MRI-compatible electroporation system for intraoperative
This technology is a method for destroying diseased brain tissue—including tumors—using precisely timed bursts of electrical energy called nanosecond-pulse irreversible electroporation, all while keeping an MRI scanner running in the same procedure. The key innovation is a workflow that physically disconnects the electrodes from the pulse generator during MRI imaging, then reconnects them for treatment pulses, eliminating the electrical interference that normally makes simultaneous electroporation and MRI imaging impossible. The system also uses MRI-compatible shielded electrodes and leverages naturally occurring fluids like cerebrospinal fluid to help guide and complete the electrical circuit. The result is a procedure where the surgeon can see a before-and-after MRI image of the ablation zone without moving the patient or repositioning electrodes.
What you could build
A neurosurgical ablation system—comprising MRI-compatible shielded electrodes, a shielded pass-through port, and a coordinated disconnect protocol—sold to hospital neurosurgery and interventional radiology departments as a kit or integrated capital device for intraoperative MRI-guided tumor ablation.
Who in Virginia should care
Inova, UVA Health, and VCU Health all operate neurosurgery programs; Virginia-based medical device integrators or the university's own tech-transfer office would be natural first contacts.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- EDUARDO LATOUCHE, SAMUEL LESKO, LUCY EPSHTEYN, CHRISTOPHER B. ARENA, JOHN H. ROSSMEISL JR., MELVIN LORENZO, RAFAEL DAVALOS
- Granted
- March 21, 2023
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 11607537
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.