In vivo electrochemical lipolysis of fat in a Yucatan pig model: A proof of concept study

Objectives Traditional fat contouring is now regularly performed using numerous office‐based less invasive techniques. However, some limitations of these minimally invasive techniques include high cost or limited selectivity with performing localized contouring and reduction of fat. These shortcomings may potentially be addressed by electrochemical lipolysis (ECLL), a novel approach that involves the insertion of electrodes into tissue followed by application of a direct current (DC) electrical potential. This results in the hydrolysis of tissue water creating active species that lead to fat necrosis and apoptosis. ECLL can be accomplished using a simple voltage‐driven system (V‐ECLL) or a potential‐driven feedback cell (P‐ECLL) both leading to water electrolysis and the creation of acid and base in situ. The aim of this study is to determine the long‐lasting effects of targeted ECLL in a Yucatan pig model. Methods A 5‐year‐old Yucatan pig was treated with both V‐ECLL and P‐ECLL in the subcutaneous fat layer using 80:20 platinum:iridium needle electrodes along an 8 cm length. Dosimetry parameters included 5 V V‐ECLL for 5, 10, and 20 minutes, and −1.5 V P‐ECLL, −2.5 V P‐ECLL, −3.5 V P‐ECLL for 5 minutes. The pig was assessed for changes in fat reduction over 3 months with digital photography and ultrasound. After euthanasia, tissue sections were harvested and gross pathology and histology were examined. Results V‐ECLL and P‐ECLL treatments led to visible fat reduction (12.1%–27.7% and 9.4%–40.8%, respectively) and contour changes across several parameters. An increased reduction of the superficial fat layer occurred with increased dosimetry parameters with an average charge transfer of 12.5, 24.3, and 47.5 C transferred for 5 V V‐ECLL for 5, 10, and 20 minutes, respectively, and 2.0, 11.5, and 24.0 C for −1.5 V P‐ECLL, −2.5 V P‐ECLL, −3.5 V P‐ECLL for 5 minutes, respectively. These dose‐dependent changes were also evidenced by digital photography, gross pathology, ultrasound imaging, and histology. Conclusions ECLL results in selective damage and long‐lasting changes to the adipose layer in vivo. These changes are dose‐dependent, thus allowing for more precise contouring of target areas. P‐ECLL has greater efficiency and control of total charge transfer compared to V‐ECLL, suggesting that a low‐voltage potentiostat treatment can result in fat apoptosis equivalent to a high‐voltage DC system.