Improving the efficiency of IRE ablation procedures by applying stress signals to target tissue.

Abstract

To provide a system for improvement in efficiency of IRE ablation.SOLUTION: A system includes first and second circuits and one or more devices. The first circuit is configured to generate a stress signal for reducing an impedance of tissue of an organ. The second circuit is configured to generate an irreversible electroporation (IRE) signal for producing a lesion in the tissue. The one or more devices are configured to apply, to the tissue, the stress signal at a first time interval, and the IRE signal at a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , ,

[0005] ,

[0003] , ,

[0001] The present invention generally relates to medical devices and, more particularly, to methods and systems for improving the efficiency of irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation procedures.

Background Art

[0002] Various techniques for performing irreversible electroporation (IRE) procedures and other types of cell killing procedures have been disclosed.

[0003] For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0316376 describes a system, method, and apparatus for electroporation that may include an applicator, an endoscope, a trocar, etc., a generator, and drug delivery supplies. The applicator may include a control portion, an insertion tube connected to the control portion, an actuator engaged with the control portion, and a plurality of electrodes including a first electrode having a first tip and a second electrode having a second tip. The plurality of electrodes may be configured to move between a retracted position and a deployed position in response to actuation by the actuator.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0085649 describes an apparatus and method for performing dielectrophoresis. The apparatus includes a sample channel separated by a physical barrier from an electrode channel that receives an electrode. The apparatus and method may be used for separating and analyzing particles in a solution, including separating and isolating specific types of cells. Since the electrodes do not contact the sample, electrode fouling is avoided and the integrity of the sample is better maintained.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention described herein provides a system comprising a first circuit, a second circuit, and one or more devices. The first circuit is configured to generate a stress signal for reducing the impedance of organ tissue. The second circuit is configured to generate an irreversible electroporation (IRE) signal for inducing damage within the tissue. One or more devices are configured to apply the stress signal to the tissue at a first time interval, and the IRE signal at a second time interval following the first time interval.

[0006] In some embodiments, one or more devices include one or more electrodes connected to a catheter inserted into an organ and configured to apply stress signals and IRE signals from the catheter. In other embodiments, one or more devices include one or more first electrodes connected to a first catheter inserted into an organ and configured to apply stress signals, and one or more second electrodes connected to a second catheter inserted into an organ and configured to apply IRE signals. In yet another embodiment, the organ includes the heart, the stress signal includes a radio frequency (RF) pulse with a power greater than 10 watts, and the first time interval is 0.1 seconds to 1 second.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first and second circuits include a common pulse generator configured to generate (i) a stress signal in a first pulse comprising a radio frequency (RF) pulse having a power greater than 10 watts and a first time interval of 0.1 to 1 second, and (ii) an IRE signal in a second pulse different from the first pulse, which includes a processor configured to control the common pulse generator to apply the second pulse within 30 seconds after applying the first pulse. In another embodiment, the first circuit includes an ultrasonic generator, the stress signal comprising an ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic generator, and at least one of one or more devices includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to apply the ultrasonic signal to tissue.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first circuit comprises a light source, the stress signal comprises a light beam generated by the light source, and at least one of one or more devices comprises an optical element configured to apply the light beam to the tissue. In other embodiments, the light source comprises a laser, and the light beam comprises a laser beam. In yet another embodiment, the first circuit comprises a microwave generator, the stress signal comprises a microwave signal generated by the microwave generator, and at least one of one or more devices comprises a microwave antenna configured to apply the microwave signal to the tissue.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is further provided which includes generating a stress signal to reduce the impedance of the tissue of an organ. One or more devices are inserted into the organ to apply (i) a stress signal at a first time interval and (ii) an IRE signal at a second time interval following the first time interval to the tissue. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] This invention will be more fully understood by considering the following "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" in conjunction with the drawings. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a catheter-based position tracking and irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation system according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This flowchart schematically illustrates a method for improving the efficiency of an IRE ablation procedure by applying a stress signal before the IRE ablation signal, according to a typical embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Overview Irreversible electroporation (IRE), also referred to herein as IRE ablation, may be used, for example, to treat arrhythmias by ablating tissue cells using a high-voltage applied pulse. Cell destruction occurs when the transmembrane potential difference exceeds a threshold, resulting in cell death and the formation of damage.

