Journal of Hepatology and Gastrointestinal disorders
Open Access

Abstract

Irreversible Electroporation Ablation of Liver Metastases Adjacent to the Heart Induces Ventricular Tachycardia: A Case Report

Lizhi Niu, Xiaomei Luo, Jianying Zeng, Xiaoling Cai, Gang Fang, Guangjun Chen, Zhonghai Li, Rongrong Li and Kecheng Xu

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a new non-thermal ablation therapy that is currently undergoing clinical investigation for treatment of malignant liver and lung tumors; however, there is emerging evidence that is method can interfere with heart function. Here we report the first case of a 61-year-old Malaysian woman who underwent IRE ablation on liver metastases from pancreatic cancer located adjacent to the heart. During IRE ablation, two electrodes were placed on the liver tumor, with minimum distances from the heart of 5.7 mm. Despite using a cardiac synchronization device during the IRE ablation, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia was induced in this patient. Therefore, care must be taken when treating lesions located near the heart with IRE.