Preliminary evaluation of the safety and efficacy of glucose solution infusion through the hepatic artery on irreversible electroporation focusing

Abstract

Due to electrical features of the tissue, such as impedance, which have a significant impact on irreversible electroporation (IRE) function, the administration of glucose solution 5% (GS5%) through the hepatic artery would focus IRE on scattered liver tumors. By creating a differential impedance between healthy and tumor tissue. This study aimed to determine the effects of the GS5% protocol on healthy liver tissue and its safety. 21 male Athymic nude rats Hsd: RH-Foxn1mu were used in the study. Animals were split into two groups. In group 1, a continuous infusion through the gastroduodenal artery of GS5% was performed to measure the impedance with a dose of 0.008 mL/g for 16 min. In group 2, the animals were divided into two subgroups for infusions of GS5%. Group 2.1, at 0.008 mL/g for 16 min. Group 2.2 at 0.03 mL/g for 4 min. Blood samples were collected after anesthesia has been induced. The second sample, after catheterization of the artery, and the third after the GS5% infusion. All the animals were sacrificed to collect histological samples. The survival rate during the experiment was 100%. A considerable impact on the impedance of the tissue was noticed, on average up to 4.31 times more than the baseline, and no side effects were observed after GS5% infusion. In conclusion, impedance alteration by Glucose solution infusion may focus IRE on tumor tissue and decrease IRE’s effects on healthy tissue.