Nano-knife (irreversible electroporation) is an effective cancer treatment

Nano-knife or irreversible electroporation (IRE) — effective method cancer treatments, that allows you to remove tumors with an electric current. 

Special fine-needle electrodes are inserted into the cancerous tumor under the control of ultrasound, CT or MRI. Then, using the NanoKnife device, the tumor is dosed with a high-voltage electric current (3000 volts). The electric field creates nanopores in the cells, as a result of which homeostasis is disturbed and the cells undergo apoptosis. Damaged cancer cells are eliminated by the immune system.

Benefits of nano-knife therapy.

1. Minor Invasiveness.
2. Short duration of surgery.
3. Removal of the tumor with preservation of the organ.
4. No thermal effect.

The operation uses electrical pulses without generating energy, which in standard cryoablation is dissipated by blood flow and leads to incomplete ablation in the operated area.

Real-time monitoring (real-time).

Intraoperative monitoring allows you to monitor the surrounding tissues and predict possible complications.

Treatment in difficult cases.

Since there is no thermal effect in the treatment area, the nano-knife can cure tumors located in hard-to-reach places: near large vessels, bile ducts, nerve trunks. 

1. Fewer complications and pronounced side effects than after other treatments.
2. Quick recovery from surgery.
3. Absence of pain and scarring.
4. Minimal risk of damage to nearby organs and tissues.
5. Absence of an inflammatory response.
6. Short hospital stay.

Indications for surgery.

The American FDA, together with the European Union, has recognized the nano-knife method as one of the innovative methods in the fight against cancer, especially those forms of cancer previously considered inoperable. 

The most common use of the nano-knife is for cancerous lesions:

• of the liver;
• kidneys;
• of the pancreas;
• prostate gland;
• of the mammary gland;
• lungs.

It should be noted that the method is actively used in primary and secondary neoplasms, cancer recurrence and the presence of metastases.

Preparing for surgery.

Prior to surgery, the patient undergoes a standardized examination that includes:

1. Laboratory examination: general clinical urine and blood tests, testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C.
2. Instrumental diagnostics : ultrasound, electrocardiogram, CT or MRI.

After the examination, the patient is necessarily consulted by an anesthesiologist, who selects the optimal method of anesthesia.

Progress of the operation.

The operation is performed after a preliminary examination, under general anesthesia in an operating room equipped with therapeutic and visual diagnostic equipment (ultrasound, CT or MRI machines).

Prior to surgery, the surgeon calculates the exact number of total electrodes and their exposure time, depending on the size, location, and suspected etiology of the tumor. 

The duration of the surgery averages 1-5 hours.

Postoperative period and recovery.

As a rule, the patient is discharged on the 3rd to 5th day for further outpatient follow-up. The entire healing process takes approximately 14 days.

The question about the need for additional chemotherapy after surgery is decided by the attending physician.

Cost of nano-knife surgery in Germany

Depends on tumor location, size, patient’s condition, cancer stage, doctor’s qualification, level of clinic equipment. The average price varies from 1500-15000 Euros.

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cancer treatmentirreversible electroporation