Pulse timing controller that eliminates arcing in PEF ablation
This technology refines a method of destroying unwanted tissue using bursts of ultra-short electrical pulses, a technique called high-frequency irreversible electroporation (H-FIRE). The key innovation is in precisely controlling the timing gaps between pulses and between the positive and negative phases of each pulse — and intentionally varying those gaps within a single burst. By tuning these delays, the system reduces dangerous bubble formation around the electrodes, lowers the risk of electrical arcing, and minimizes the involuntary muscle contractions that make procedures painful or unsafe. The result is a more controlled, safer tissue ablation process that can be delivered without general anesthesia.
What you could build
A pulse-delivery controller or firmware module for electroporation-based ablation systems — sold to manufacturers of tumor ablation devices or cardiac ablation catheters — that implements optimized, variable-delay waveform protocols to improve safety and patient tolerance.
Who in Virginia should care
Medical device companies and research hospitals in the Northern Virginia/DC corridor or near Virginia's academic medical centers (UVA, VCU Health) working on minimally invasive oncology or cardiac ablation would find this directly applicable.
Readiness: Lab validated
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
- Kenneth N. Aycock, Rafael V. Davalos
- Granted
- December 2, 2025
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 12485279
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.