Displaceable transducer array with anisotropic material layer

Abstract

A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the transducer device comprising: an electrode array configured to be positioned over the subject's body with a front face of the array facing the subject's body, the array comprising electrode elements positioned in existing electrode locations arranged about a centroid of the array; a layer of anisotropic material electrically coupled to the electrode array and located on an anterior side of the front face of the array; and at least one void space in the electrode array capable of enclosing at least a portion of an area footprint equivalent to an area footprint of the at least one existing electrode location and capable of being superimposed on at least a portion of the at least one existing electrode location by rotating the array about the centroid.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 443,585 filed on February 6, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 523,491 filed on June 27, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 615,891 filed on December 29, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 432,933 filed on February 5, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] Tumor treating fields (TT fields) are low-intensity alternating electric fields in the medium frequency range (e.g., 50 kHz to 1 MHz) that can be used to treat tumors, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,565,205. The TT fields are non-invasively induced into the region of interest by a transducer placed on the patient's body and applying an alternating current (AC) voltage between the transducers. Conventionally, a transducer for generating a TT field comprises a plurality of electrode elements comprising ceramic discs. One side of each ceramic disc is positioned against the patient's skin, and the other side of each disc has a conductive backing. Electrical signals are applied to the conductive backing, and the signals are capacitively coupled into the patient's body through the ceramic discs. Conventional transducer designs include a rectangular array of ceramic discs that are aligned with each other in straight rows and columns and attached to the subject's body via an adhesive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 An example of a transducer positioned on a subject's head is depicted.

[0005] Figure 2 An example of a transducer positioned on a subject's body is depicted.

[0006] Figures 3A-3D is a cross-sectional view of an example structure of a transducer.

[0007] Figure 3E and 3F 1 and 2 are respectively a top view and a cross-sectional view of another example structure of a transducer.

[0008] Figure 4A and 4B Depicts the array of electrode elements on the transducer device ( Figure 4A ) and the array after rotation around its centroid ( Figure 4B )

[0009] Figure 4C Depicts a structure with anisotropic material layers and Figure 4A and 4B An example transducer device with an electrode array layout.

[0010] Figure 5A An example of an adhesive layer connected to an electrode array is depicted.

[0011] Figure 5B An example transducer device having an anisotropic material layer is depicted.

[0012] Figure 6A Another example of an adhesive layer connected to an electrode array is depicted.

[0013] Figures 6B-6G Examples of transducer devices each having a layer of anisotropic material are depicted.

[0014] Figures 7A-7I Example layouts of electrode element arrays and relief zones are depicted.

[0015] Figure 8 Another example layout of an array of electrode elements and relief zones is depicted.

[0016] Figure 9 is a flow chart depicting an example of applying a TT field to a subject's body.

[0017] Figure 10 is a flow chart depicting another example of applying a TT field to a subject's body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] This application describes exemplary transducer devices for applying TT fields to a subject's body, for example, to treat one or more cancers. This application also describes exemplary methods of applying TT fields to a subject's body using a transducer.

[0019] Transducers used to apply a TT field to a subject's body often include multiple electrode elements electrically coupled together on a substrate and attached to the subject's body at desired locations, for example, via an adhesive backing on the substrate or a separately applied adhesive. Conventional transducers have a large, rectangular surface to maximize the number of electrode elements located on the transducer for applying the TT field to the subject's body. However, subjects may experience skin irritation on the portions of their skin contacted by the electrode elements during TT field therapy. This irritation may be common at locations directly beneath the electrode elements, where heat and current may be at their highest concentrations, particularly for electrodes around the outer edges of the array.

[0020] As recognized by the inventors, on a transducer array comprising multiple electrode elements, portions of the transducer array positioned directly below an electrode element may become hotter than portions of the transducer array positioned between the electrode elements. Furthermore, higher currents may flow through electrode elements along the edge of the array compared to electrode elements toward the middle of the array. Furthermore, electrode elements located at corners or similar sharp bends in the edge of the array may have higher currents than other electrode elements along the edge of the array and near the center of the array.

[0021] As the inventors have recognized, uneven distribution of current through the transducer array may result in zones of higher temperature (or "hot spots"), for example at the corners or edges of the transducer array, which in turn may limit the maximum operating current that can be driven by the transducer array and therefore limit the strength of the generated TT field.

[0022] The inventors have now recognized that there is a need for a transducer that can reduce, minimize, prevent, alleviate, cure, or treat skin irritation without significantly changing the field strength of the TT field induced within a subject's body. For example, it is desirable to have a transducer that can be displaced so that skin previously contacted by the electrode elements can be uncovered (or covered by a topical medication) without substantially moving the transducer from an optimal location on the subject's body. A transducer is in substantially the same location at its new location after displacement if the footprint of the new location after displacement covers greater than or equal to 80% of the footprint of the original location before displacement; or if it covers greater than or equal to 90% of the footprint of the original location before displacement; or if it covers greater than or equal to 95% of the footprint of the original location before displacement. In some embodiments, the footprint of the transducer at its new location after displacement covers 100% of the footprint of the transducer at its original location before displacement. Displacement of the transducer device can reduce, minimize, prevent, alleviate, cure, and / or treat skin irritation while maintaining the transducer in an optimal location on the subject's body. Thus, the transducer can continuously induce the TT field at an ideal location and power level for targeting a region of interest (eg, a tumor) within a subject's body, thereby improving patient prognosis.

