Devices and methods for treating infected tissue

A system for treating infected tissue, the system comprising:

• an applicator device comprising an electrode pair spaced apart and operable to be positioned against the infected tissue;
• and
• an electrical power supply operable to generate an electric field having a field strength of 40 kV/cm or less across the electrode pair to apply a pulsed electric field being comprised of a plurality of electric field pulses having a time duration of about 50 to 900 nanoseconds through the infected tissue, wherein the pulsed electric field has a field strength within a range that when the pulsed electric field is applied, pores are formed in membranes of cells of the infected tissue;
• and
• an antimicrobial agent operable to cross or integrate into the membrane of the cells when the pulsed electric field is applied.

A method for treating infected tissue, the method comprising:

• positioning an electrode pair against the infected tissue;
• applying a pulsed electric field across the electrode pair generated from a power supply through the infected tissue, wherein the pulsed electric field has a field strength within a range that when the pulsed electric field is applied, pores are formed in membranes of cells of the infected tissue;
• and
• applying an antimicrobial agent into or onto the infected tissue when the pulsed electric field is applied, wherein the antimicrobial agent crosses or integrates into the membrane of the cells when the pulsed electric field is applied.