[0012] The demand for IRE ablation is rapidly increasing. However, such ablation procedures can typically only be performed by physicians specializing in electrophysiology, and they consume resources that are in short supply, such as operating rooms. Therefore, improving the efficiency of such procedures is advantageous.

[0013] The following representative embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for improving the efficiency of ablation procedures, and more specifically, techniques for improving the efficiency of IRE ablation.

[0014] In principle, the duration of IRE ablation can be reduced by increasing the power (e.g., voltage) applied to the tissue in question. However, applying excessive voltage can be dangerous to patient safety and may typically require expensive equipment (e.g., high-power IRE pulse generators).

[0015] In some embodiments, a system for improving the efficiency of IRE ablation comprises a first circuit configured to generate a stress signal to reduce the impedance of tissue, with the intention of receiving one or more IRE ablation signals later. The system comprises a second circuit configured to generate an IRE ablation signal to create damage within the tissue. In the context of this disclosure and the claims, the terms “IRE signal” and “IRE ablation signal” are used synonymously and mean an irreversible electroporation signal applied to the tissue in question (e.g., cardiac tissue or tissue of any other suitable organ) to treat arrhythmia or another medical condition.

[0016] In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more devices configured to apply a stress signal at a first time interval and an IRE signal at a second time interval following the first time interval to the tissue in question. It should be noted that, with respect to a given IRE signal (e.g., a voltage pulse) applied to the tissue in question, reducing the tissue impedance (before applying the IRE signal) increases the current passing through the tissue and increases the voltage across the cell membrane, thereby increasing the size of the damage formed by applying the IRE signal.

[0017] In the context of this disclosure and the claims, the terms “tissue intended to be ablated,” “tissue intended to receive IRE signals,” and “tissue in question” are used synonymously and mean cells of tissue that are targeted to be killed and transformed into damaged cells in order to treat arrhythmias in a patient’s organ (e.g., the patient’s heart).

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more devices include one or more electrodes connected to a catheter inserted into the patient's heart and configured to apply stress signals and IRE signals from the catheter.

[0019] In other embodiments, one or more devices include one or more first electrodes connected to a first catheter inserted into the heart and configured to apply a stress signal, and one or more second electrodes connected to a second different catheter inserted into the heart and configured to apply an IRE signal.

[0020] In some embodiments, the stress signal may include high-frequency voltage pulses, for example, pulses having a power greater than about 10 watts, and the duration of the first time interval is about 0.1 seconds to about 1 second. In the context of this disclosure and the claims, any numerical value or range of numerical values, the terms “about” or “approximately,” indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that enables a part or set of components to function in accordance with its intended purpose as described herein.

[0021] In other embodiments, the system may include another type of device or circuit configured to generate a stress signal using any other suitable type of energy source, and one or more devices are configured to apply the stress signal to the tissue in question. For example, a circuit configured to generate a stress signal may include an ultrasonic generator, or a laser source, or a microwave generator, or any other suitable type of circuit. In such examples, the stress signal may include an ultrasonic signal, or a laser beam, or a microwave signal, respectively generated by the ultrasonic generator, the laser source, and the microwave generator. Further, one or more of the aforementioned devices may each include one or more ultrasonic transducers, or optical elements, or microwave antennas, which are each connected to a catheter inserted into the patient's heart and configured to apply the respective stress signal to the tissue in question.

[0022] By improving ablation efficiency and reducing the amount of electrical energy that needs to be applied to the tissue in question to generate the required dimensions of damage, the disclosed technique improves patient safety, reduces the cost of irreversible electroporation procedures, and also improves other types of ablation procedures.