[0023] The disclosed transducer device can be displaced via rotation about the centroid of the electrode array or via translation of the electrode array such that one or more portions of the subject's skin previously contacted by the electrode elements can be uncovered (or covered with medication) while maintaining the transducer in an optimal location on the subject's body. In some embodiments, the electrode array does not include an electrode position that includes the array centroid. The disclosed transducer device can have a substantially circular shape, thereby enabling the transducer to be positioned on the subject's head. In other examples, the disclosed transducer device can have other (e.g., non-circular) shapes.

[0024] The disclosed transducer device may also include an anisotropic material layer located on the side of the electrode element array facing the subject's body. This anisotropic material layer can distribute the heat and / or current generated at each electrode element in a plane perpendicular to the direction from the electrode element to the subject's body. Distributing the heat and / or current in this plane can reduce the concentration of heat and / or current at the site directly below each electrode element, thereby reducing the amount or severity of irritation (if any) occurring on the subject's skin. The transducer device having an anisotropic material layer as described herein can also be displaceable (e.g., via rotation or translation) to further reduce, minimize, prevent, alleviate, cure and / or treat skin irritation.

[0025] The description of the embodiments herein associated with specific exemplary figures may apply and be combined with the description of the embodiments herein associated with other exemplary figures unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0026] Figure 1 Transducers 100 are depicted positioned on the head of a subject's body. This arrangement of transducers 100 enables application of a TT field to a tumor in a brain region of the subject. Various other locations and / or orientations on the subject's head can be selected for transducer placement. Each transducer 100 can have an array of electrode elements disposed thereon. Each transducer 100 can be placed on the subject's head with one side of the electrode element array facing and conforming to the subject's head. As shown, the transducers 100 on the subject's head do not overlap, for example due to their circular shape.

[0027] Figure 2 Depicted are transducers 200 and 202 attached to other parts of the subject's body (e.g., chest / torso and thigh). Transducers 200 and 202 can be attached to the subject's body via a medically suitable gel or adhesive. In other embodiments, transducers 200 and 202 can be attached to one or more pieces of clothing and held against the subject's body. Each of transducers 200 and 202 can have an array of electrode elements 204 disposed thereon. Each transducer 200 and 202 can be placed on the subject's body with one side of the electrode element array facing and conforming to the subject's body.

[0028] In the first transducer 200 and the second transducer 202, the outer perimeter 206 (defined by Figure 2) outlines the array of electrode elements 204. In one example, the outer perimeter 206 of the array on each transducer can have substantially rounded edges. The shape of the outer perimeter 206 can be substantially circular, oval, ovoid, elliptical, or elliptical. For example, as shown, the outer perimeter 206 can have a circular shape. In another example, the outer perimeter 206 can have other shapes, such as, for example, a square or rectangular shape or a substantially square or rectangular shape with rounded corners (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 8 shown).

[0029] The structure of the transducer can take many forms. Figure 3A In the embodiment of the present invention, transducer 300A has a plurality of electrode elements 302A positioned on substrate 304A.Substrate 304A is configured to attach transducer 300A to a subject's body. Suitable materials for substrate 304A include, for example, cloth, foam, flexible plastics and / or conductive medical gel. Transducer 300A can be attached to a subject's body via substrate 304A (e.g., via an adhesive layer and / or conductive medical gel). An adhesive layer contacting the subject's skin can be present around the outer perimeter of the electrode array and / or can be present between one or more gaps between the electrodes. Alternatively, the area between the electrodes can be a non-adhesive area. The transducer can be conductive or non-conductive. Figure 3B Another example of a transducer 300B structure is depicted. In this example, the transducer 300B includes a plurality of electrode elements 302B that are electrically and mechanically connected to each other without a substrate. As an example, the electrode elements 302B are connected to each other by conductive wires 306B.

