, the array 16 of electrodes makes a treatment area the extends from the array 16 of electrodes, and extends in an inward direction. The array 16 of electrodes can have a pre-determined geometry, and each of the associated electrodes can be deployed individually or simultaneously at the BPH tissue site either percutaneously, or planted in-situ in the patient.
  • In one embodiment, the monopolar electrodes 12 are separated by a distance of about 5 mm to 10 cm and they have a circular cross-sectional geometry. One or more additional probes 18 can be provided, including monitoring probes, an aspiration probe such as one used for liposuction, fluid introduction probes, and the like. Each bipolar electrode 14 can have multiple electrode bands 20. The spacing and the thickness of the electrode bands 20 is selected to optimize the shape of the electric field. In one embodiment, the spacing is about 1 mm to 5 cm typically, and the thickness of the electrode bands 20 can be from 0.5 mm to 5 cm.
  • Referring again to FIG. 1, a voltage pulse generator 22 is coupled to the electrodes 12, 14 and the array 16. The voltage pulse generator 22 is configured to apply sufficient electrical pulses between the first and second monopolar electrodes 12, bi-polar electrode 14 and array 16 to induce electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site, and create necrosis of cells of the BPH tissue site. However, the applied electrical pulses are insufficient to create a thermal damaging effect to a majority of the BPH tissue site.
  • The electrodes 12, 14 and array 16 are each connected through cables to the voltage pulse generator 22. A switching device 24 can be included. The switching device 24, with software, provides for simultaneous or individual activation of multiple electrodes 12, 14 and array 16. The switching device 24 is coupled to the voltage pulse generator 22. In one embodiment, means are provided for individually activating the electrodes 12, 14 and array 16 in order to produce electric fields that are produced between pre-selected electrodes 12, 14 and array 16 in a selected pattern relative to the BPH tissue site. The switching of electrical signals between the individual electrodes 12, 14 and array 16 can be accomplished by a variety of different means including but not limited to, manually, mechanically, electrically, with a circuit controlled by a programmed digital computer, and the like. In one embodiment, each individual electrode 12, 14 and array 16 is individually controlled.
  • The pulses are applied for a duration and magnitude in order to permanently disrupt the cell membranes of cells at the BPH tissue site. A ratio of electric current through cells at the BPH tissue site to voltage across the cells can be detected, and a magnitude of applied voltage to the BPH tissue site is then adjusted in accordance with changes in the ratio of current to voltage.
  • In one embodiment, an onset of electroporation of cells at the BPH tissue site is detected by measuring the current. In another embodiment, monitoring the effects of electroporation on cell membranes of cells at the BPH tissue site are monitored. The monitoring can be preformed by image monitoring using ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, CT scan, and the like.
  • In other embodiments, the monitoring is achieved using a monitoring electrode 18. In one embodiment, the monitoring electrode 18 is a high impedance needle that can be utilized to prevent preferential current flow to a monitoring needle. The high impedance needle is positioned adjacent to or in the BPH tissue site, at a critical location. This is similar in concept and positioning as that of placing a thermocouple as in a thermal monitoring. Prior to the full electroporation pulse being delivered a “test pulse” is delivered that is some fraction of the proposed full electroporation pulse, which can be, by way of illustration and without limitation, 10%, and the like. This test pulse is preferably in a range that does not cause irreversible electroporation.
  • The monitoring electrode 18 measures the test voltage at the location. The voltage measured is then extrapolated back to what would be seen by the monitoring electrode 18 during the full pulse, e.g., multiplied by 10 in one embodiment, because the relationship is linear). If monitoring for a potential complication at the BPH tissue site, a voltage extrapolation that falls under the known level of irreversible electroporation indicates that the BPH tissue site where monitoring is taking place is safe. If monitoring at that BPH tissue site for adequacy of electroporation, the extrapolation falls above the known level of voltage adequate for irreversible tissue electroporation.
  • In one embodiment in which the bipolar electrode 14 is placed transrectally the monitoring electrode 18 is integral to the bipolar electrode 14 placed either distal or proximal to the active bipolar electrodes 14. The monitoring electrode 18 is a fixed distance form the bipolar electrode 14. In another embodiment the monitoring electrode 18 is mounted on a sheath through which the bipolar electrode 14 is placed. The distance from the bipolar electrode 14 can then be varied and positioned based on imaging and the structure to be monitored, such as the rectal mucosa. In another embodiment the monitoring electrode 18 is mounted on a biopsy guide through which the bipolar electrode 14 is placed. The moniroing electrode 18 is placed at the tip of the guide and rests against the rectal mucosa as the bipolar electrode 14 is placed.
  • The effects of electroporation on cell membranes of cells at the BPH tissue site can be detected by measuring the current flow.
  • In various embodiments, the electroporation is performed in a controlled manner, with real time monitoring, to provide for controlled pore formation in cell membranes of cells at the BPH tissue site, to create a tissue effect in the cells at the BPH tissue site while preserving surrounding tissue, with monitoring of electrical impedance, and the like.
  • The electroporation can be performed in a controlled manner by controlling the intensity and duration of the applied voltage and with or without real time control. Additionally, the electroporation is performed in a manner to provide for modification and control of mass transfer across cell membranes. Performance of the electroporation in the controlled manner can be achieved by selection of a proper selection of voltage magnitude, proper selection of voltage application time, and the like.
  • The system 10 can include a control board 26 that functions to control temperature of the BPH tissue site. In one embodiment of the present invention, the control board 26 receives its program from a controller. Programming can be in computer languages such as C or BASIC (registered trade mark) if a personnel computer is used for a controller 28 or assembly language if a microprocessor is used for the controller 28. A user specified control of temperature can be programmed in the controller 28.
  • The controller 28 can include a computer, a digital or analog processing apparatus, programmable logic array, a hardwired logic circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), or other suitable device. In one embodiment, the controller 28 includes a microprocessor accompanied by appropriate RAM and ROM modules, as desired. The controller 28 can be coupled to a user interface 30 for exchanging data with a user. The user can operate the user interface 30 to input a desired pulsing pattern and corresponding temperature profile to be applied to the electrodes 12, 14 and array 16.
  • By way of illustration, the user interface 30 can include an alphanumeric keypad, touch screen, computer mouse, push-buttons and/or toggle switches, or another suitable component to receive input from a human user. The user interface 30 can also include a CRT screen, LED screen, LCD screen, liquid crystal display, printer, display panel, audio speaker, or another suitable component to convey data to a human user. The control board 26 can function to receive controller input and can be driven by the voltage pulse generator 22.
  • In various embodiments, the voltage pulse generator 22 is configured to provide that each pulse is applied for a duration of about, 5 microseconds to about 62 seconds, 90 to 110 microseconds, 100 microseconds, and the like. A variety of different number of pulses can be applied, including but not limited to, from about 1 to 15 pulses, about eight pulses of about 100 microseconds each in duration, and the like. In one embodiment, the pulses are applied to produce a voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 8000 volt/cm.
  • In various embodiments, the BPH tissue site is monitored and the pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of, 100 degrees Celsius or less at the BPH tissue site, 75 degrees CELSIUS or less at the BPH tissue site, 60 degrees Celsius or less at the BPH tissue site, 50 degrees Celsius or less at the BPH tissue site, and the like. The temperature is controlled in order to minimize the occurrence of a thermal effect to the BPH tissue site. These temperatures can be controlled by adjusting the current-to-voltage ratio based on temperature.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, the system 10 is utilized to treat BPH with electroporation of cells at a BPH tissue site, creating cell necrosis in the BPH tissue site around the urethra. The system 10 delivers electroporation pulses along the muscular fibers and nerves at the BPH tissue site and produces a volume of necrotic cells at the BPH tissue site around the urethra. Destruction of these nerves, that create an elevation in tension of the muscle fibers, is also achieved. The resulting necrotic tissue is removed by macrophages. The use of electroporation with the present invention results in the removal of cells at the BPH tissue site, associated nerves, and the total volume of the BPH tissue site is reduced, causing a reduction in pressure on the urethra and a relaxation of the prostate. The electroporation is controllably applied to spare urethral sphincters and other tissues in the prostate, as well as in adjacent tissues and organs.
  • First and second mono-polar electrodes 12, or more, the bi-polar electrode 14 or the array 16 of electrodes are introduced through the rectal wall, the peritoneum or the urethra of the patient. The electroporation is positioned and monitored by image monitoring with ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, CT scan, and the like, or with a monitoring electrode 18. Each of the electrodes 12, 14 or array 16 can have insulated portions and is connected to the voltage pulse generator 22.
  • EXAMPLE 1
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged. Two bi-polar electrodes 12, with sharpened distal ends, are introduced into in the BPH tissue site through the rectal wall of the patient. The area of the BPH tissue site to be ablated is positioned between the two electrodes. Imaging is used to confirm that the mono-polar electrodes are properly placed. The two mono-polar electrodes are separated by a distance of 5 mm to 10 cm at various locations of the BPH tissue site. Pulses are applied with a duration of 5 microseconds to about 62 seconds each. Monitoring is preformed using ultrasound. The BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 100 degrees Celsius. A voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 1000 volt/cm is created. A volume of the BPH tissue site of about 1 cm by 0.5 cm undergoes cell necrosis.
  • EXAMPLE 2
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged. Two mono-polar electrodes 12, are introduced into in the BPH tissue site through the urethra of the patient. The area of the BPH tissue site to be ablated is positioned between the two mono-polar electrodes 12. Imaging is used to confirm that the electrodes are properly placed. The two mono-polar electrodes 12 are separated by a distance of 5 mm to 10 cm at various locations of the BPH tissue site. Pulses are applied with a duration of about 90 to 110 microseconds each. Monitoring is performed using a CT scan. The BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 75 degrees Celsius. A voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 5000 volt/cm is created. The BPH tissue site undergoes cell necrosis.
  • EXAMPLE 3
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged. The array 16 of electrodes are introduced into in the BPH tissue site through the peritoneum of the patient. The array 16 of electrodes is positioned in a surrounding relationship to the BPH. Imaging is used to confirm that the electrodes are properly placed. Pulses are applied with a duration of about 100 microseconds each. A monitoring electrode 18 is utilized. Prior to the full electroporation pulse being delivered a test pulse is delivered that is about 10% of the proposed full electroporation pulse. The test pulse does not cause irreversible electroporation. The BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 60 degrees Celsius. A voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 8000 volt/cm is created. The BPH tissue site undergoes cell necrosis.
  • EXAMPLE 4
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged. A single bi-polar electrode 14, with a sharpened distal end, is introduced into the BPH tissue site through the rectal wall of the patient. A monitoring electrode 18 is placed at a tip of a biopsy guide and rests against the rectal mucosa when the bipolar electrode 14 is placed. Imaging is used to confirm that the bi-polar electrode 14 is properly placed. Pulses are applied with a duration of 5 microseconds to about 62 seconds each. Monitoring is preformed using ultrasound. The BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 100 degrees Celsius. A voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 1000 volt/cm is created. The BPH tissue site undergoes cell necrosis.
  • EXAMPLE 5
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged. A array 16 of electrodes is introduced into the BPH tissue site through the rectal wall of the patient, and are positioned around the BPH tissue site. Imaging is used to confirm that the array 16 of electrodes is properly placed. Pulses are applied with a duration of about 90 to 110 microseconds each. Monitoring is performed using a CT scan. The BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 75 degrees Celsius. A voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 5000 volt/cm is created. The BPH tissue site undergoes cell necrosis.
  • EXAMPLE 6
  • An area of the BPH tissue site is imaged. The array 16 of electrodes is introduced into the BPH tissue site through the peritoneum of the patient, and positioned in a surrounding relationship to the BPH tissue site. Imaging is used to confirm that the array 16 of electrodes is properly placed. Pulses are applied with a duration of about 100 microseconds each. A monitoring electrode 18 is utilized. Prior to the full electroporation pulse being delivered a test pulse is delivered that is about 10% of the proposed full electroporation pulse. The test pulse does not cause irreversible electroporation. The BPH tissue site is monitored. In response to the monitoring, pulses are adjusted to maintain a temperature of no more than 60 degrees Celsius. A voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 8000 volt/cm is created. The BPH tissue site undergoes cell necrosis.
  • The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (22)

