NanoKnife is the trade name of a system used to deliver Irreversible Electroporation (IRE). The medical team places thin probes so that electrical pulses pass through the target tissue in a controlled way.
IRE uses short, high-voltage electrical pulses between probes. The field changes the structure of cell membranes in the treatment zone, which leads to cell death in that region. The aim is to treat a defined volume that has been planned on imaging.
Multiple probes are positioned around or through the tumour according to a pre-operative plan. Imaging during or around the time of treatment helps confirm alignment with the planned zone.
Ultrasound, CT or MRI may be used, alone or in combination, depending on the organ and centre. The exact imaging workflow is centre- and case-dependent.
Microwave, radiofrequency and some laser treatments destroy tissue mainly by heating. IRE works through a different physical mechanism. That difference matters for some anatomical situations, but it does not mean IRE is suitable for every patient or every tumour.
The clip below is hosted by Wistia (third party). It gives a device-level overview of how the NanoKnife system is described by the manufacturer.
You can ask for a second opinion on imaging, diagnosis and treatment options before you decide.