Experimental study on the application of irreversible electroporation/nanoknife on tonsil tissues in a rabbit model.

Background: Irreversible electroporation (IRE)/nanoknife is a nonthermal technique for ablating solid tumors.

Objectives: To investigate the application of IRE for ablating tonsil tissues in a rabbit model.

Material and methods: Forty five rabbits were divided into three groups IRE, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and control group. The IRE group received IRE in one or both tonsils, while the RFA group received IRE in one tonsil and RFA in the other. The control group had no operation. Rabbits were euthanized at days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 post-IRE ablation or RFA. White blood cell (WBC) counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), and creatine kinase (CK) levels were monitored and tonsil tissues were histologically examined.

Results: IRE ablation induced cell apoptosis in tonsil tissues, which was most pronounced at 72 h post-treatment. At 14- and 28-days post-IRE ablation, lymphoid follicles regenerated in the tonsil tissues. The RFA group showed more severe injury and less tissue regeneration. Transient increases in WBC, CRP, and CK levels indicated inflammation and cardiac injury induced by IRE.

Conclusions and significance: IRE is a potential modality for ablating tonsil tissues, which avoids thermal injury and preserving blood vessels. More robust studies with other animal models are required for definitive evidence.