Pulsed electric breakdown in adipose tissue

High voltage pulses of sub-microsecond duration can instigate electrical breakdown in adipose tissue, which is followed by a spark discharge. Breakdown voltages are generally lower than observed for purified lipids but higher than for air. Development of breakdown for the repetitive application of pulses resembles a gradual and stochastic process as reported for partial discharges in solid dielectrics. The inflicted tissue damage itself is confined to the gap between electrodes, providing a method to use spark discharges as a precise surgical technique.