1. A system for treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) of a prostate, comprising:
at least two electrodes configured to be introduced near a BPH tissue site of a patient;
a voltage pulse generator coupled to the electrodes and configured to apply a plurality of electrical pulses through the electrodes in an amount sufficient to produce irreversible electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site to create necrosis of cells of the BPH tissue site but insufficient to create thermal damage to a majority of the BPH tissue site; and
a switching device coupled to the electrodes and the voltage pulse generator, and configured to activate the electrodes in a selected pattern.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the switching device is capable of individually controlling each of the electrodes.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a monitoring electrode configured to measure a test voltage delivered to cells in the BPH tissue site.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage pulse generator is adapted to generate a test voltage for application to cells of the BPH tissue site through at least one of the electrodes.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes include at least one bipolar electrode.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the electroporation is performed in a controlled manner with monitoring of electrical impedance.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the electroporation is performed in a controlled manner with a proper selection of voltage magnitude, voltage application time or both.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage pulse generator is configured to generate each pulse having a duration of about 5 microseconds to about 110 microseconds.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the voltage pulse generator is configured to apply a set of about 1 to 15 pulses.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage pulse generator is configured to produce a voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 8000 volt/cm.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage pulse generator monitors a temperature of the BPH tissue site and adjusts the pulses to maintain a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius or less at the BPH tissue site based on the monitoring.
12. A system for treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) of a prostate, comprising:
at least two electrodes configured to be introduced near a BPH tissue site of a patient;
a voltage pulse generator coupled to the electrodes and configured to apply a plurality of electrical pulses through the electrodes in an amount sufficient to produce irreversible electroporation of cells in the BPH tissue site to create necrosis of cells of the BPH tissue site but insufficient to create thermal damage to a majority of the BPH tissue site;
a switching device coupled to the electrodes and the voltage pulse generator;
a controller containing software to control the switching device, the controller and the switching device together being configured to activate the electrodes in a selected pattern; and
a user interface coupled to the controller for inputting the selected pattern.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the switching device is capable of individually controlling each of the electrodes.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a monitoring electrode configured to measure a test voltage delivered to cells in the BPH tissue site.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage pulse generator is adapted to generate a test voltage for application to cells of the BPH tissue site through at least one of the electrodes.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes include at least one bipolar electrode.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the electroporation is performed in a controlled manner with monitoring of electrical impedance.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the electroporation is performed in a controlled manner with a proper selection of voltage magnitude, voltage application time or both.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage pulse generator is configured to generate each pulse having a duration of about 5 microseconds to about 110 microseconds.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the voltage pulse generator is configured to apply a set of about 1 to 15 pulses.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage pulse generator is configured to produce a voltage gradient at the BPH tissue site in a range of from about 50 volt/cm to about 8000 volt/cm.
22. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage pulse generator monitors a temperature of the BPH tissue site and adjusts the pulses to maintain a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius or less at the BPH tissue site based on the monitoring.
US12/510,011 2005-06-24 2009-07-27 Methods and Systems for Treating BPH Using Electroporation Abandoned US20090292342A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/510,011 US20090292342A1 (en) 2005-06-24 2009-07-27 Methods and Systems for Treating BPH Using Electroporation

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/166,974 US8114070B2 (en) 2005-06-24 2005-06-24 Methods and systems for treating BPH using electroporation
US12/510,011 US20090292342A1 (en) 2005-06-24 2009-07-27 Methods and Systems for Treating BPH Using Electroporation

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/166,974 Division US8114070B2 (en) 2005-06-24 2005-06-24 Methods and systems for treating BPH using electroporation

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20090292342A1 true US20090292342A1 (en) 2009-11-26

Family

ID=37568577

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/166,974 Active 2029-12-29 US8114070B2 (en) 2005-06-24 2005-06-24 Methods and systems for treating BPH using electroporation
US12/510,011 Abandoned US20090292342A1 (en) 2005-06-24 2009-07-27 Methods and Systems for Treating BPH Using Electroporation