[0023] Description of the System FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a catheter-based position tracking and irreversible electroporation (IRE) ablation system 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Referring now to the inset FIG. 25. In some embodiments, the system 20 includes a deflectable tip section 40 having a plurality of electrodes 50 attached to the distal end 22a of the shaft 22 of a catheter 21.

[0025] In the embodiments described herein, the electrode 50 is configured to apply an IRE signal to the tissue of the heart 26. However, in this example, an IRE ablation procedure is performed in the left atrium of the heart 26, thereby performing an IRE ablation of the ostium 51 of the pulmonary vein (PV) in the heart 26 and the like. In some embodiments, one or more of the electrodes 50 are further configured to detect an intracardiac (IC) electrocardiogram (ECG) signal within the heart 26. Note that the techniques disclosed herein can be applied to other parts of the heart 26 (e.g., atria or ventricles) and other organs of the patient 28 by making changes to the points to be changed.

[0026] Referring again to the overall view of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the catheter 21 is connected to a control console 24 (also referred to herein as console 24 for simplicity) that includes an ablation power source. However, in this example, it is connected to an IRE pulse generator (IPG) 45 configured to deliver peak power in the range of tens of kilowatts (kWs). The console 24 includes a switching box 46 configured to switch the power applied by the IPG 45 to one or more selected pairs of electrodes 50. An ordered IRE ablation protocol may be stored in the memory 48 of the console 24.

[0027] In some embodiments, the IPG 45 is configured to generate one or more IRE signals (plural possible), which are defined by a protocol for monopolar IRE ablation or bipolar IRE ablation stored in the memory of the console 24 and controlled by a processor 41 as described, for example, below. It may include any suitable combination of a sequence of IRE pulses, also referred to herein as an IRE pulse train. Methods and systems for generating and applying an IRE pulse train protocol to the tissue in question are described in detail, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 17 / 234,625 and 16 / 993,092, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0028] In some embodiments, physician 30 inserts the distal end 22a of the shaft 22 into the heart 26 of a patient 28 lying on a table 29 via the sheath 23. Physician 30 guides the distal end 22a of the shaft 22 to a target location within the heart 26 by manipulating the shaft 22 using a manipulator 32 located near the proximal end of the catheter 21. During insertion of the distal end 22a, the deflectable tip section 40 is maintained in a linear configuration by the sheath 23. By housing the tip section 40 in a linear configuration, the sheath 23 also plays a role in minimizing vascular trauma as physician 30 moves the catheter 21 through the patient 28's vascular structure to a target location, such as an ablation site within the heart 26.

[0029] In some embodiments, once the distal end 22a of the shaft 22 reaches the ablation site, the physician 30 retracts the sheath 23 to deflect the tip section 40 and further manipulates the shaft 22 to position the electrode 50, which is positioned on the tip section 40, in contact with the cardiometapolumne 51 of the ablation site. In this embodiment, the ablation site includes one or more PVs of the heart 26, but in other embodiments, the physician 30 may select any other suitable ablation site.

[0030] In some embodiments, the electrode 50 is connected to the processor 41 by a wire passing through the shaft 22, which is configured to control several components of the system 20, such as a switching box 46, using an interface circuit 44 of the console 24.

[0031] As further shown in inset 25, the distal end 22a is equipped with a position sensor 39 of a position tracking system, which is connected to the distal end 22a, for example, in the tip section 40. In this embodiment, the position sensor 39 is a magnetic position sensor, but in other embodiments, any other suitable type of position sensor (e.g., non-magnetic) may be used. During the induction of the distal end 22a in the heart 26, the processor 41 measures, for example, the position of the tip section 40 in the heart 26 and receives a signal from the magnetic position sensor 39 in response to a magnetic field from an external magnetic field generator 36, for the purpose of displaying the tracking position superimposed on an image of the heart 26 on the display 27 of the console 24. The magnetic field generator 36 is positioned in a known location outside the patient 28, for example, under a table 29. The console 24 also includes a driver circuit 34 configured to drive the magnetic field generator 36.

