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Electroporation therapy systems designed to induce the death of tissue cells by applying an electric field that causes permanent permeability of the cell membrane (i.e., irreversible electroporation) with negligible thermal effects. These systems typically include an electric generator capable of delivering appropriate short-term (e.g., microsecond) electrical pulses with a voltage high enough to cause permanent perforation of the cell walls,; a computerized unit with a display to control and monitor the delivery of electric energy;, and a set of detachable probes with very thin needle electrodes at the distal end that are inserted around the tissue to be ablated. Irreversible electroporation tissue ablation affects only well-defined areas without extending its effects to surrounding tissue, sparing large blood vessel scaffolds and other (e.g., bile) ducts. Tissue ablation irreversible electroporation therapy systems are intended for ablation of abnormal cells; they may be also used for treatment of tumors in difficult to access areas of the body and/or near large blood vessels.
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