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/166,974 Active 2029-12-29 US8114070B2 (en) 2005-06-24 2005-06-24 Methods and systems for treating BPH using electroporation

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (2) US8114070B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1898993A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2008546474A (en)
CA (1) CA2612530A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007001751A1 (en)

Cited By (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090269317A1 (en) * 2008-04-29 2009-10-29 Davalos Rafael V Irreversible electroporation to create tissue scaffolds
US20110202052A1 (en) * 2010-02-12 2011-08-18 Daniel Gelbart System for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia
US20120089009A1 (en) * 2010-10-11 2012-04-12 Omary Reed A Methods and apparatus to deliver nanoparticles to tissue using electronanotherapy
US8465484B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2013-06-18 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Irreversible electroporation using nanoparticles
US8926606B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2015-01-06 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Integration of very short electric pulses for minimally to noninvasive electroporation
US9198733B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2015-12-01 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Treatment planning for electroporation-based therapies
US9283051B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2016-03-15 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for estimating a treatment volume for administering electrical-energy based therapies
US9757196B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2017-09-12 Angiodynamics, Inc. Multiple treatment zone ablation probe
US9867652B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2018-01-16 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Irreversible electroporation using tissue vasculature to treat aberrant cell masses or create tissue scaffolds
US20180028267A1 (en) * 2015-02-04 2018-02-01 Rfemb Holdings, Llc Radio-frequency electrical membrane breakdown for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
US9895189B2 (en) 2009-06-19 2018-02-20 Angiodynamics, Inc. Methods of sterilization and treating infection using irreversible electroporation
US10117707B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2018-11-06 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for estimating tissue heating of a target ablation zone for electrical-energy based therapies
US10154874B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2018-12-18 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Immunotherapeutic methods using irreversible electroporation
US10238447B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2019-03-26 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for ablating a tissue site by electroporation with real-time monitoring of treatment progress
US10272178B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2019-04-30 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties Inc. Methods for blood-brain barrier disruption using electrical energy
US10292755B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2019-05-21 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. High frequency electroporation for cancer therapy
US10471254B2 (en) 2014-05-12 2019-11-12 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Selective modulation of intracellular effects of cells using pulsed electric fields
US10694972B2 (en) 2014-12-15 2020-06-30 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Devices, systems, and methods for real-time monitoring of electrophysical effects during tissue treatment
US10702326B2 (en) 2011-07-15 2020-07-07 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Device and method for electroporation based treatment of stenosis of a tubular body part
US10849678B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2020-12-01 Immunsys, Inc. Cancer immunotherapy by radiofrequency electrical membrane breakdown (RF-EMB)
US11141216B2 (en) 2015-01-30 2021-10-12 Immunsys, Inc. Radio-frequency electrical membrane breakdown for the treatment of high risk and recurrent prostate cancer, unresectable pancreatic cancer, tumors of the breast, melanoma or other skin malignancies, sarcoma, soft tissue tumors, ductal carcinoma, neoplasia, and intra and extra luminal abnormal tissue
US11254926B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2022-02-22 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Devices and methods for high frequency electroporation
US11272979B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2022-03-15 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for estimating tissue heating of a target ablation zone for electrical-energy based therapies
US11311329B2 (en) 2018-03-13 2022-04-26 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Treatment planning for immunotherapy based treatments using non-thermal ablation techniques
US11382681B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2022-07-12 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Device and methods for delivery of high frequency electrical pulses for non-thermal ablation
US11497544B2 (en) 2016-01-15 2022-11-15 Immunsys, Inc. Immunologic treatment of cancer
US11607537B2 (en) 2017-12-05 2023-03-21 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Method for treating neurological disorders, including tumors, with electroporation
US11638603B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2023-05-02 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Selective modulation of intracellular effects of cells using pulsed electric fields
US11707629B2 (en) 2009-05-28 2023-07-25 Angiodynamics, Inc. System and method for synchronizing energy delivery to the cardiac rhythm
US11723710B2 (en) 2016-11-17 2023-08-15 Angiodynamics, Inc. Techniques for irreversible electroporation using a single-pole tine-style internal device communicating with an external surface electrode
US11925405B2 (en) 2019-09-18 2024-03-12 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Treatment planning system for immunotherapy enhancement via non-thermal ablation

Families Citing this family (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6994706B2 (en) * 2001-08-13 2006-02-07 Minnesota Medical Physics, Llc Apparatus and method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
US8048067B2 (en) 2003-12-24 2011-11-01 The Regents Of The University Of California Tissue ablation with irreversible electroporation
US7601149B2 (en) 2005-03-07 2009-10-13 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Apparatus for switching nominal and attenuated power between ablation probes
US8603106B2 (en) 2005-05-20 2013-12-10 Neotract, Inc. Integrated handle assembly for anchor delivery system
US10925587B2 (en) 2005-05-20 2021-02-23 Neotract, Inc. Anchor delivery system
US7645286B2 (en) 2005-05-20 2010-01-12 Neotract, Inc. Devices, systems and methods for retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning tissues or anatomical structures
US8628542B2 (en) 2005-05-20 2014-01-14 Neotract, Inc. Median lobe destruction apparatus and method
US7758594B2 (en) 2005-05-20 2010-07-20 Neotract, Inc. Devices, systems and methods for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and other conditions
US8668705B2 (en) 2005-05-20 2014-03-11 Neotract, Inc. Latching anchor device
US10195014B2 (en) 2005-05-20 2019-02-05 Neotract, Inc. Devices, systems and methods for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and other conditions
US9549739B2 (en) 2005-05-20 2017-01-24 Neotract, Inc. Devices, systems and methods for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and other conditions
US7824870B2 (en) * 2006-01-03 2010-11-02 Alcon, Inc. System for dissociation and removal of proteinaceous tissue
US20080132885A1 (en) * 2006-12-01 2008-06-05 Boris Rubinsky Methods for treating tissue sites using electroporation
WO2009036471A1 (en) * 2007-09-14 2009-03-19 Lazure Technologies, Llc Prostate cancer ablation
JP2012521863A (en) * 2009-03-31 2012-09-20 アンジオダイナミツクス・インコーポレイテツド System and method for treatment area estimation and interactive patient treatment planning of treatment devices
US20110118729A1 (en) * 2009-11-13 2011-05-19 Alcon Research, Ltd High-intensity pulsed electric field vitrectomy apparatus with load detection
US20110135626A1 (en) * 2009-12-08 2011-06-09 Alcon Research, Ltd. Localized Chemical Lysis of Ocular Tissue
US20110144562A1 (en) * 2009-12-14 2011-06-16 Alcon Research, Ltd. Localized Pharmacological Treatment of Ocular Tissue Using High-Intensity Pulsed Electrical Fields
US20110144641A1 (en) * 2009-12-15 2011-06-16 Alcon Research, Ltd. High-Intensity Pulsed Electric Field Vitrectomy Apparatus
US8546979B2 (en) 2010-08-11 2013-10-01 Alcon Research, Ltd. Self-matching pulse generator with adjustable pulse width and pulse frequency
US10292801B2 (en) 2012-03-29 2019-05-21 Neotract, Inc. System for delivering anchors for treating incontinence
US10130353B2 (en) 2012-06-29 2018-11-20 Neotract, Inc. Flexible system for delivering an anchor
US10154869B2 (en) 2013-08-02 2018-12-18 Gary M. Onik System and method for creating radio-frequency energy electrical membrane breakdown for tissue ablation
US10271893B2 (en) 2014-12-15 2019-04-30 Medtronic Ablation Frontiers Llc Timed energy delivery
AU2017289267B2 (en) 2016-06-27 2021-08-12 Galvanize Therapeutics, Inc. Generator and a catheter with an electrode and a method for treating a lung passageway
WO2018102376A1 (en) * 2016-11-29 2018-06-07 St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc. Electroporation systems and catheters for electroporation systems
US11045648B2 (en) 2017-11-14 2021-06-29 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Irreversible electroporation through a combination of substance injection and electrical field application
JP7150871B2 (en) 2017-12-23 2022-10-11 テレフレックス ライフ サイエンシズ リミテッド Expandable tissue engagement device and method
CN111615371B (en) 2018-01-23 2024-02-27 波士顿科学国际有限公司 Enhanced needle array and treatment for tumor ablation
WO2022214870A1 (en) 2021-04-07 2022-10-13 Btl Medical Technologies S.R.O. Pulsed field ablation device and method
IL309432A (en) 2021-07-06 2024-02-01 Btl Medical Dev A S Pulsed field ablation device and method