[0030] exist Figure 3C and 3DIn the embodiment of the present invention, transducers 300C and 300D include one or more drug zones 308C and 308D, respectively. Drug zones 308C and 308D may be non-adhesive areas. For example, there is no exposed adhesive in drug zones 308C and 308D. Drug zones 308C and 308D may each include a drug base. The drug base may be capable of performing at least one of the following: receiving, absorbing, or retaining a topical drug applied thereto. The drug base may include cloth, gauze, nonwoven material, foam, or sponge located between one or more pairs of electrode elements 302C and 302D. As an example, drug zones 308C and 308D may also include a topical drug integrated into or on the drug base. The topical drug may include a base ingredient of oil, water, petrolatum, wax, cellulose, or a combination thereof. The topical drug may be a cream, ointment, lotion, gel, wax, paste, or mineral oil jelly. The topical medication may include at least one of an antibiotic, a steroid, an antiseptic, an emollient, an anesthetic, a terpenoid, a plant extract, a silicon-based organic polymer, an antifungal agent, a burn relief agent, a skin repair agent, an astringent, or an antihistamine. The topical medication may be any desired compound that can reduce, heal, and / or provide relief from inflammation, pain, or other irritation that may occur on the skin of a subject's body. The topical medication may be substantially uniformly distributed throughout the thickness of the medication substrate to form medication zones 308C and 308D. Alternatively, the topical medication may be substantially disposed on the surface of the medication substrate to form medication zones 308C and 308D.

[0031] like Figure 3C As shown, the transducer 300C may include a transducer substrate 304C separated from a drug region 308C. The array of electrode elements 302C may be disposed on a surface of the transducer substrate 304C, and the transducer substrate 304C may include an adhesive layer 310C for attaching the transducer device to the body of a subject. The drug substrate may be part of the transducer substrate 304C or may be disposed on a surface of the transducer substrate 304C. Thus, the drug region 308C may be disposed on a surface of the transducer substrate 304C (e.g., Figure 3C In other embodiments, for example, Figure 3D As shown, transducer 300D may not include a transducer substrate, but rather only include an adhesive layer 310D for attaching transducer 300D to a subject's body, and drug regions 308D may be coupled between different portions of adhesive layer 310D and span the distance between electrode elements 302D.

[0032] Transducer 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D and 300E can respectively include an array of substantially flat electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D and 302E. The electrode element array can be capacitively coupled. Electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D and 302E can be non-ceramic dielectric materials positioned on a plurality of flat conductors, such as, for example, polymer films arranged on pads on a printed circuit board or on a flat metal sheet. In another example, electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D and 302E are ceramic elements. In another example, the electrode elements do not have dielectric materials.

[0033] In some embodiments, the dielectric material of electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E can have a dielectric constant ranging from 10 to 50,000. In some embodiments, the dielectric material layer includes a high dielectric polymer material such as poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) and / or poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-1-chlorofluoroethylene). These two polymers are abbreviated herein as "poly(VDF-TrFE-CTFE)" and "poly(VDF-TrFE-CFE)", respectively. The dielectric constant of these materials is approximately 40. In some embodiments, the polymer layer can be poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) or "poly(VDF-TrFE-CTFE-CFE)."

[0034] In some embodiments, the dielectric material layer of electrode elements 302A, 302B, 302C, 302D, and 302E comprises a terpolymer comprising polymerized units of monomers such as VDF, TrFE, CFE, and / or CTFE in any suitable molar ratio. Suitable terpolymers include, for example, those having 30 to 80 mol% VDF, 5 to 60 mol% TrFE, with CFE and / or CTFE constituting the remainder of the terpolymer molar percentage.

[0035] Figure 3E and 3F Another example transducer 300E is depicted, wherein Figure 3F It is taken across section 3F-3F' Figure 3E The transducer 300E includes a plurality of electrode elements 302E positioned on a substrate 304E, similar to the transducer 300E described above with reference to FIG. Figure 3A 304E is configured to attach the transducer 300E to the body of a subject. The electrode elements 302E may be connected to each other by conductive wires 306E.

[0036] Optionally, as Figure 3E and 3FAs shown, embodiments described herein may incorporate an anisotropic material layer 310E into transducer 300E. As shown, anisotropic material layer 310E has a front side 312E and a back side 314E, with back side 314E facing the array of electrode elements 302E. Anisotropic material layer 310E has anisotropic thermal and / or anisotropic electrical properties. If anisotropic material layer 310E has anisotropic thermal properties (e.g., thermal conductivity within the plane of the layer is greater than thermal conductivity across the plane of the layer), the layer distributes heat more evenly over a larger surface area. If anisotropic material layer 310E has anisotropic electrical properties (e.g., electrical conductivity within the plane of the layer is greater than electrical conductivity across the plane of the layer), the layer distributes electrical current more evenly over a larger surface area. In each case, when a given AC voltage is applied to the array of electrode elements, this lowers the temperature of hot spots and raises the temperature of cooler areas. Thus, the current (and thus the therapeutic effect) can be increased without exceeding a safe temperature threshold at any point on the subject's skin.

[0037] In some embodiments, the anisotropic material layer 310E is anisotropic in electrical conductivity. In some embodiments, the anisotropic material layer 310E is anisotropic in thermal conductivity. In some preferred embodiments, the anisotropic material layer 310E is anisotropic in both electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity.

