How are blood vessels and nerves affected by IRE injury?

The correct choice indicates that blood vessels and nerves are relatively resistant to irreversible electroporation (IRE) injury. This resistance is a crucial aspect of IRE’s application in medical procedures because it allows for targeted treatment of cancerous tissues while sparing surrounding healthy structures.

IRE utilizes short bursts of high-voltage electrical pulses to create nanopores in cell membranes, leading to cell death. While this process effectively disrupts cancer cells, it has been found that the surrounding blood vessels and peripheral nerves can withstand the electrical field’s effects better than tumor cells.

The resistance of these structures to IRE injury is essential in planning IRE treatments, as it reduces the risk of damaging important tissues during procedures intended to eradicate cancer. Thus, understanding that blood vessels and nerves are relatively resistant provides insight into the safety and efficacy of IRE as a minimally invasive treatment option.