Citations (89)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1653819A (en) * 1926-08-07 1927-12-27 Northcott Ephraim Electrotherapeutical apparatus
US4016886A (en) * 1974-11-26 1977-04-12 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Energy Research And Development Administration Method for localizing heating in tumor tissue
US4226246A (en) * 1977-05-27 1980-10-07 Carba Societe Anonyme Apparatus for maintaining the negative potential of human, animal, and plant cells
US4262672A (en) * 1978-01-02 1981-04-21 Horst Kief Acupuncture instrument
US4407943A (en) * 1976-12-16 1983-10-04 Millipore Corporation Immobilized antibody or antigen for immunoassay
US4810963A (en) * 1984-04-03 1989-03-07 Public Health Laboratory Service Board Method for investigating the condition of a bacterial suspension through frequency profile of electrical admittance
US4907601A (en) * 1988-06-15 1990-03-13 Etama Ag Electrotherapy arrangement
US4946793A (en) * 1986-05-09 1990-08-07 Electropore, Inc. Impedance matching for instrumentation which electrically alters vesicle membranes
US5019034A (en) * 1988-01-21 1991-05-28 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Control of transport of molecules across tissue using electroporation
US5052391A (en) * 1990-10-22 1991-10-01 R.F.P., Inc. High frequency high intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator and method of treatment
US5058605A (en) * 1989-02-22 1991-10-22 Ceske Vysoke Uceni Technicke Method and device for the controlled local, non-invasive application of dc pulses to human and animal tissues
US5098843A (en) * 1987-06-04 1992-03-24 Calvin Noel M Apparatus for the high efficiency transformation of living cells
US5134070A (en) * 1990-06-04 1992-07-28 Casnig Dael R Method and device for cell cultivation on electrodes
US5173158A (en) * 1991-07-22 1992-12-22 Schmukler Robert E Apparatus and methods for electroporation and electrofusion
US5193537A (en) * 1990-06-12 1993-03-16 Zmd Corporation Method and apparatus for transcutaneous electrical cardiac pacing
US5273525A (en) * 1992-08-13 1993-12-28 Btx Inc. Injection and electroporation apparatus for drug and gene delivery
US5318563A (en) * 1992-06-04 1994-06-07 Valley Forge Scientific Corporation Bipolar RF generator
US5328451A (en) * 1991-08-15 1994-07-12 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Iontophoretic device and method for killing bacteria and other microbes
US5389069A (en) * 1988-01-21 1995-02-14 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation of remote cells and tissue
US5403311A (en) * 1993-03-29 1995-04-04 Boston Scientific Corporation Electro-coagulation and ablation and other electrotherapeutic treatments of body tissue
US5425752A (en) * 1991-11-25 1995-06-20 Vu'nguyen; Dung D. Method of direct electrical myostimulation using acupuncture needles
US5439440A (en) * 1993-04-01 1995-08-08 Genetronics, Inc. Electroporation system with voltage control feedback for clinical applications
US5458625A (en) * 1994-05-04 1995-10-17 Kendall; Donald E. Transcutaneous nerve stimulation device and method for using same
US5533999A (en) * 1993-08-23 1996-07-09 Refractec, Inc. Method and apparatus for modifications of visual acuity by thermal means
US5536240A (en) * 1992-08-12 1996-07-16 Vidamed, Inc. Medical probe device and method
US5575811A (en) * 1993-07-08 1996-11-19 Urologix, Inc. Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment catheter with urethral cooling
US5626146A (en) * 1992-12-18 1997-05-06 British Technology Group Limited Electrical impedance tomography
US5634899A (en) * 1993-08-20 1997-06-03 Cortrak Medical, Inc. Simultaneous cardiac pacing and local drug delivery method
US5674267A (en) * 1993-03-30 1997-10-07 Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique Electric pulse applicator using pairs of needle electrodes for the treatment of biological tissue
US5702359A (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-12-30 Genetronics, Inc. Needle electrodes for mediated delivery of drugs and genes
US5720921A (en) * 1995-03-10 1998-02-24 Entremed, Inc. Flow electroporation chamber and method
US5778894A (en) * 1996-04-18 1998-07-14 Elizabeth Arden Co. Method for reducing human body cellulite by treatment with pulsed electromagnetic energy
US5782882A (en) * 1995-11-30 1998-07-21 Hewlett-Packard Company System and method for administering transcutaneous cardiac pacing with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
US5810762A (en) * 1995-04-10 1998-09-22 Genetronics, Inc. Electroporation system with voltage control feedback for clinical applications
US5836905A (en) * 1994-06-20 1998-11-17 Lemelson; Jerome H. Apparatus and methods for gene therapy
US5873849A (en) * 1997-04-24 1999-02-23 Ichor Medical Systems, Inc. Electrodes and electrode arrays for generating electroporation inducing electrical fields
US5919142A (en) * 1995-06-22 1999-07-06 Btg International Limited Electrical impedance tomography method and apparatus
US5947889A (en) * 1995-01-17 1999-09-07 Hehrlein; Christoph Balloon catheter used to prevent re-stenosis after angioplasty and process for producing a balloon catheter
US5983131A (en) * 1995-08-11 1999-11-09 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Apparatus and method for electroporation of tissue
US5991697A (en) * 1996-12-31 1999-11-23 The Regents Of The University Of California Method and apparatus for optical Doppler tomographic imaging of fluid flow velocity in highly scattering media
US6010613A (en) * 1995-12-08 2000-01-04 Cyto Pulse Sciences, Inc. Method of treating materials with pulsed electrical fields
US6016452A (en) * 1996-03-19 2000-01-18 Kasevich; Raymond S. Dynamic heating method and radio frequency thermal treatment
US6041252A (en) * 1995-06-07 2000-03-21 Ichor Medical Systems Inc. Drug delivery system and method
US6055453A (en) * 1997-08-01 2000-04-25 Genetronics, Inc. Apparatus for addressing needle array electrodes for electroporation therapy
US6085115A (en) * 1997-05-22 2000-07-04 Massachusetts Institite Of Technology Biopotential measurement including electroporation of tissue surface
US6090016A (en) * 1998-11-18 2000-07-18 Kuo; Hai Pin Collapsible treader with enhanced stability
US6102885A (en) * 1996-08-08 2000-08-15 Bass; Lawrence S. Device for suction-assisted lipectomy and method of using same
US6106521A (en) * 1996-08-16 2000-08-22 United States Surgical Corporation Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue
US6109270A (en) * 1997-02-04 2000-08-29 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Multimodality instrument for tissue characterization
US6122599A (en) * 1998-02-13 2000-09-19 Mehta; Shailesh Apparatus and method for analyzing particles
US6132419A (en) * 1992-05-22 2000-10-17 Genetronics, Inc. Electroporetic gene and drug therapy
US6208893B1 (en) * 1998-01-27 2001-03-27 Genetronics, Inc. Electroporation apparatus with connective electrode template
US6212433B1 (en) * 1998-07-28 2001-04-03 Radiotherapeutics Corporation Method for treating tumors near the surface of an organ
US6210402B1 (en) * 1995-11-22 2001-04-03 Arthrocare Corporation Methods for electrosurgical dermatological treatment
US6216034B1 (en) * 1997-08-01 2001-04-10 Genetronics, Inc. Method of programming an array of needle electrodes for electroporation therapy of tissue
US6219577B1 (en) * 1998-04-14 2001-04-17 Global Vascular Concepts, Inc. Iontophoresis, electroporation and combination catheters for local drug delivery to arteries and other body tissues
US6241702B1 (en) * 1992-08-12 2001-06-05 Vidamed, Inc. Radio frequency ablation device for treatment of the prostate
US6261831B1 (en) * 1999-03-26 2001-07-17 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Ultra-wide band RF-enhanced chemotherapy for cancer treatmeat
US6300108B1 (en) * 1999-07-21 2001-10-09 The Regents Of The University Of California Controlled electroporation and mass transfer across cell membranes
US6347247B1 (en) * 1998-05-08 2002-02-12 Genetronics Inc. Electrically induced vessel vasodilation
US6349233B1 (en) * 1993-02-22 2002-02-19 Angeion Corporation Neuro-stimulation to control pain during cardioversion defibrillation
US6351674B2 (en) * 1998-11-23 2002-02-26 Synaptic Corporation Method for inducing electroanesthesia using high frequency, high intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
US6387671B1 (en) * 1999-07-21 2002-05-14 The Regents Of The University Of California Electrical impedance tomography to control electroporation
US6403348B1 (en) * 1999-07-21 2002-06-11 The Regents Of The University Of California Controlled electroporation and mass transfer across cell membranes
US6470211B1 (en) * 1997-06-03 2002-10-22 Uab Research Foundation Method and apparatus for treating cardiac arrhythmia
US6526320B2 (en) * 1998-11-16 2003-02-25 United States Surgical Corporation Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue
US20030060856A1 (en) * 2001-08-13 2003-03-27 Victor Chornenky Apparatus and method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
US6607529B1 (en) * 1995-06-19 2003-08-19 Medtronic Vidamed, Inc. Electrosurgical device
US6611706B2 (en) * 1998-11-09 2003-08-26 Transpharma Ltd. Monopolar and bipolar current application for transdermal drug delivery and analyte extraction
US6613211B1 (en) * 1999-08-27 2003-09-02 Aclara Biosciences, Inc. Capillary electrokinesis based cellular assays
US6627421B1 (en) * 1999-04-13 2003-09-30 Imarx Therapeutics, Inc. Methods and systems for applying multi-mode energy to biological samples
US20030204161A1 (en) * 2002-04-25 2003-10-30 Bozidar Ferek-Petric Implantable electroporation therapy device and method for using same
US6653091B1 (en) * 1998-09-30 2003-11-25 Cyngnus, Inc. Method and device for predicting physiological values
US6692493B2 (en) * 1998-02-11 2004-02-17 Cosman Company, Inc. Method for performing intraurethral radio-frequency urethral enlargement
US6697670B2 (en) * 2001-08-17 2004-02-24 Minnesota Medical Physics, Llc Apparatus and method for reducing subcutaneous fat deposits by electroporation with improved comfort of patients
US6697669B2 (en) * 1998-07-13 2004-02-24 Genetronics, Inc. Skin and muscle-targeted gene therapy by pulsed electrical field
US6702808B1 (en) * 2000-09-28 2004-03-09 Syneron Medical Ltd. Device and method for treating skin
US6795728B2 (en) * 2001-08-17 2004-09-21 Minnesota Medical Physics, Llc Apparatus and method for reducing subcutaneous fat deposits by electroporation
US6801804B2 (en) * 2002-05-03 2004-10-05 Aciont, Inc. Device and method for monitoring and controlling electrical resistance at a tissue site undergoing iontophoresis
US6892099B2 (en) * 2001-02-08 2005-05-10 Minnesota Medical Physics, Llc Apparatus and method for reducing subcutaneous fat deposits, virtual face lift and body sculpturing by electroporation
US6912417B1 (en) * 2002-04-05 2005-06-28 Ichor Medical Systmes, Inc. Method and apparatus for delivery of therapeutic agents
US20050171523A1 (en) * 2003-12-24 2005-08-04 The Regents Of The University Of California Irreversible electroporation to control bleeding
US6927049B2 (en) * 1999-07-21 2005-08-09 The Regents Of The University Of California Cell viability detection using electrical measurements
US6962587B2 (en) * 2000-07-25 2005-11-08 Rita Medical Systems, Inc. Method for detecting and treating tumors using localized impedance measurement
US20050261672A1 (en) * 2004-05-18 2005-11-24 Mark Deem Systems and methods for selective denervation of heart dysrhythmias
US7053063B2 (en) * 1999-07-21 2006-05-30 The Regents Of The University Of California Controlled electroporation and mass transfer across cell membranes in tissue
US7063698B2 (en) * 2002-06-14 2006-06-20 Ncontact Surgical, Inc. Vacuum coagulation probes
US7130697B2 (en) * 2002-08-13 2006-10-31 Minnesota Medical Physics Llc Apparatus and method for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
US7211083B2 (en) * 2003-03-17 2007-05-01 Minnesota Medical Physics, Llc Apparatus and method for hair removal by electroporation

