Real-time tissue impedance monitor for electroporation systems
This technology introduces a faster way to measure how tissue responds electrically during electroporation-based cancer treatments — procedures that use high-voltage electrical pulses to destroy tumor cells. Current measurement tools are too slow to keep pace with the treatment, leaving clinicians unable to see in real time whether the therapy is working or causing unwanted heat damage. The new method, called FAST, captures tissue electrical data in under a second by applying mathematical signal analysis (Fourier transforms) to the pulse signals already being delivered, requiring no additional hardware. It can even distinguish between beneficial electroporation effects and harmful thermal effects, giving the treating physician actionable feedback mid-procedure.
What you could build
A software module or firmware add-on for existing electroporation pulse generators (such as those used in irreversible electroporation or electrochemotherapy systems) that continuously monitors and displays tissue response, alerting the operator when treatment endpoints are reached or thermal risk is detected; buyers would be medical device companies making electroporation systems and interventional oncology centers.
Who in Virginia should care
Inova Health System, UVA Cancer Center, and Virginia Tech's biomedical engineering programs are all active in interventional oncology and electroporation research; device companies with Mid-Atlantic R&D offices would be natural partners.
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
- Melvin F. Lorenzo, Christopher B. Arena, Suyashree Bhonsle, Natalie White, Lucy Epshteyn, Rafael V. Davalos
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed February 3, 2025
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20250177741A1
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.