[0038] Anisotropic thermal properties include directional thermal properties. Specifically, the anisotropic material layer 310E can have a first thermal conductivity in a direction perpendicular to its front (skin-facing) surface 312E, which is different from the thermal conductivity of the anisotropic material layer 310E in a direction parallel to the front 312E. For example, the thermal conductivity of the anisotropic material layer 310E in a direction parallel to the front 312E is more than twice the first thermal conductivity. In some preferred embodiments, the thermal conductivity in the parallel direction is more than ten times the first thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity of the sheet in a direction parallel to the front 312E can be 1.5 times, 2 times, 3 times, 5 times, 10 times, 20 times, 100 times, 200 times, or even more than 1000 times the first thermal conductivity.

[0039] Anisotropic electrical properties include directional electrical properties. Specifically, the anisotropic material layer 310E may have a first electrical conductivity (or conversely, a resistance) in a direction perpendicular to its front surface 312E, which is different from the electrical conductivity (or resistance) of the anisotropic material layer 310E in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E. For example, the resistance of the anisotropic material layer 310E in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E may be less than the first resistance. In some preferred embodiments, the resistance in the parallel direction is half of the first resistance or 10% of the first resistance. For example, the resistance of the anisotropic material layer 310E in a direction parallel to the front surface 312E may be 75%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.5%, or even 0.1% of the first resistance.

[0040] In some embodiments (eg, when the anisotropic material layer 310E is a pyrolytic graphite sheet), the anisotropic material layer 310E has both anisotropic electrical properties and anisotropic thermal properties.

[0041] The anisotropic material layer 310E may include graphite (e.g., graphite sheet). Examples of suitable forms of graphite include synthetic graphite, such as pyrolytic graphite (including but not limited to pyrolytic graphite sheet (PGS), available from Panasonic Industries, Ltd., Kadoma, Osaka, Japan), other forms of synthetic graphite, including but not limited to graphite foil made from compressed high-purity flake mineral graphite (including but not limited to graphite foil as 2010A flexible graphite supplied, available from Mineral Seal, Inc., Tucson, Arizona, USA), or a graphitized polymer film, such as a graphitized polyimide film (including but not limited to graphitized polyimide films supplied by Kaneka Corp., Moka, Tochigi, Japan). In alternative embodiments, conductive anisotropic materials other than graphite may be used in place of graphite.

[0042] In some embodiments, the anisotropic material layer 310E is a pyrolytic graphite sheet. The thermal conductivity of the pyrolytic graphite sheet in a direction parallel to the front face 312E of the sheet is typically more than 50 times the thermal conductivity of the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the front face 312E. The resistivity of the pyrolytic graphite sheet in a direction parallel to the front face 312E of the sheet is typically 2% of the resistivity of the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the front face 312E.

[0043] The transducer 300E may also include at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E disposed on the front side of the anisotropic material layer 310E. In some embodiments, the at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E may be disposed on the front side 312E of the anisotropic material layer 310E. The at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E may have a biocompatible front surface. Figure 3F In the embodiment shown, there is only a single layer of conductive adhesive material 316E, and this single layer (the front layer) is biocompatible. In alternative embodiments, there are more than one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E, in which case only the front layer is biocompatible, or the front layer and one or more other layers may be biocompatible. Figure 3F In some embodiments, the front layer 316E of conductive adhesive material is configured to ensure good electrical contact between the device and the body. In some embodiments, the front layer 316E of conductive adhesive material can cover the entire front surface 312E of the anisotropic material layer 310E. The front layer 316E of conductive adhesive material can be the same size as or larger than the anisotropic material layer 310E. In some embodiments, the front layer 316E of conductive adhesive material includes a hydrogel. In these embodiments, the hydrogel can have a thickness between 50 and 2000 μm. In other embodiments, the front layer 316E of conductive adhesive material includes a conductive adhesive composite material as further disclosed herein.

[0044] Transducer 300E may also include a first conductive material layer 318E positioned between the array of electrode elements 302E and a back surface 314E of anisotropic material layer 310E facing the array. First conductive material layer 318E facilitates electrical contact between the array of electrode elements 302E and back surface 314E of anisotropic material layer 310E. In some embodiments, conductive material layer 318E is a hydrogel layer. In other embodiments, different conductive materials (e.g., conductive grease, conductive adhesive, conductive tape, etc.) may be used. For example, conductive material layer 318E may include a conductive adhesive composite material as further disclosed herein.

[0045] In some embodiments, the at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E and / or conductive material layer 318E is a single layer of non-hydrogel conductive adhesive, such as the development product FLX068983- from FLEXcon of Spencer, MA, USA. OMNI-WAVE TM TT 200BLACK H-502150POLY H-944pp-8, or other such OMNI-WAVE products from FLEXcon; or manufactured and sold by Adhesives Research, Inc. (Glen Rock, PA, USA) 8006 Conductive adhesive composition. The non-aqueous gel conductive adhesive may include an anhydrous polymer having adhesive properties and carbon particles, powders, fibers, flakes, granules and / or nanotubes. The adhesive polymer may be, for example, an acrylic polymer or a silicone polymer or a combination thereof, which may be obtained as an acrylic-based or silicone-based carbon-filled adhesive tape. The adhesive may further include one or more conductive polymers (such as, for example, polyaniline (PANI), or poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), or other polymers known in the art). The conductive filler in the at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E or conductive material 318E may be non-metallic. In these embodiments, the conductive adhesive may have a thickness between 10 and 2000 μm, such as, for example, from 20 to 1000 μm, or 30 to 400 μm.