Family Cites Families (50)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE863111C (en) 1951-07-03 1953-01-15 Walter Hallegger Instrument for transcutaneous and subcutaneous heating and iontophoresis and method of its use
US5385544A (en) 1992-08-12 1995-01-31 Vidamed, Inc. BPH ablation method and apparatus
ES2012944A6 (en) 1989-01-09 1990-04-16 Tomas Justribo Jose Ramon A device for the administration of medication by iontopheresis for local - regional treatment.
DE4000893A1 (en) 1990-01-15 1991-07-18 Bosch Gmbh Robert Multichannel appts. for electro-simulation - provides several current circuits for patient with electrodes applying pulse signals
US5389096A (en) * 1990-12-18 1995-02-14 Advanced Cardiovascular Systems System and method for percutaneous myocardial revascularization
US6500173B2 (en) 1992-01-07 2002-12-31 Ronald A. Underwood Methods for electrosurgical spine surgery
US6832996B2 (en) * 1995-06-07 2004-12-21 Arthrocare Corporation Electrosurgical systems and methods for treating tissue
US6090106A (en) * 1996-01-09 2000-07-18 Gyrus Medical Limited Electrosurgical instrument
SE509241C2 (en) 1996-07-18 1998-12-21 Radinvent Ab Devices for electrodynamic radiation therapy of tumor diseases
US5999847A (en) 1997-10-21 1999-12-07 Elstrom; John A. Apparatus and method for delivery of surgical and therapeutic agents
EP1024832A1 (en) * 1997-10-24 2000-08-09 Children's Medical Center Corporation METHODS FOR PROMOTING CELL TRANSFECTION $i(IN VIVO)
US6009347A (en) 1998-01-27 1999-12-28 Genetronics, Inc. Electroporation apparatus with connective electrode template
US5947142A (en) * 1998-01-30 1999-09-07 Pgi International, Ltd. Breakaway coupling
KR100304197B1 (en) * 1998-03-30 2001-11-30 윤종용 Method for manufacturing silicon on insulator
SE513814C2 (en) 1998-03-31 2000-11-06 Aditus Medical Ab Device for the treatment of diseases with electric fields
US6159163A (en) 1998-05-07 2000-12-12 Cedars-Sinai Medical Center System for attenuating pain during bone marrow aspiration and method
US6738663B2 (en) * 1999-04-09 2004-05-18 Oncostim, A Minnesota Corporation Implantable device and method for the electrical treatment of cancer
US20020010491A1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2002-01-24 Schoenbach Karl H. Method and apparatus for intracellular electro-manipulation
US6326177B1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2001-12-04 Eastern Virginia Medical School Of The Medical College Of Hampton Roads Method and apparatus for intracellular electro-manipulation
US20030078499A1 (en) * 1999-08-12 2003-04-24 Eppstein Jonathan A. Microporation of tissue for delivery of bioactive agents
JP4676042B2 (en) * 1999-10-01 2011-04-27 帝國製薬株式会社 Topical analgesic / anti-inflammatory patch containing felbinac
US6493592B1 (en) 1999-12-01 2002-12-10 Vertis Neuroscience, Inc. Percutaneous electrical therapy system with electrode position maintenance
US6428504B1 (en) * 2000-04-06 2002-08-06 Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Multipurpose template and needles for the delivery and monitoring of multiple minimally invasive therapies
US20010044596A1 (en) 2000-05-10 2001-11-22 Ali Jaafar Apparatus and method for treatment of vascular restenosis by electroporation
CA2409603A1 (en) * 2000-05-22 2001-11-29 Merck & Company, Inc. System and method for assessing the performance of a pharmaceutical agent delivery system
KR100375657B1 (en) * 2000-06-21 2003-03-15 주식회사 몸앤맘 Apparatus and method for eliminating a fat mass in human body
JP2002033538A (en) * 2000-07-13 2002-01-31 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Semiconductor laser excitation solid-state laser device
US6669691B1 (en) 2000-07-18 2003-12-30 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Epicardial myocardial revascularization and denervation methods and apparatus
US20050043726A1 (en) * 2001-03-07 2005-02-24 Mchale Anthony Patrick Device II
ATE527375T1 (en) * 2001-04-12 2011-10-15 Imp Innovations Ltd DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER WITH SCN5A
WO2002087692A1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-11-07 The Procter & Gamble Company A method and apparatus for the treatment of cosmetic skin conditioins
CA2445392C (en) * 2001-05-10 2011-04-26 Rita Medical Systems, Inc. Rf tissue ablation apparatus and method
US6832111B2 (en) * 2001-07-06 2004-12-14 Hosheng Tu Device for tumor diagnosis and methods thereof
CN100450456C (en) * 2001-09-28 2009-01-14 锐达医疗系统公司 Impedance controlled tissue ablation apparatus and method
US20040243107A1 (en) 2001-10-01 2004-12-02 Macoviak John A Methods and devices for treating atrial fibrilation
FR2830767B1 (en) * 2001-10-12 2004-03-12 Optis France Sa DEVICE FOR DELIVERING DRUGS BY IONTOPHORESIS OR INTROCULAR ELECTROPORATION
JP4394444B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2010-01-06 パワー ペーパー リミティド Devices and methods for controlled intradermal delivery of active agents
US6807444B2 (en) * 2001-11-05 2004-10-19 Hosheng Tu Apparatus and methods for monitoring tissue impedance
US20030170898A1 (en) 2001-12-04 2003-09-11 Gundersen Martin A. Method for intracellular modifications within living cells using pulsed electric fields
AU2003225735A1 (en) 2002-03-11 2003-09-29 Altea Therapeutics Corporation Transdermal drug delivery patch system, method of making same and method of using same
US7653438B2 (en) 2002-04-08 2010-01-26 Ardian, Inc. Methods and apparatus for renal neuromodulation
US8175711B2 (en) * 2002-04-08 2012-05-08 Ardian, Inc. Methods for treating a condition or disease associated with cardio-renal function
US6780178B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2004-08-24 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University Method and apparatus for plasma-mediated thermo-electrical ablation
ES2289307T3 (en) * 2002-05-06 2008-02-01 Covidien Ag BLOOD DETECTOR TO CONTROL AN ELECTROCHIRURGICAL UNIT.
WO2004037341A2 (en) 2002-05-07 2004-05-06 Schroeppel Edward A Method and device for treating concer with electrical therapy in conjunction with chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy
US6972014B2 (en) 2003-01-04 2005-12-06 Endocare, Inc. Open system heat exchange catheters and methods of use
US7261710B2 (en) * 2004-10-13 2007-08-28 Medtronic, Inc. Transurethral needle ablation system
US20060264752A1 (en) 2005-04-27 2006-11-23 The Regents Of The University Of California Electroporation controlled with real time imaging
JP4841346B2 (en) * 2006-02-16 2011-12-21 日本碍子株式会社 Electron emitter
US20080052786A1 (en) * 2006-08-24 2008-02-28 Pei-Cheng Lin Animal Model of Prostate Cancer and Use Thereof

