Nanoknife, also known as irreversible electroporation (IRE), is a relatively new and minimally invasive treatment for liver and biliary diseases.

It involves the use of electrical pulses to destroy cancer cells and other abnormal tissues in the liver without damaging healthy cells. The technique has shown promising results in treating various types of liver cancer and biliary diseases, such as cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.

How Nanoknife Works

Nanoknife works by using high-voltage electrical pulses to create tiny holes in the cell membranes of cancerous or abnormal cells, causing the cells to break down and die.

Because healthy cells are better able to repair themselves after being exposed to electrical pulses, they are less affected by the treatment.

The procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia and requires the insertion of several thin electrodes into the liver or biliary tract using image guidance.

Once the electrodes are in place, the electrical pulses are applied, destroying the targeted tissue. The entire procedure can be completed in as little as 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the size and location of the tumor.

Advantages of Nanoknife

Nanoknife offers several advantages over traditional treatments for liver and biliary diseases. One of the main advantages is its minimally invasive nature.

Unlike traditional surgery, Nanoknife does not require large incisions or the removal of a significant amount of healthy tissue, which reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster recovery times.

Additionally, Nanoknife can be used to treat tumors that are difficult to access with traditional surgical techniques, such as those located near major blood vessels or bile ducts.

Another advantage of Nanoknife is its ability to target specific tissues without damaging surrounding structures. This precision allows for a more controlled destruction of the abnormal tissue without affecting healthy cells.

Applications of Nanoknife in Liver and Biliary Diseases

Nanoknife is currently being used to treat a range of liver and biliary diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and liver metastases.

In the case of HCC, Nanoknife has shown promising results in treating small to medium-sized tumors that cannot be removed surgically.

A study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that patients with unresectable HCC who underwent Nanoknife had a median survival rate of 38 months, compared to 19 months for patients who received conventional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiofrequency ablation.

Nanoknife has also been used to treat cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile ducts.

A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that Nanoknife was effective in treating unresectable CCA tumors, with a median survival rate of 10 months for patients who underwent the procedure.

Potential Risks and Limitations

Like any medical procedure, Nanoknife carries some risks. The most common side effect is a temporary increase in liver enzymes, which usually resolves within a few days.

More serious complications, such as bleeding, bile leakage, or injury to surrounding organs, are rare but can occur.

Nanoknife is not suitable for all types of liver and biliary diseases. The technique is most effective in treating small to medium-sized tumors that are not located near major blood vessels or bile ducts.

Additionally, the procedure may not be appropriate for patients with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or pacemakers.

Conclusion

Nanoknife is a promising new treatment for liver and biliary diseases that offers several advantages over traditional surgical techniques.

The procedure is minimally invasive, precise, and can be used to treat tumors that are difficult to access with traditional methods. While the technique is not suitable for all types of liver and biliary diseases, it has shown promising results in treating hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and liver metastases.