[0046] In some embodiments, transducer 300E can be constructed using a preformed three-layer (or more) stack comprising a conductive material 318E, an anisotropic material layer 310E, and the at least one layer of conductive adhesive material 316E. In some embodiments, both the at least one conductive adhesive material 316E and the conductive material 318E are conductive adhesive composite materials as described above, and the anisotropic material layer 310E is a synthetic graphite sheet such as pyrolytic graphite as described above. The at least one conductive adhesive material 316E and the conductive material 318E can be the same material or different. For example, in one embodiment, both the conductive adhesive material 316E and the conductive material 318E can comprise an acrylic polymer and a carbon powder filler; or both the conductive adhesive material 316E and the conductive material 318E can comprise an acrylic polymer and a carbon fiber filler. In another embodiment, the conductive adhesive material 316E comprises an acrylic polymer and a carbon fiber filler, and the conductive material 318E comprises an acrylic polymer and a carbon powder filler, or vice versa. In other embodiments, one or both of the conductive adhesive material 316E and the conductive material 318E may be a hydrogel.

[0047] Figures 4A-7I Examples of transducer devices, or in some examples, arrays of electrode elements of transducer devices that can be used to apply a TT field to a subject's body are illustrated. Such transducer devices can include constructions similar to those discussed above and / or described below, and the arrays of electrode elements can be incorporated into transducer devices that can include constructions similar to those discussed above and / or described below. Each example transducer device enables simple rotation of the transducer to reposition at least one void region (which can be a non-adhesive void region formed in the electrode array, or alternatively, at least one drug region, as described above with reference to Figure 3C and3D Positioning the void region over an area of ​​the subject's skin previously covered by the electrode element allows that area of ​​the subject's skin to "breathe" and recover from its previous contact with the electrode element used to induce the TT field. The relative positioning of the electrode element and the void region (or drug region) disclosed herein can be combined with the above-described anisotropic material layer (e.g., Figure 3E and 3F 310E) to further reduce irritation to the subject's skin.

[0048] Because some subjects experience skin irritation in response to prolonged interaction of their skin with the electrode elements used to induce the TT field, moving the transducer so that the gap is positioned over the affected area of ​​the subject's skin can help minimize, reduce, or prevent irritation to the subject's skin throughout the TT field treatment. Additionally, positioning the medication zone over the area of ​​the subject's skin previously covered by the electrode elements allows for the application of a topical medication to that area of ​​the subject's skin to relieve, heal, reduce inflammation or pain, or otherwise improve the condition of the subject's skin. Furthermore, distributing heat and / or current in a plane perpendicular to the direction from the electrode elements to the subject's skin can allow for the reduction of heat and / or current at any specific location over the subject's skin, thereby reducing overall skin irritation. Because the transducer device can be rotated about the center of mass of the electrode array, this allows the transducer to continuously output the TT field from the same optimal location on the subject's body while providing relief and / or healing to the subject's skin area during treatment.

[0049] Figure 4A and 4B An example transducer device 400 is depicted, which may include an array of electrodes 402 (ie, 402A-F) configured to be positioned on a subject's body with one side of the array facing the subject's body. Figure 4A and 4B The transducer device 400 is shown as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array. Figure 4AAs shown, the transducer device 400 may also include one or more empty spaces 404 (i.e., 404A-F) that do not overlap with any of the electrodes 402. At least a portion of one or more empty spaces 404 may be a relief zone, which is defined herein as 1) a void area of ​​the transducer device 400 that is completely uncovered or uncovered except for the transducer substrate and / or anisotropic material layer (with or without a conductive adhesive layer (e.g., 316E) and / or a conductive layer (e.g., 318E)), or 2) a non-adhesive area of ​​the drug substrate that is capable of receiving, absorbing, and / or retaining a topical drug applied thereto, or 3) a drug zone of the transducer device that includes the drug substrate and a topical drug integrated therein or thereon for administering the topical drug to an area of ​​the subject's skin. Optionally, these relief zones may be free of exposed adhesive. The topical drug may cover the entire surface of the drug substrate or certain portions thereof; or it may be injected through some or the entire thickness of the drug substrate, beneath the entire surface of the drug substrate or beneath a portion thereof; or it may be located in some combination of these. The area footprint of the drug substrate can fill the entire area of ​​the empty space or some portion thereof. In some embodiments, the drug region has a surface area sufficient to occupy at least 40% or at least 50% of the areal surface of an electrode of the electrode array. In some embodiments, the drug region has a surface area sufficient to occupy at least 75%, at least 95%, or at least 100% of the areal surface of an electrode of the electrode array. In some embodiments, the drug substrate is part of the transducer substrate. The array of electrodes 402 can be spaced about the centroid 440 of the array, and the empty spaces 404 can each be located between two adjacent electrodes. In some embodiments, the array of electrodes 402 includes x' electrodes, which can be arranged with Cx' rotational (point) symmetry about the centroid, where x' is an integer greater than or equal to 2; or in some embodiments, an integer greater than or equal to 3. For example, the array of electrodes 402 can be arranged with C3 symmetry, C4 symmetry, C5 symmetry, or C6 symmetry about the centroid. In some embodiments, the transducer device 400 has an alternating pattern of electrodes 402 and empty spaces 404.