Patent Citations (100)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1653819A (en) * 1926-08-07 1927-12-27 Northcott Ephraim Electrotherapeutical apparatus
US4016886A (en) * 1974-11-26 1977-04-12 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Energy Research And Development Administration Method for localizing heating in tumor tissue
US4407943A (en) * 1976-12-16 1983-10-04 Millipore Corporation Immobilized antibody or antigen for immunoassay
US4226246A (en) * 1977-05-27 1980-10-07 Carba Societe Anonyme Apparatus for maintaining the negative potential of human, animal, and plant cells
US4262672A (en) * 1978-01-02 1981-04-21 Horst Kief Acupuncture instrument
US4810963A (en) * 1984-04-03 1989-03-07 Public Health Laboratory Service Board Method for investigating the condition of a bacterial suspension through frequency profile of electrical admittance
US4946793A (en) * 1986-05-09 1990-08-07 Electropore, Inc. Impedance matching for instrumentation which electrically alters vesicle membranes
US5098843A (en) * 1987-06-04 1992-03-24 Calvin Noel M Apparatus for the high efficiency transformation of living cells
US5019034A (en) * 1988-01-21 1991-05-28 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Control of transport of molecules across tissue using electroporation
US5389069A (en) * 1988-01-21 1995-02-14 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation of remote cells and tissue
US5019034B1 (en) * 1988-01-21 1995-08-15 Massachusetts Inst Technology Control of transport of molecules across tissue using electroporation
US4907601A (en) * 1988-06-15 1990-03-13 Etama Ag Electrotherapy arrangement
US5058605A (en) * 1989-02-22 1991-10-22 Ceske Vysoke Uceni Technicke Method and device for the controlled local, non-invasive application of dc pulses to human and animal tissues
US5134070A (en) * 1990-06-04 1992-07-28 Casnig Dael R Method and device for cell cultivation on electrodes
US5193537A (en) * 1990-06-12 1993-03-16 Zmd Corporation Method and apparatus for transcutaneous electrical cardiac pacing
US5052391A (en) * 1990-10-22 1991-10-01 R.F.P., Inc. High frequency high intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator and method of treatment
US5173158A (en) * 1991-07-22 1992-12-22 Schmukler Robert E Apparatus and methods for electroporation and electrofusion
US5283194A (en) * 1991-07-22 1994-02-01 Schmukler Robert E Apparatus and methods for electroporation and electrofusion
US5328451A (en) * 1991-08-15 1994-07-12 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Iontophoretic device and method for killing bacteria and other microbes
US5425752A (en) * 1991-11-25 1995-06-20 Vu'nguyen; Dung D. Method of direct electrical myostimulation using acupuncture needles
US6132419A (en) * 1992-05-22 2000-10-17 Genetronics, Inc. Electroporetic gene and drug therapy
US5318563A (en) * 1992-06-04 1994-06-07 Valley Forge Scientific Corporation Bipolar RF generator
US6241702B1 (en) * 1992-08-12 2001-06-05 Vidamed, Inc. Radio frequency ablation device for treatment of the prostate
US5536240A (en) * 1992-08-12 1996-07-16 Vidamed, Inc. Medical probe device and method
US5800378A (en) * 1992-08-12 1998-09-01 Vidamed, Inc. Medical probe device and method
US5273525A (en) * 1992-08-13 1993-12-28 Btx Inc. Injection and electroporation apparatus for drug and gene delivery
US5626146A (en) * 1992-12-18 1997-05-06 British Technology Group Limited Electrical impedance tomography
US6349233B1 (en) * 1993-02-22 2002-02-19 Angeion Corporation Neuro-stimulation to control pain during cardioversion defibrillation
US5403311A (en) * 1993-03-29 1995-04-04 Boston Scientific Corporation Electro-coagulation and ablation and other electrotherapeutic treatments of body tissue
US5674267A (en) * 1993-03-30 1997-10-07 Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique Electric pulse applicator using pairs of needle electrodes for the treatment of biological tissue
US5439440A (en) * 1993-04-01 1995-08-08 Genetronics, Inc. Electroporation system with voltage control feedback for clinical applications
US5575811A (en) * 1993-07-08 1996-11-19 Urologix, Inc. Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment catheter with urethral cooling
US5634899A (en) * 1993-08-20 1997-06-03 Cortrak Medical, Inc. Simultaneous cardiac pacing and local drug delivery method
US5533999A (en) * 1993-08-23 1996-07-09 Refractec, Inc. Method and apparatus for modifications of visual acuity by thermal means
US5458625A (en) * 1994-05-04 1995-10-17 Kendall; Donald E. Transcutaneous nerve stimulation device and method for using same
US5836905A (en) * 1994-06-20 1998-11-17 Lemelson; Jerome H. Apparatus and methods for gene therapy
US5947889A (en) * 1995-01-17 1999-09-07 Hehrlein; Christoph Balloon catheter used to prevent re-stenosis after angioplasty and process for producing a balloon catheter
US5720921A (en) * 1995-03-10 1998-02-24 Entremed, Inc. Flow electroporation chamber and method
US5810762A (en) * 1995-04-10 1998-09-22 Genetronics, Inc. Electroporation system with voltage control feedback for clinical applications
US5702359A (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-12-30 Genetronics, Inc. Needle electrodes for mediated delivery of drugs and genes
US6041252A (en) * 1995-06-07 2000-03-21 Ichor Medical Systems Inc. Drug delivery system and method
US6607529B1 (en) * 1995-06-19 2003-08-19 Medtronic Vidamed, Inc. Electrosurgical device
US5919142A (en) * 1995-06-22 1999-07-06 Btg International Limited Electrical impedance tomography method and apparatus
US5983131A (en) * 1995-08-11 1999-11-09 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Apparatus and method for electroporation of tissue
US6210402B1 (en) * 1995-11-22 2001-04-03 Arthrocare Corporation Methods for electrosurgical dermatological treatment
US5782882A (en) * 1995-11-30 1998-07-21 Hewlett-Packard Company System and method for administering transcutaneous cardiac pacing with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
US6010613A (en) * 1995-12-08 2000-01-04 Cyto Pulse Sciences, Inc. Method of treating materials with pulsed electrical fields
US6016452A (en) * 1996-03-19 2000-01-18 Kasevich; Raymond S. Dynamic heating method and radio frequency thermal treatment
US5778894A (en) * 1996-04-18 1998-07-14 Elizabeth Arden Co. Method for reducing human body cellulite by treatment with pulsed electromagnetic energy
US6102885A (en) * 1996-08-08 2000-08-15 Bass; Lawrence S. Device for suction-assisted lipectomy and method of using same
US6106521A (en) * 1996-08-16 2000-08-22 United States Surgical Corporation Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue
