Non-thermal electroporation ablation system for brain tumors
This technology uses precisely controlled electrical pulses to destroy brain tumor cells without generating damaging heat. A specialized two-part electrode system is inserted through a small opening in the skull: an outer blunt-tipped electrode protects delicate brain tissue during insertion, while an inner needle-tipped electrode deploys into the tumor to deliver the pulses. The electrical pulses permanently disrupt tumor cell membranes, killing the cells, while leaving surrounding healthy tissue and structures largely intact. This approach — called irreversible electroporation (IRE) — offers a non-thermal ablation option for tumors in locations where heat-based methods would cause unacceptable collateral damage.
What you could build
A minimally invasive neurosurgical ablation system — electrode hardware plus a pulse generator and treatment planning software — sold to neurosurgical centers and cancer hospitals for patients with inoperable or recurrent brain tumors. Buyers would be hospital systems with neurosurgery and neuro-oncology programs.
Who in Virginia should care
Academic medical centers and neurosurgery programs in Virginia (e.g., UVA Health, Inova, VCU Health) would be natural clinical evaluation partners; medtech device companies operating in the mid-Atlantic corridor could pursue licensing.
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
- Rafael Davalos, Paulo A. Garcia, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson, Robert E. Neal
- Granted
- March 31, 2015
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8992517
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.