A review of pulse generation topologies for clinical electroporation

Electroporation phenomenon is the basis for a number of biomedical techniques. High level electroporation, in the irreversible form, has been clinically demonstrated for treatment of solid tumors. There are few experimental available systems capable of generating at the same time the required pulse shaping, power, voltage and output impedance characteristic. In contrast power pulse generators have been a subject of study for many years applied to other fields. Nevertheless there are a few references on high voltage pulse generation oriented to electroporation and even fewer applied to clinical electroporation. This paper examines the differential characteristics of the pulse generators that would fit in an electroporation application. A detailed review and groping of power converter topologies applied to power pulse generation is incorporated. The more relevant topologies for power pulse generation, which would be suitable for clinical electroporation, are analyzed. The advantages and drawbacks of those types are highlighted from the point of view of this application. As result the discussion includes a number of conclusions about the most interesting topologies for future developments in this application.