US5991697A (en) * 1996-12-31 1999-11-23 The Regents Of The University Of California Method and apparatus for optical Doppler tomographic imaging of fluid flow velocity in highly scattering media
US6109270A (en) * 1997-02-04 2000-08-29 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Multimodality instrument for tissue characterization
US6278895B1 (en) * 1997-04-24 2001-08-21 Ichor Medical Systems, Inc. Electrodes and electrode arrays for generating electroporation inducing electrical fields
US5873849A (en) * 1997-04-24 1999-02-23 Ichor Medical Systems, Inc. Electrodes and electrode arrays for generating electroporation inducing electrical fields
US6085115A (en) * 1997-05-22 2000-07-04 Massachusetts Institite Of Technology Biopotential measurement including electroporation of tissue surface
US6470211B1 (en) * 1997-06-03 2002-10-22 Uab Research Foundation Method and apparatus for treating cardiac arrhythmia
US6068650A (en) * 1997-08-01 2000-05-30 Gentronics Inc. Method of Selectively applying needle array configurations
US6055453A (en) * 1997-08-01 2000-04-25 Genetronics, Inc. Apparatus for addressing needle array electrodes for electroporation therapy
US6216034B1 (en) * 1997-08-01 2001-04-10 Genetronics, Inc. Method of programming an array of needle electrodes for electroporation therapy of tissue
US6208893B1 (en) * 1998-01-27 2001-03-27 Genetronics, Inc. Electroporation apparatus with connective electrode template
US6692493B2 (en) * 1998-02-11 2004-02-17 Cosman Company, Inc. Method for performing intraurethral radio-frequency urethral enlargement
US6122599A (en) * 1998-02-13 2000-09-19 Mehta; Shailesh Apparatus and method for analyzing particles
US6219577B1 (en) * 1998-04-14 2001-04-17 Global Vascular Concepts, Inc. Iontophoresis, electroporation and combination catheters for local drug delivery to arteries and other body tissues
US6347247B1 (en) * 1998-05-08 2002-02-12 Genetronics Inc. Electrically induced vessel vasodilation
US6865416B2 (en) * 1998-05-08 2005-03-08 Genetronics, Inc. Electrically induced vessel vasodilation
US6697669B2 (en) * 1998-07-13 2004-02-24 Genetronics, Inc. Skin and muscle-targeted gene therapy by pulsed electrical field
US6212433B1 (en) * 1998-07-28 2001-04-03 Radiotherapeutics Corporation Method for treating tumors near the surface of an organ
US6653091B1 (en) * 1998-09-30 2003-11-25 Cyngnus, Inc. Method and device for predicting physiological values
US6611706B2 (en) * 1998-11-09 2003-08-26 Transpharma Ltd. Monopolar and bipolar current application for transdermal drug delivery and analyte extraction
US6526320B2 (en) * 1998-11-16 2003-02-25 United States Surgical Corporation Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue
US6090016A (en) * 1998-11-18 2000-07-18 Kuo; Hai Pin Collapsible treader with enhanced stability
US6351674B2 (en) * 1998-11-23 2002-02-26 Synaptic Corporation Method for inducing electroanesthesia using high frequency, high intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
US6261831B1 (en) * 1999-03-26 2001-07-17 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Ultra-wide band RF-enhanced chemotherapy for cancer treatmeat
US6627421B1 (en) * 1999-04-13 2003-09-30 Imarx Therapeutics, Inc. Methods and systems for applying multi-mode energy to biological samples
US6300108B1 (en) * 1999-07-21 2001-10-09 The Regents Of The University Of California Controlled electroporation and mass transfer across cell membranes
US7053063B2 (en) * 1999-07-21 2006-05-30 The Regents Of The University Of California Controlled electroporation and mass transfer across cell membranes in tissue
US6562604B2 (en) * 1999-07-21 2003-05-13 The Regents Of The University Of California Controlled electroporation and mass transfer across cell membranes
US6927049B2 (en) * 1999-07-21 2005-08-09 The Regents Of The University Of California Cell viability detection using electrical measurements
US6387671B1 (en) * 1999-07-21 2002-05-14 The Regents Of The University Of California Electrical impedance tomography to control electroporation
US6482619B1 (en) * 1999-07-21 2002-11-19 The Regents Of The University Of California Cell/tissue analysis via controlled electroporation
US6403348B1 (en) * 1999-07-21 2002-06-11 The Regents Of The University Of California Controlled electroporation and mass transfer across cell membranes
US6613211B1 (en) * 1999-08-27 2003-09-02 Aclara Biosciences, Inc. Capillary electrokinesis based cellular assays
US6962587B2 (en) * 2000-07-25 2005-11-08 Rita Medical Systems, Inc. Method for detecting and treating tumors using localized impedance measurement
US6702808B1 (en) * 2000-09-28 2004-03-09 Syneron Medical Ltd. Device and method for treating skin
US6892099B2 (en) * 2001-02-08 2005-05-10 Minnesota Medical Physics, Llc Apparatus and method for reducing subcutaneous fat deposits, virtual face lift and body sculpturing by electroporation
US20030060856A1 (en) * 2001-08-13 2003-03-27 Victor Chornenky Apparatus and method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
US6994706B2 (en) * 2001-08-13 2006-02-07 Minnesota Medical Physics, Llc Apparatus and method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
US6795728B2 (en) * 2001-08-17 2004-09-21 Minnesota Medical Physics, Llc Apparatus and method for reducing subcutaneous fat deposits by electroporation
US6697670B2 (en) * 2001-08-17 2004-02-24 Minnesota Medical Physics, Llc Apparatus and method for reducing subcutaneous fat deposits by electroporation with improved comfort of patients
US6912417B1 (en) * 2002-04-05 2005-06-28 Ichor Medical Systmes, Inc. Method and apparatus for delivery of therapeutic agents
US20030204161A1 (en) * 2002-04-25 2003-10-30 Bozidar Ferek-Petric Implantable electroporation therapy device and method for using same
US6801804B2 (en) * 2002-05-03 2004-10-05 Aciont, Inc. Device and method for monitoring and controlling electrical resistance at a tissue site undergoing iontophoresis
US7063698B2 (en) * 2002-06-14 2006-06-20 Ncontact Surgical, Inc. Vacuum coagulation probes
US7130697B2 (en) * 2002-08-13 2006-10-31 Minnesota Medical Physics Llc Apparatus and method for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
US7211083B2 (en) * 2003-03-17 2007-05-01 Minnesota Medical Physics, Llc Apparatus and method for hair removal by electroporation
US7267676B2 (en) * 2003-03-17 2007-09-11 Minnesota Medical Physics Llc Method for hair removal by electroporation
US20050171523A1 (en) * 2003-12-24 2005-08-04 The Regents Of The University Of California Irreversible electroporation to control bleeding
US8048067B2 (en) * 2003-12-24 2011-11-01 The Regents Of The University Of California Tissue ablation with irreversible electroporation
US20050261672A1 (en) * 2004-05-18 2005-11-24 Mark Deem Systems and methods for selective denervation of heart dysrhythmias