[0032] A method for detecting position using an external magnetic field has been implemented in various medical applications, for example, in the CARTO® system manufactured by Biosense Webster Inc. (Irvine, Calif.), and is described in detail in U.S. Patents 5,391,199, 6,690,963, 6,484,118, 6,239,724, 6,618,612, and 6,332,089, International Publication 96 / 05768, and U.S. Patent Publications 2002 / 0065455(A1), 2003 / 0120150(A1), and 2004 / 0068178(A1), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0033] Typically, the processor 41 of the console 24 comprises a general-purpose processor of a general-purpose computer and has a suitable front-end and interface circuit 44 for receiving signals from the catheter 21, applying ablation energy through the catheter 21 in the left atrium of the heart 26, and controlling other components of the system 20. The processor 41 typically comprises software in the memory 48 of the system 20, programmed to perform the functions described herein. The software may be downloaded electronically to a computer, for example, over a network, or alternatively or additionally, provided and / or stored on a non-temporary physical medium such as magnetic memory, optical memory, or electronic memory.

[0034] Irreversible electroporation ablation is performed during the refractory stage of cardiac disease. Irreversible electroporation (IRE), also known as pulsed-field ablation (PFA), may be used as a minimally invasive treatment method to kill tissue cells at the ablation site by applying high-voltage pulses to the tissue. In this embodiment, IRE pulses may be used to kill myocardial tissue cells for the purpose of treating cardiac arrhythmias within the heart 26. Cell destruction occurs when the potential difference across the membrane exceeds a threshold, leading to cell death and thus the development of tissue damage. Of particular interest, therefore, is the use of high-voltage bipolar electrical pulses, for example, using a pair of electrodes 50 in contact with the tissue at the ablation site to generate a high electric field (e.g., exceeding a certain threshold) to kill tissue cells located between the electrodes.

[0035] In the context of this disclosure, “bipolar” voltage pulse means a voltage pulse applied between the two electrodes 50 of the catheter 21. A bipolar voltage pulse is different from a unipolar pulse applied, for example, during radiofrequency (RF) ablation, by the catheter electrodes to several common ground electrodes not located on the catheter.

[0036] The demand for IRE ablation is rapidly increasing. Such ablation procedures, however, typically can only be performed by physicians specializing in electrophysiology, and consume resources that are in short supply, such as operating rooms. Therefore, shortening the cycle time of such procedures is advantageous. In principle, the duration of IRE ablation can be reduced by increasing the power (e.g., voltage) applied to the tissue in question. However, applying excessive power can be dangerous to patient safety and typically requires expensive equipment (e.g., high-power IRE pulse generators).

[0037] In some embodiments, the system 20 includes a circuit configured to generate stress signals to reduce the impedance of tissue, with the intention of receiving one or more IRE ablation signals later. In this embodiment, the circuit may also include an IPG 45, which is further configured to apply one or more stress signals, including RF pulses having a power greater than about 10 watts. More specifically, the IPG 45 is configured to apply RF pulses having a power of about 90 watts for a duration of about 0.1 to 1 second (e.g., about 0.5 seconds). The duration for which the RF pulses of the stress signals are applied is also referred to herein as the first time interval.

[0038] In some embodiments, a stress signal applied during a first time interval before applying the IRE ablation signal reduces the impedance of the tissue in question. Therefore, with respect to a given IRE signal (e.g., a voltage pulse) applied to the tissue in question, reducing the tissue impedance (before applying the IRE signal) increases the current passing through the tissue and increases the voltage across the cell membrane, thereby increasing the size of the damage formed by applying the IRE signal. In other words, applying an IRE signal to tissue that has already received a stress signal typically results in greater (e.g., deeper and / or wider) damage formed in the tissue compared to applying the IRE signal without a preceding stress signal. Alternatively, to obtain damage of a given depth, physician 30 controls the system 20 to (i) apply an IRE signal of a given voltage overtime to tissue that has not previously received a stress signal, or (ii) apply a lower power (e.g., lower voltage and / or shorter duration) of the IRE signal to tissue that has already received the aforementioned stress signal.

