An experimental investigation of temperature changes during electroporation

Electroporation uses short, pulsed electric fields to induce a cellular transmembrane potential that results in increased cellular permeability. When performed irreversibly, it results in cell death while leaving the extracellular matrix and other sensitive structures intact. These electric fields result in thermal effects to the affected tissues due to resistive heating. We measure this heating extent in an ex-vivo canine brain by recording temperature changes in real time. Temperatures were measured at three locations near the electrodes. Thermal damage was evaluated using the Arrhenius equation. This study experimentally shows that typical electroporation protocols result in negligible thermal damage.