[0050] In some embodiments, the transducer device 400 has an alternating pattern of electrodes 402 and empty spaces 404. In other embodiments, a non-alternating rotating pattern of electrodes 402 and empty spaces 404 may be used. The electrodes 402 may be electrically coupled together via one or more printed circuit board (PCB) layers / connectors 405 or wires. The PCB layers / connectors 405 (and Figure 8 805) is not an electrode and is a non-adhesive area. Figure 4A and 4BSix electrodes 402 and six empty spaces 404 are shown in FIG, but other embodiments may include different numbers of electrodes 402, empty spaces 404, or both in the array. For example, some embodiments include six electrodes 402 and three empty spaces 404 ( Figure 7C ); Other embodiments include five electrodes 402 and five empty spaces 404 ( Figure 7H ); or four electrodes 402 and four empty spaces 404 ( Figure 5B 、 6F and 7I); or three electrodes 402 and three empty spaces 404 ( Figure 6G ).

[0051] Empty space 404 exists at one or more locations that correspond to or may include opposing locations of one or more electrodes 402 when the array is rotated a first amount of rotation about centroid 440 (e.g., by Figure 4B When the transducer device 400 is rotated by a specific amount of rotation (e.g., 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, or 330 degrees), the electrode 402 is located at (i.e., Figure 4B ) previously (e.g., in Figure 4A ) in the area that was once occupied by the empty space 404 between adjacent electrodes 402. Figure 4B In the position of the electrode 402, the empty space ( Figure 4A The electrode 402 is moved from a previous location 404 (shown as a previous location 404) to a location 436 (i.e., 436A-F) previously occupied by the electrode 402. This allows the skin that was previously in contact with or proximate to the electrode 402 to recover from exposure to the electrode and / or receive a topical medication, thereby minimizing, reducing, preventing, alleviating, healing, and / or treating skin irritation.

[0052] like Figure 4A and 4BAs shown, each electrode 402 of the array can extend in a substantially radial direction away from a centroid 440 of the array (e.g., extend radially outward). Additionally, the centroid of each electrode 402 can be substantially equidistantly spaced from the centroid 440 of the array. Each electrode 402 can have a substantially similar shape, and the empty space 404 between two electrodes 402 can be of a size sufficient to accommodate the electrode 402 therein. The electrodes 402 can be substantially equidistantly spaced from one another about the centroid 440 of the array. Each electrode 402 can include (as shown with respect to electrode 402A) a first edge 408 extending in a radially outward direction relative to a center portion of the array and a second edge 410 extending in a radially outward direction relative to the center portion of the array. The electrode (e.g., 402A) can also include a rounded edge 412 connecting the first edge 408 to the second edge 410 at an end of the electrode 402A located radially away from the center portion. An outer perimeter 406 that substantially outlines the array of electrodes 402 can have a circular shape, although other shapes may be possible (e.g., Figure 7H and 7I oval or ellipsoidal in shape; or Figure 6D 、 6E and the rectangle in 8; or Figure 6G In some embodiments described herein, no electrode is positioned at or overlapping the centroid of the electrode array.

[0053] The relative size of an empty space 404 relative to the adjacent electrode 402 can be described as follows. The first distance 414 ( Figure 4A ) is defined as the distance between a first point 416 on a first outer edge of an electrode (e.g., 402E) and a second point 418 on a second outer edge of the electrode (e.g., 402E), wherein the first and second points 416 / 418 are each the same distance 420 from the center of mass 440 of the array. A second distance 422 is defined as the distance between the first point 416 and a third point 424 on an adjacent outer edge of a second electrode (e.g., 402D), the adjacent outer edge of the second electrode and the first outer edge being adjacent to each other without any electrode therebetween. The first and third points 416 / 424 are also each the same distance 420 from the center of mass 440. The second distance 422 can be at least 80% of the length of the first distance 414. In some embodiments, the second distance 422 can be greater than or equal to the first distance 414. In this way, the transducer device 400 can provide sufficient space around a portion of the subject's skin that has previously been exposed to the electrode elements.

