Prostate Irreversible Electroporation Study

The Prostate Irreversible Electroporation procedure was performed in our institution by a single urologist using an Prostate Irreversible Electroporation device and 18-gauge electrodes (Nanoknife®; Angiodynamics, Queensbury, NY, USA). All patients were positioned in lithotomy position under general anesthesia. A transrectal ultrasound was used to visualize the prostate and a brachytherapy grid was used to place the electrodes. An indwelling catheter was placed to empty the bladder. Four to six electrodes were placed through the perineum via the template grid to surround the targeted lesion. The lesion was defined based on prostate biopsy and MRI images. The active tip varied between 15- and 20-mm exposure. The distances between the electrodes were measured using TRUS and entered into the Nanoknife system. An initial ten pulses were delivered to ensure sufficient current was delivered between the electrodes (20-40 A). If sufficient then the remaining 80 pulses were given.