[0039] In embodiments where a stress signal is applied, the processor 41 is configured to apply a given IRE voltage to tissue that has already received a stress signal for a shorter duration compared to the duration of the IRE signal applied to tissue that has the same voltage but has not received a stress signal during the first time interval. In other words, applying a stress signal to the tissue in question improves the efficiency of the IRE signal subsequently applied to the same tissue. It should be noted that to improve the efficiency of the IRE signal applied to the tissue in question, it is important to apply the IRE signal for a few seconds to about 30 seconds after applying the stress signal. In other words, the shorter the delay between the stress signal and the IRE signal, the more efficient the IRE signal. In such embodiments, the processor 41 is configured to control the IPG 45 to (i) apply a stress signal in a first time interval, and (ii) apply an IRE signal in a second time interval within less than about 30 seconds after applying the stress signal in the first time interval.

[0040] For example, in cardiac tissue that has received an RF stress signal of approximately 90 watts for a duration of approximately 0.5 seconds in a first time interval, a wound with dimensions of approximately 5 mm may be formed by applying an IRE signal with a voltage of approximately 2000 volts between electrodes with an electrode-to-electrode distance of approximately 10 mm in a subsequent second time interval of approximately 0.25 seconds. Similar cardiac tissue that has not previously received a stress signal is treated with the same 2000 volt IRE signal with an electrode-to-electrode distance of approximately 10 mm, but applied to the tissue for approximately 0.25 seconds to obtain a smaller wound with dimensions of approximately 3.5 mm. In other words, if the stress signal is applied to the tissue for less than approximately 30 seconds before applying the IRE signal under the same conditions, the dimensions of the wound will increase by approximately 1.4 times (e.g., from approximately 3.5 mm to approximately 5 mm).

[0041] In some embodiments, the processor 41 is configured to apply both stress signals and IRE signals to cardiac tissue using the same set of electrodes 50 during a first time interval and a second time interval, respectively.

[0042] In other embodiments, the processor 41 is configured to apply a stress signal to a first subset of electrodes 50 and an IRE signal to a second, different subset of electrodes 50 of the catheter 21. Additionally or alternatively, the catheter 21 may include two or more types of electrodes, also referred to herein as first type electrodes and second type electrodes. In this representative embodiment, the first type electrodes may be used to apply a stress signal, and the second type electrodes may be used to apply an IRE signal.

[0043] In further embodiments, the system 20 may include an additional catheter (not shown) inserted into the heart 26 and positioned in contact with tissue intended to receive IRE ablation signals. The additional catheter has one or more given electrodes (not shown) configured to apply stress signals and / or IRE signals to the tissue in question. In such embodiments, the processor 41 is configured to apply stress signals to the given electrodes and IRE signals to the electrode 50. Alternatively, the processor 41 may apply stress signals to the electrode 50 and IRE signals to the given electrodes.

[0044] In other embodiments, the system 20 may include one or more surface electrodes 38, which are connected to the skin of the patient 28 and attached to the patient's waist and shoulders by wires passing through a cable 37. In such embodiments, a stress signal is applied to the tissue, for example, by applying a voltage between one surface electrode 38 and one of the given electrodes.

[0045] In alternative embodiments, the system 20 may include another type of device or circuit configured to generate a stress signal using any other type of energy source, and one or more devices (other than the electrode 50) connected to a catheter inserted into the heart 26 and configured to apply another type of stress signal to the tissue in question. For example, the circuit configured to generate a stress signal may include an ultrasonic generator (not shown). In this embodiment, the stress signal may include an ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic generator. Furthermore, the aforementioned devices may include one or more ultrasonic transducers, which are connected to a catheter inserted into the heart 26 and configured to apply an ultrasonic signal to the tissue in question.

[0046] In other embodiments, the circuit configured to generate the stress signal may include any suitable type of light source (not shown), such as a laser source. In such embodiments, the stress signal may include a light beam, such as a laser beam, generated by the laser source. In such embodiments, at least one of one or more devices may include an optical element connected to a catheter inserted into the heart 26, which is configured to apply the laser beam to the tissue in question.

