ADMIRE study: Anaesthesia Decision and Management in IRreversible Electroporation procedures

“Irreversible Electroporation” is a method of destroying tumor cells with the use of high voltage electric currents delivered very close to the tumour, with the help of specialised needles which are placed with the help of CT guidance by Interventional Radiologists, causing death of the tumour cells without affecting nearby structures like blood vessels and nerves. However, the high voltage current carries a risk of causing side effects like- increase or decrease of heart rate, an increase or decrease of blood pressure, and movement of muscles. Other side effects can be decreased body temperature of patients due to the cold environment of the IR suite and post-procedure pain.

Very few centers offer this modality of treatment, and our anaesthesia technique for these procedures is still evolving. Our study aims to look at data retrospectively into the incidence of these adverse events, which will help us formulate a plan for safer and better management. Following which we plan to prospectively observe for adverse events and postoperative pain.

For the retrospective cohort, data will be collected from electronic medical records of our hospital. For prospective cohort, all eligible patients will be consented a day prior the procedure. They will receive anaesthesia according to the current standard of care. Anesthesia management will be as per discretion of anaesthetist conducting the case. All patients will be followed up by study team till discharge from hospital. All data will be collected from the case record form and electronic medical records. No biological samples will be taken from the patient. No additional hospital visits will be required.

There are no risk factors as this is an observational study and hence there will be no direct contact with the patient. This study will help guide anaesthesia practice to improve patient care in the future of this procedure.