Published in:
01-02-2013 | Experimental
The delayed effects of irreversible electroporation ablation on nerves
Published in: European Radiology | Issue 2/2013
Login to get accessAbstract
Objective
To evaluate the delayed effects of irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation on nerves.
Methods
The study was approved by the institutional animal care and use committee. CT-guided IRE-ablation (electric field per distance, 1,500 V/cm; pulse length, 70 μs; number of pulses, 90) of 6 sciatic nerves was performed in 6 pigs that were euthanized 2 months after ablation. The sciatic nerves were harvested immediately after euthanasia for histopathological evaluation. Sections from selected specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome (MT) method for collagen, and immunohistochemistry was performed for S100 and neurofilaments (markers for Schwann cells and axons, respectively).
Results
All nerves showed a preserved endoneural architecture and presence of numerous small calibre axons associated with Schwann cell hyperplasia, consistent with axonal regeneration. A fibrous scar was observed in the adjacent muscle tissue, confirming ablation at the site examined.
Conclusion
After IRE-ablation of nerves, the preservation of the architecture of the endoneurium and the proliferation of Schwann cells may enable axonal regeneration as demonstrated after 2 months in this study.
Key Points
• Irreversible electroporation (IRE) offers promise for non-thermal tumour ablation.
• Preservation of endoneural architecture and proliferation of Schwann cells follow IRE-ablation.
• Preservation of architecture and proliferation of Schwann cells may enable axonal regeneration.
• Despite morphological regeneration, nerve function remains variable after 2 months.