Electrode Tip Wear Increases Needle Deflection and Procedural Complexity in Electrochemotherapy

Introduction: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a widely accepted treatment modality for skin cancers that are not amenable to first-line therapies. It is extensively used in both human and veterinary medicine. Various electrode designs exist, with needle tips differing by manufacturer and application. In human medicine, electrodes commonly feature conical tips, while veterinary electrodes typically have sharper, beveled tips to better penetrate the tougher skin of animals. A recurrent issue among ECT practitioners—both physicians and veterinarians—is the progressive loss of needle sharpness during treatment. This degradation increases tissue trauma, potentially delaying recovery, particularly when treating healthy surgical margins. In addition, blunted needles are prone to deflection upon insertion, which alters the inter-needle spacing. This, in turn, can compromise the uniformity of electric field distribution and leave regions of the target tissue insufficiently permeabilized.