[0047] In further embodiments, the circuit configured to generate the stress signal may include any preferred type of microwave generator (not shown). In such embodiments, the stress signal may include a microwave signal generated by the microwave generator, at least one of the one or more devices including at least a microwave antenna, which is connected to a catheter inserted into the heart 26 and configured to apply the microwave signal to the tissue in question.

[0048] In some embodiments, the surface electrode 38 is configured to detect a body surface (BS) ECG signal in response to the beating of the heart 26. The acquisition of the BS ECG signal may be performed using a conductive pad attached to the body surface or any other preferred technique, and the acquired BS ECG signal may be used to determine the IRE ablation signal to be applied to the tissue in question.

[0049] The IRE ablation procedure is improved by applying a stress signal to the target tissue prior to the IRE ablation signal. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for improving the efficiency of an IRE ablation procedure by applying a stress signal to the tissue of the heart 26 before the IRE ablation signal, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] The method begins with a catheter insertion step 100, in which one or more catheters, such as a catheter 21 having one or more devices connected to a tip section 40, are inserted into the patient's heart 26. In this embodiment, one or more devices include electrodes 50 as shown in Figure 1 above. In other embodiments, at least one of the devices may include another type of electrode connected to the tip section 40, or may include another device such as an ultrasonic transducer, an optical element, or a microwave antenna, as described in detail in Figure 1 above. In some embodiments, the devices may be connected to a single catheter or to several different catheters.

[0051] In the stress signal generation step 102, the processor 41 controls the IPG 45 to generate a stress signal to reduce the impedance of the tissue intended to be ablated in the heart 26. In this embodiment, the stress signal includes an RF voltage pulse having a power of approximately 90 watts. In other embodiments, the system 20 includes other types of equipment or circuits configured to generate different types of stress signals. For example, as described in detail in Figure 1 above, an ultrasonic generator, a laser source, and a microwave generator, each configured to generate a stress signal, are intended to reduce the impedance of the tissue in question.

[0052] In the stress signal application step 104, the processor 41 controls the IPG 45 (or other preferred type of circuit or device, such as that shown in Figure 1 above) to apply the stress signal generated in step 102 to the tissue in question in the heart 26 via one or more of the aforementioned devices for a first time interval. In this embodiment, the duration of the first time interval is approximately 0.5 seconds. In other embodiments, the first time interval may have any other preferred duration, for example, 0.1 seconds to 1 second.

[0053] In some embodiments, one or more of the devices are connected to a catheter inserted into the heart 26. For example, a stress signal is applied to tissue via one or more electrodes 50 connected to the tip section 40, or via other types of electrodes or devices, such as but not limited to ultrasonic transducers, optical elements, and microwave antennas, connected to the catheter 21 or additional catheters inserted into the heart 26.

[0054] In the irreversible electroporation signal generation step 106, the processor 41 controls the IPG 45 to generate an IRE signal to create damage within the tissue in question in the heart 26. In some embodiments, the IRE signal may include any preferred combination of IRE pulse trains defined in a unipolar IRE ablation or bipolar IRE ablation protocol stored in and controlled by the processor 41, as shown in Figure 1 above.

[0055] In the IRE signal application step 108 that completes this method, the processor 41 controls the IPG 45 to apply the IRE signal to the tissue in question via the electrode 50 connected to the tip section 40, or via any other aforementioned device that can be connected to the catheter 21 or an additional catheter inserted into the heart 26.

[0056] In some embodiments, as described in step 104, the same tissue has already received a stress signal during a first time interval, and in a second time interval following the first time interval, the IRE signal is applied to the tissue in question. It should be noted that after applying the stress signal, the impedance of the tissue is reduced, and therefore the power and / or duration of the IRE signal applied to the same tissue may be reduced, as detailed in Figure 1 above.

