Exposing biological cells to sufficiently strong external electric fields causes electroporation of cell membranes. The main advantages of irreversible electroporation over other ablation techniques are its nonthermal nature and consequently fast tissue regeneration.We show that it is possible to reduce tissue heating during the optimization procedure by penalizing higher temperatures in the objective function. We also show that optimization of electroporation parameters takes too much time when an accurate calculation of the temperature distribution is performed for each set of parameters. Instead, we propose that heating during electric pulse delivery is only conservatively estimated in the optimization procedure, while an accurate calculation is performed only when the conservative estimate implies the possibility of thermal damage.
F.10 Improvements to an existing technological process or technology
COBISS.SI-ID: 8417876ECTplan software is a web application that will allow clinicians to prepare electrochemotherapy treatment plans themselves, where the most added value is represented by the clinicians independency when generating plans (no engineers are required) and low treatment costs. ECTplan is an affordable solution in comparison to other conventional methods, where an engineer is required for plan preparation.
E.01 National awards
Web application ECTplan was presented at the international conference on translational and experimental oncology in Protorož, Slovenia. The results and practical application of the project were presented to the intended endusers and a wider research community.
F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)
COBISS.SI-ID: 1499003The upgraded nonlinear coupled model of electroporation was presented as a computer lab excercise at the 2013 EBTT iternational postgraduate course. The model included nonlinear electric conductivity changes due to electroporation, tissue heating and thermal damage estimation by means of the Arrhenius integral. Thus the current results of the project group were presented directy to the next generation of researchers in the area of electroporation.
F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)
COBISS.SI-ID: 10291540ECTplan project was presented as finalists in the COINVEST 2013 competition for best startups. The project was presented to a group of of investors representing various venture capital funds. The feedback from investors involved in biomedical engineering was encouraging.
F.19 Knowledge that leads to a company spin off