Cited By (53)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10245098B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2019-04-02 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Acute blood-brain barrier disruption using electrical energy based therapy
US8465484B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2013-06-18 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Irreversible electroporation using nanoparticles
US10238447B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2019-03-26 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for ablating a tissue site by electroporation with real-time monitoring of treatment progress
US10245105B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2019-04-02 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Electroporation with cooling to treat tissue
US8814860B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2014-08-26 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Irreversible electroporation using nanoparticles
US11453873B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2022-09-27 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Methods for delivery of biphasic electrical pulses for non-thermal ablation
US8992517B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2015-03-31 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties Inc. Irreversible electroporation to treat aberrant cell masses
US9198733B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2015-12-01 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Treatment planning for electroporation-based therapies
US9283051B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2016-03-15 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for estimating a treatment volume for administering electrical-energy based therapies
US9598691B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2017-03-21 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Irreversible electroporation to create tissue scaffolds
US11890046B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2024-02-06 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for ablating a tissue site by electroporation with real-time monitoring of treatment progress
US9867652B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2018-01-16 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Irreversible electroporation using tissue vasculature to treat aberrant cell masses or create tissue scaffolds
US11737810B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2023-08-29 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Immunotherapeutic methods using electroporation
US11272979B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2022-03-15 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for estimating tissue heating of a target ablation zone for electrical-energy based therapies
US10117707B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2018-11-06 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for estimating tissue heating of a target ablation zone for electrical-energy based therapies
US10154874B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2018-12-18 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Immunotherapeutic methods using irreversible electroporation
US11254926B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2022-02-22 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Devices and methods for high frequency electroporation
US11607271B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2023-03-21 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for estimating a treatment volume for administering electrical-energy based therapies
US10959772B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2021-03-30 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Blood-brain barrier disruption using electrical energy
US10272178B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2019-04-30 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties Inc. Methods for blood-brain barrier disruption using electrical energy
US10286108B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2019-05-14 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Irreversible electroporation to create tissue scaffolds
US10828086B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2020-11-10 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Immunotherapeutic methods using irreversible electroporation
US10828085B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2020-11-10 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Immunotherapeutic methods using irreversible electroporation
US20090269317A1 (en) * 2008-04-29 2009-10-29 Davalos Rafael V Irreversible electroporation to create tissue scaffolds
US10470822B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2019-11-12 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. System and method for estimating a treatment volume for administering electrical-energy based therapies
US10537379B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2020-01-21 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Irreversible electroporation using tissue vasculature to treat aberrant cell masses or create tissue scaffolds
US11655466B2 (en) 2008-04-29 2023-05-23 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Methods of reducing adverse effects of non-thermal ablation
US10448989B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2019-10-22 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. High-frequency electroporation for cancer therapy
US10292755B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2019-05-21 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. High frequency electroporation for cancer therapy
US11638603B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2023-05-02 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Selective modulation of intracellular effects of cells using pulsed electric fields
US11382681B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2022-07-12 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Device and methods for delivery of high frequency electrical pulses for non-thermal ablation
US8926606B2 (en) 2009-04-09 2015-01-06 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Integration of very short electric pulses for minimally to noninvasive electroporation
US11707629B2 (en) 2009-05-28 2023-07-25 Angiodynamics, Inc. System and method for synchronizing energy delivery to the cardiac rhythm
US9895189B2 (en) 2009-06-19 2018-02-20 Angiodynamics, Inc. Methods of sterilization and treating infection using irreversible electroporation
US20110202052A1 (en) * 2010-02-12 2011-08-18 Daniel Gelbart System for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia
US20120089009A1 (en) * 2010-10-11 2012-04-12 Omary Reed A Methods and apparatus to deliver nanoparticles to tissue using electronanotherapy
US10702326B2 (en) 2011-07-15 2020-07-07 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Device and method for electroporation based treatment of stenosis of a tubular body part
US11779395B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2023-10-10 Angiodynamics, Inc. Multiple treatment zone ablation probe
US9757196B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2017-09-12 Angiodynamics, Inc. Multiple treatment zone ablation probe
US11696797B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2023-07-11 Immunsys, Inc. Cancer immunotherapy by radiofrequency electrical membrane breakdown (RF-EMB)
US10849678B2 (en) 2013-12-05 2020-12-01 Immunsys, Inc. Cancer immunotherapy by radiofrequency electrical membrane breakdown (RF-EMB)
US10471254B2 (en) 2014-05-12 2019-11-12 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Selective modulation of intracellular effects of cells using pulsed electric fields
US11406820B2 (en) 2014-05-12 2022-08-09 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Selective modulation of intracellular effects of cells using pulsed electric fields
US10694972B2 (en) 2014-12-15 2020-06-30 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Devices, systems, and methods for real-time monitoring of electrophysical effects during tissue treatment
US11903690B2 (en) 2014-12-15 2024-02-20 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Devices, systems, and methods for real-time monitoring of electrophysical effects during tissue treatment
US11141216B2 (en) 2015-01-30 2021-10-12 Immunsys, Inc. Radio-frequency electrical membrane breakdown for the treatment of high risk and recurrent prostate cancer, unresectable pancreatic cancer, tumors of the breast, melanoma or other skin malignancies, sarcoma, soft tissue tumors, ductal carcinoma, neoplasia, and intra and extra luminal abnormal tissue
US20180028267A1 (en) * 2015-02-04 2018-02-01 Rfemb Holdings, Llc Radio-frequency electrical membrane breakdown for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
US11612426B2 (en) 2016-01-15 2023-03-28 Immunsys, Inc. Immunologic treatment of cancer
US11497544B2 (en) 2016-01-15 2022-11-15 Immunsys, Inc. Immunologic treatment of cancer
US11723710B2 (en) 2016-11-17 2023-08-15 Angiodynamics, Inc. Techniques for irreversible electroporation using a single-pole tine-style internal device communicating with an external surface electrode
US11607537B2 (en) 2017-12-05 2023-03-21 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Method for treating neurological disorders, including tumors, with electroporation
US11311329B2 (en) 2018-03-13 2022-04-26 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Treatment planning for immunotherapy based treatments using non-thermal ablation techniques
US11925405B2 (en) 2019-09-18 2024-03-12 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Treatment planning system for immunotherapy enhancement via non-thermal ablation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2008546474A (en) 2008-12-25
CA2612530A1 (en) 2007-01-04
US20060293713A1 (en) 2006-12-28
US8114070B2 (en) 2012-02-14
EP1898993A1 (en) 2008-03-19
WO2007001751A1 (en) 2007-01-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8114070B2 (en) Methods and systems for treating BPH using electroporation
US8603087B2 (en) Methods and systems for treating restenosis using electroporation
US20080015571A1 (en) Methods and systems for treating tumors using electroporation
US20120071872A1 (en) Systems for Treating Tissue Sites Using Electroporation
US20080132885A1 (en) Methods for treating tissue sites using electroporation
US20060293725A1 (en) Methods and systems for treating fatty tissue sites using electroporation
US10117701B2 (en) Tissue ablation with irreversible electroporation
AU2006239295B2 (en) Electroporation controlled with real time imaging
AU2015201643B2 (en) Tissue ablation with irreversible electroporation

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:028260/0329

Effective date: 20120522

AS Assignment

Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ILLINOIS

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031315/0720

Effective date: 20130919

Owner name: ANGIODYNAMICS, INC., NEW YORK

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:031315/0361

Effective date: 20130919

Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ANGIODYNAMICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:031315/0720

Effective date: 20130919

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: ANGIODYNAMICS, INC., NEW YORK

Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:040688/0540

Effective date: 20161107