Our Technology
Irreversible Electroporation for Cancer Treatment
The technology is based on an extension of CathPrint's e-Shaft concept and our patent-pending inventions. The main feature is that it allows an arbitrary number of electrodes for the same catheter size. This enables an extremely low electroporation pulse voltage rendering high procedure safety.
Key Advantages of Our Approach
Electroporation-based catheter therapy offers distinct clinical advantages over existing ablation technologies.
Non-Thermal Ablation
Unlike radiofrequency or microwave ablation, electroporation does not rely on heat. This eliminates the risk of thermal damage to nearby blood vessels, bile ducts, and nerves.
Structure Preservation
The extracellular matrix, collagen scaffolding, and connective tissue framework are preserved, allowing for natural tissue remodeling and healing after treatment.
Precise Targeting
The electric field can be precisely shaped by electrode placement, allowing clinicians to conform the treatment zone to irregular tumor shapes with minimal collateral damage.
Immunogenic Potential
Electroporation-induced cell death may release tumor antigens that stimulate an immune response, creating potential synergies with immunotherapy approaches.
Platform Technologies in Development
Next-Generation Electroporation Technologies
Embio Medical is developing next-generation electroporation technologies designed to enable highly localised diagnostics and treatment in anatomically difficult and clinically sensitive environments. Rather than focusing on single devices, Embio's work centres on a set of technological advances in catheter-based electroporation that may open new possibilities for precision diagnostics, targeted treatment, and combined diagnostic-therapeutic workflows.
These advances are currently protected through a growing intellectual property portfolio, including four pending patent applications covering key platform concepts. Together, these developments aim to enable electroporation technologies that can operate closer to the tissue of interest, at lower voltages and with higher spatial precision than conventional approaches.
Core Technology Advances
High-Density Electrode Architectures
One of Embio's central innovations is the development of catheter architectures with closely spaced electrodes integrated along conductive elements. This design enables the creation of highly localised electric fields directly at the target tissue while potentially operating at lower voltages than traditional electroporation systems.
Such electrode configurations may support both reversible and irreversible electroporation, enabling applications ranging from controlled release of biological material for diagnostics to targeted treatment.
Integrated Diagnostic and Therapeutic Workflows
Embio is developing catheter concepts designed to support multiple functions within a single procedural workflow. These concepts aim to enable:
- Mild reversible electroporation to release biological material from tissue
- Aspiration of released material for analysis (liquid biopsy such as exosomes, cfDNA, mtDNA and miRNA)
- Localised delivery of therapeutic agents
- Targeted electroporation treatment
The goal is to support diagnostic and therapeutic steps through the same access pathway, potentially reducing procedural complexity and improving clinical efficiency.
Electroporation in Narrow Duct Systems
A major focus area is the application of electroporation technologies within narrow and fragile duct systems such as the pancreatic and bile ducts. These environments present significant challenges for existing instruments due to their small diameter and delicate tissue structures.
Embio's technology concepts aim to enable localised electroporation, sampling, and treatment within these ducts through specialised catheter architectures designed for compatibility with endoscopic workflows.
Electroporation for Sensitive Anatomical Environments
Embio is also exploring ultra-thin catheter and probe technologies intended for use in highly sensitive anatomical environments where conventional surgery, thermal ablation, or larger instruments may be unsuitable. These concepts focus on:
- Ultra-thin catheter architectures (potentially 1–2 Fr)
- Closely positioned electrodes enabling spatially confined electric fields
- Low-voltage electroporation designed to minimise unnecessary local effects
Such technologies may in the future enable research and clinical applications in delicate tissues, including potential work in neuro-oncology and other specialised areas.
Intellectual Property
Embio's technology platform is supported by a growing portfolio of intellectual property. The company currently has four pending patent applications covering core technical concepts that may enable a range of future device implementations.
Filed Applications
- High-density electrode architectures enabling localised electroporation
- DuCath – a catheter concept designed for electroporation-based diagnostics and treatment in duct systems
In Preparation
- Balloon catheter concept designed to enable diagnostic sampling and treatment within the same procedure
- Ultra-thin catheter architectures for use in highly sensitive anatomical environments
Together, these inventions aim to protect the core technological advances that underpin Embio's electroporation platform.
Long-Term Vision
Embio's research focuses on enabling technologies that may allow clinicians to:
Local electroporation may also influence the tumour microenvironment and immune response, which represents an important area for future research.
Partner With Us to Advance Cancer Treatment
Whether you are a medical professional, potential partner, or investor, we welcome the opportunity to discuss how Embio Medical is transforming cancer care.