NanoKnife procedure surgical team

NanoKnife® Procedure in Hollywood, FL
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Patients with advanced pancreatic, liver, and soft tissue cancers often have limited treatment options and little, if any, hope — until now. Robert Donoway, MD, FACS, at Atlas Oncology is one of only a few experts offering NanoKnife® IRE, a minimally invasive treatment that effectively eliminates inoperable cancer tumors without harming surrounding tissues. If you have questions about this cutting-edge treatment, call (305) 343 3886 or use the online booking feature to schedule a consultation.

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What Is the NanoKnife Procedure?

NanoKnife, also known as irreversible electroporation (IRE), is a minimally invasive cancer treatment that uses targeted electrical pulses instead of heat, cold, or a scalpel to destroy tumor cells. During the procedure, Dr. Donoway inserts thin needle electrodes around the tumor under image guidance, then delivers short bursts of high-voltage electricity that create permanent, microscopic openings in the cancer cells’ membranes. This causes the cells to die while leaving the collagen structure of nearby blood vessels, nerves, and bile ducts intact.

That distinction is what sets NanoKnife apart from other ablation technologies. Because it doesn’t rely on temperature to work, it can safely treat tumors located in tight, delicate spaces — near major blood vessels, close to the pancreas, or wrapped around nerves in an arm or leg — where heat-based methods or traditional surgery would carry unacceptable risk.

Cancers Treated with NanoKnife

Dr. Donoway uses the NanoKnife procedure to treat a range of complex cancers, including:

Many patients come to Dr. Donoway after being told their cancer is inoperable elsewhere. Because NanoKnife opens treatment possibilities that traditional surgery and standard ablation can’t, a consultation is often worthwhile even after a discouraging diagnosis. Learn more about our complete cancer treatment services, or find out what to expect as a new patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does NanoKnife stand for and how does it work?

NanoKnife is a minimally invasive technology that uses irreversible electroporation (IRE) — short, targeted electrical pulses delivered through thin needle electrodes — to destroy cancer cells without relying on heat, cold, or cutting.

What makes NanoKnife different from traditional ablation or surgery?

Because NanoKnife works through electrical pulses rather than temperature, it preserves the structural integrity of nearby blood vessels, nerves, and ducts, allowing it to treat tumors in locations where heat-based ablation or open surgery would be too risky.

What types of cancer can NanoKnife treat?

NanoKnife is commonly used for pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, bile duct cancer, and soft tissue sarcomas, particularly when tumors are located near critical structures that make surgery difficult.

Is NanoKnife a good option if I’ve been told my cancer is inoperable?

It can be. Many patients referred for NanoKnife have already been told by other providers that surgery isn’t an option. Because NanoKnife doesn’t carry the same risks to surrounding structures, it opens up treatment possibilities for some inoperable tumors.

Is the NanoKnife procedure painful?

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so patients don’t experience pain during treatment. Some soreness at the needle insertion sites is common during recovery.

How long does recovery take after NanoKnife treatment?

Recovery is typically shorter than with traditional open surgery since NanoKnife is minimally invasive, though the exact timeline depends on the tumor’s size, location, and your overall health.

How do I find out if I’m a candidate for NanoKnife?

Call (305) 343 3886 or book online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Donoway at Atlas Oncology in Hollywood, FL
We do Not accept Mail at this address, do not send records until speaking to office and getting correct mailing address., where your imaging and medical history will be reviewed to determine candidacy.