[0057] In some embodiments, both steps 102 and 106 may be performed using an IPG45 capable of generating both a stress signal and an IRE signal. Furthermore, both steps 104 and 108 may be performed by an electrode 50 capable of applying both a stress signal and an IRE signal to the tissue intended to be ablated. In one embodiment, the same electrode 50 may be used to apply both signals in a first time interval and a second time interval. In another embodiment, a first subset of the electrode 50 may be used to apply the stress signal in the first time interval, and a second subset of the electrode 50 may be used to apply the IRE signal in a second subsequent time interval. In this embodiment, the first subset and the second subset may or may not have one or more common electrodes.

[0058] In other embodiments, step 102 may be performed using equipment other than the IPG45, such as, but not limited to, the ultrasonic generator, laser source, or microwave generator shown in Figure 1 above. In such embodiments, step 104 may be performed using one or more devices other than the electrode 50 that can be connected to the catheter 21 or any other catheter inserted into the heart 26. The devices typically correspond to the type of stress signal and its generator. For example, (i) an ultrasonic transducer connected to the catheter for applying an ultrasonic stress signal generated by an ultrasonic generator, (ii) an optical element connected to the catheter for applying a laser beam stress signal generated by a laser source, or (iii) a microwave antenna connected to the catheter for applying a microwave stress signal generated by a microwave generator. In such embodiments, steps 104 and 108 are performed using the IPG45 and the electrode 50 as described above.

[0059] While the embodiments described herein primarily address irreversible electroporation for treating arrhythmias in the patient's heart, the methods and systems described herein may also be used for other purposes, such as the treatment of cancer in various organs, including but not limited to the liver and lungs.

[0060] Accordingly, the embodiments described above are cited as examples, and it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to those specifically shown and described above. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and partial combinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications thereof not disclosed in the prior art, which would be conceivable to those skilled in the art by reading the foregoing description. Documents incorporated into this patent application by reference shall be considered integral parts of this application, except that, in such incorporated documents, only the definitions herein shall be considered to the extent that any term is defined in a manner that contradicts the definitions expressed or implied herein.

[0061] [Implementation Method] (1) A system for improving the efficiency of IRE ablation, A first circuit configured to generate a stress signal to reduce the impedance of the organ tissue, A second circuit is configured to generate an irreversible electroporation (IRE) signal for causing damage within the tissue, A system comprising one or more devices configured to apply the stress signal to the tissue at a first time interval, and the IRE signal to the tissue at a second time interval following the first time interval. (2) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein one or more devices comprises one or more electrodes connected to a catheter inserted into the organ and configured to apply the stress signal and the IRE signal from the catheter. (3) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein one or more devices comprises one or more first electrodes connected to a first catheter inserted into the organ and configured to apply the stress signal, and one or more second electrodes connected to a second catheter inserted into the organ and configured to apply the IRE signal. (4) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the organ includes a heart, the stress signal includes a radio frequency (RF) pulse having a power greater than 10 watts, and the first time interval is 0.1 seconds to 1 second. (5) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first and second circuits include a common pulse generator configured to generate (i) the stress signal in a first pulse including a high-frequency (RF) pulse having a power greater than 10 watts and having a first time interval of 0.1 seconds to 1 second, and (ii) the IRE signal in a second pulse different from the first pulse, and a processor configured to control the common pulse generator to apply the second pulse within 30 seconds after applying the first pulse.

[0062] (6) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first circuit comprises an ultrasonic generator, the stress signal comprises an ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic generator, and at least one of the one or more devices comprises an ultrasonic transducer configured to apply the ultrasonic signal to the tissue. (7) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first circuit comprises a light source, the stress signal comprises a light beam generated by the light source, and at least one of the one or more devices comprises an optical element configured to apply the light beam to the tissue. (8) The system according to Embodiment 7, wherein the light source includes a laser and the light beam includes a laser beam. (9) The system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first circuit comprises a microwave generator, the stress signal comprises a microwave signal generated by the microwave generator, and at least one of the one or more devices comprises a microwave antenna configured to apply the microwave signal to the tissue. (10) A method for improving the efficiency of IRE ablation, To generate a stress signal to reduce the impedance of organ tissues, To generate an irreversible electroporation (IRE) signal for causing damage within the aforementioned tissue, A method comprising (i) inserting one or more devices into the organ to apply the stress signal at a first time interval and (ii) the IRE signal at a second time interval following the first time interval to the tissue.