[0054] As shown in the reference electrodes 402A and 402F ( Figure 4A), when a bisector 430 is drawn between the outer edge 408 of electrode 402A and the adjacent outer edge of electrode 402F, along the lengths of the two outer edges, a distance 432 from the outer edge 408 of electrode 402A to the bisector 430 measured in a direction perpendicular to the bisector 430 is equal to a distance 434 from the adjacent outer edge to the bisector 430 measured in a direction perpendicular to the bisector 430. In other words, the outer edges of two adjacent electrodes 402 may have a constant rate of change relative to their bisector.

[0055] A blank space 404 (e.g., 404C, Figure 4A ) relative to an adjacent electrode 402 (e.g., 402C) can be described as follows. A first angle 426 greater than 0° is formed between a first edge and a second edge of an electrode element (e.g., 402C), with the first angle 426 facing outside of the array. A second angle 428 is formed between the first edge of the electrode element (e.g., 402C) and an adjacent edge of an adjacent electrode element (e.g., 402D), with the second angle 428 facing outside of the array. The value of the second angle 428 can be at least 80% of the value of the first angle 426. In some embodiments, the second angle 428 can be greater than or equal to the first angle 426. In this way, the transducer device 400 can provide sufficient space around the portion of the subject's skin that has previously been exposed to the electrode elements.

[0056] Figure 4C Another example transducer device 400(1) is depicted. The transducer device 400(1) is used in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 4A and 4B As shown, the electrodes 402A-F may be disposed on a substrate layer 450 similar to the electrodes 402A-F described above. Figure 3A 、 3C , 3E and 3F described substrate (304A, 304C and 304E). In particular, the substrate layer 450 can be a cover bandage, which includes an adhesive layer on the side of the bandage facing the skin. In addition, Figure 4C The transducer device 400(1) includes a layer of anisotropic material 452 electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the electrode array and located on a side of the array configured to face the body of the subject. The anisotropic material layer 452 may take any form and include the anisotropic material layer 452 described above with reference to Figure 3E and 3FThe anisotropic material layer 452 may be disposed over the electrode array such that the anisotropic material layer 452 covers the electrode elements 402A-F and at least one empty space 404 (e.g., void space) in the array. As shown, the anisotropic material layer 452 may be disposed over the electrode array to cover the electrode elements 402A-F and each of the empty spaces 404A-F in the array. As shown, the anisotropic material layer 452 may not extend radially outward all the way to the edge of the base layer 450. When Figure 4C The transducer device 400 (1) is rotated from a first position (eg, Figure 4A ) to a second rotational position (e.g., as Figure 4B ), the anisotropic material layer 452 will cover the area of ​​the subject's body that was previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode 402.

[0057] Although the array of electrode elements 402A-F ( Figure 4C The layout of Figure 4A and 4B The layout of the array in FIG is the same, but similar arrangements of the anisotropic material layer 452 relative to the electrode elements / empty spaces can be used in embodiments having other numbers, shapes, sizes, and / or arrangements of electrode elements, for example, as described below with reference to FIG. Figure 5B and 6D -8. In particular, anisotropic material layer 452 can cover both the two electrode elements and the space between them. Anisotropic material layer 452 distributes heat and / or current therethrough, thereby allowing the current to increase (thereby increasing the therapeutic effect of TT field therapy) without exceeding a safe temperature threshold at any point on the subject's skin. In the event that the current passing through the electrode elements causes hot spots or skin irritation to occur, the transducer can be rotated to prevent or reduce skin irritation.

[0058] Figure 5A 、 5B , 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F and 6G depict other example transducer devices 500, 500(1), 600, 600(1), 600(2), 600(3), 600(4), 600(5) and 600(6), respectively. Figure 5A and 6A -6C transducer devices 500, 600, 600(1) and 600(2) may include Figure 4A An array of similarly shaped electrodes 502A-F (i.e., 502), 602A-F (i.e., 602), 602A(1)-F(1) (i.e., 602(1)), and 602A(2)-F(2) (i.e., 602(2)). Figure 5B The transducer device 500(1) may include Figure 5A and 6A -6C comprises different electrode arrays (e.g., as shown, having four electrodes rather than six electrodes 502A(1)-502D(1) (i.e., 502(1)), although in other embodiments, six electrodes or other numbers of electrodes are similarly contemplated. Transducer arrays 600(3), 600(4), 600(5), and 600(6) also comprise different electrode arrays, having either four electrodes (600(3), 600(4), 600(5)) or three electrodes (600(6)).