[0063] (11) The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein inserting one or more devices includes inserting the catheter having one or more electrodes for applying the stress signal and the IRE signal from the catheter into the organ. (12) The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein inserting one or more devices includes inserting into the organ (i) a first catheter having one or more first electrodes for applying the stress signal, and (ii) a second catheter having one or more second electrodes for applying the IRE signal. (13) The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein the organ includes a heart, and applying the stress signal involves applying a radio frequency (RF) pulse having a power greater than 10 watts, and the first time interval is 0.1 seconds to 1 second. (14) The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein the generation of the stress signal and the IRE signal is performed using a common pulse generator, the stress signal includes a first pulse, the IRE signal includes a second pulse different from the first pulse, and the common pulse generator is controlled to apply the second pulse within 30 seconds after the first pulse has been applied. (15) The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein generating the stress signal includes generating an ultrasonic signal, and inserting one or more devices includes inserting at least an ultrasonic transducer into the organ to apply the ultrasonic signal to the tissue.

[0064] (16) The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein generating the stress signal includes generating a light beam, and inserting the one or more devices includes inserting optical elements into the organ for applying the light beam to the tissue. (17) The method according to Embodiment 16, wherein generating the light beam includes generating a laser beam, and applying the light beam includes applying the laser beam to the tissue. (18) The method according to Embodiment 10, wherein generating the stress signal includes generating a microwave signal, and inserting one or more devices includes inserting a microwave antenna into the organ to apply the microwave signal to the tissue.

Claims

1. A system for improving the efficiency of IRE ablation, A first circuit is configured to generate a stress signal to reduce the impedance of the organ tissue, A second circuit is configured to generate an irreversible electroporation (IRE) signal for causing damage within the tissue, A system comprising one or more devices configured to apply the stress signal in a first time interval, and the IRE signal in a second time interval following the first time interval for a selected duration during which the effect of the stress signal persists, wherein the stress signal is selectively configured to increase the efficiency with which the IRE signal generates the damage in the tissue during the second time interval.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more devices comprises one or more electrodes connected to a catheter inserted into the organ and configured to apply the stress signal and the IRE signal from the catheter.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more devices comprises one or more first electrodes connected to a first catheter inserted into the organ and configured to apply the stress signal, and one or more second electrodes connected to a second catheter inserted into the organ and configured to apply the IRE signal.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the organ includes a heart, the stress signal includes a radio frequency (RF) pulse having a power greater than 10 watts, and the first time interval is 0.1 seconds to 1 second.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit and the second circuit each include a common pulse generator configured to generate (i) the stress signal in a first pulse including a high-frequency (RF) pulse having a power greater than 10 watts and having a first time interval of 0.1 seconds to 1 second, and (ii) the IRE signal in a second pulse different from the first pulse, and a processor configured to control the common pulse generator to apply the second pulse within 30 seconds after applying the first pulse.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit comprises an ultrasonic generator, the stress signal includes an ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic generator, and at least one of the one or more devices comprises an ultrasonic transducer configured to apply the ultrasonic signal to the tissue.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit comprises a light source, the stress signal comprises a light beam generated by the light source, and at least one of the one or more devices comprises an optical element configured to apply the light beam to the tissue.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the light source includes a laser and the light beam includes a laser beam.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit comprises a microwave generator, the stress signal includes a microwave signal generated by the microwave generator, and at least one of the one or more devices comprises a microwave antenna configured to apply the microwave signal to the tissue.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the stress signal includes a radio frequency (RF) pulse and the IRE signal includes a bipolar electric pulse.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the RF pulse is a unipolar pulse.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the stress signal is configured to amplify the size of the damage generated by the IRE signal during the second time interval.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the increase in dimensions is 40%.

Images