[0059] exist Figure 5A and 6A In the invention, the transducer device (500, 600) may include a base layer (550, 650) in the form of an adhesive layer or a covering (tape) bandage having an adhesive layer, and an array of electrodes (502, 602) on the base layer. Figure 5B 、 6B and 6C, the transducer device (500(1), 600(1), 600(2)) includes a substrate layer (570, 670(1), 670(2)), an array of electrodes (502(1), 602(1), 602(2)) on the substrate layer (570, 670(1), 670(2)), and an anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1), 672(2), the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1), 672(2)) being electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the array of electrodes (502(1), 602(1), 602(2)) and being located on a side of the array that is configured to face the body of the subject (e.g., a side of the array opposite to the side of the substrate layer (570, 670(1), 670(2)). In Figures 5A-6C and 6F-6G, the transducer device (500, 500(1), 600, 600(1), 600(2), 600(5), 600(6)) includes an array of electrodes (502A-F, 502A(1)-D(1), 604A-F, 604A(1)-F(1), 604A(2)-F(2), 604A(5)-D(5), 604A(6)-C(6)) having spaces (504A-F, 504A(1)-D(1), 602A-F, 602A(1)-F(1), 602A(2)-F(2), 602A(5)-D(5), 602A(6)-C(6)) therebetween.

[0060] Figures 5A-6CThe arrays shown in are examples, and it should be noted that any number, shape, and / or arrangement of electrodes may be present in a rotating array of transducers. For example, similar arrangements of anisotropic material layers relative to electrode elements / spaces may be used in embodiments having other numbers, shapes, sizes, and / or arrangements of electrode elements (e.g., as described below with reference to Figures 7A-7I any one of the descriptions in ).

[0061] Specific steering Figure 5A and 6A , a base layer (550, 650) (e.g., an adhesive layer (or a covering bandage having an adhesive layer)) can be connected to the array of electrodes (502, 602) and substantially cover the electrode array (from below). To further enable the skin on the subject's body to breathe when it is covered by the electrode elements, the adhesive layer (550, 650) can include one or more adhesive layer cutouts (552A-F, 652B-F) formed therein to leave one or more uncovered spaces (504A-F, 604B-F) between the electrodes of the array. As described above, the cutouts can be cutouts that pass through the covering bandage support ( Figure 5A and 5B The cutouts may include both the adhesive layer (not shown) and the adhesive layer, or may include cutouts that pass through the adhesive layer (eg, leaving a non-adhesive void area).

[0062] exist Figure 5A , one or more adhesive layer cutouts 552 may have a closed shape such that one or more cutouts 552 are surrounded by adhesive layer 550. Adhesive layer 550 may extend toward the outer edge of one or more electrodes 502 (from the underside) and may or may not cover (as shown) the outer edge of one or more electrodes 502. Figure 5A and 6A In the embodiment, one or more adhesive layer cutouts (552, 652) may have an open shape such that one or more cutouts (552, 652) define one or more recessed portions along the outer edge of the adhesive layer (550, 650) (e.g., see Figure 5A 552D and Figure 6A 652B-F in ). Figure 6AAs shown, adhesive layer 650 can completely cover the outer edge (from the bottom) of one or more electrodes 602. As shown with respect to electrode 602F, adhesive layer 650 can extend beyond each of the first outer edge (e.g., distance 662) and the second outer edge (e.g., distance 664) of electrode 602F by the same amount or different amounts, and can extend beyond the end edge (e.g., distance 660) of electrode 602F located radially away from the centroid by the same amount (e.g., distance 662 and / or distance 664) or different amounts. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer can extend beyond the end edge (e.g., distance 660) of the electrode located radially away from the centroid by a greater amount (e.g., greater than distance 662 and distance 664) than it extends toward another electrode (e.g., circumferentially toward another electrode). This can enable adhesive layer 650 to connect transducer device 600 to the subject's skin without covering too much of the space 604 between adjacent electrodes 602.

[0063] Now go to Figure 5B and 6B , the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) can be electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the array of electrodes (502(1), 602(1)) and substantially (from above) cover the electrode array. The phrase "substantially covering" can refer to a layer covering at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the surface area of ​​the electrodes in the array. To further enable the skin on the subject's body to breathe when covered by the electrode elements, the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) can include one or more anisotropic material layer cutouts (574A-D, 674A-E) (i.e., 574, 674) formed therein, which are located above at least one void space of the array to leave one or more spaces (504A(1)-D(1), 604A(1)-F(1)) (i.e., 504, 604) between the uncovered electrodes. Optionally, one or more void spaces of the array may not have corresponding cutouts in the anisotropic material layer, for example, where a connector or wire enters an electrode of the array there may be no cutouts in the anisotropic material layer (e.g., see Figure 6B ); or, alternatively, there may be a smaller cutout in the void area containing the connector or connecting wire (e.g., similar to Figure 5A Adhesive layer cutout 552A in FIG, which does not show the anisotropic material layer). The anisotropic material layer cutout (574, 674) can be formed through the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) and, optionally, through any other conductive layer (e.g., Figure 3E and 3FThe conductive adhesive material layer 316(E) and the conductive material layer 318(E) are formed by the anisotropic material layer cutout (574, 674) or not by the base layer (570, 670(1)). For example, the base layer (570, 670(1)) covers the anisotropic material layer cutout (574, 674), and the anisotropic material layer cutout (574, 674) is aligned with the non-adhesive area of ​​the base layer (570, 670(1)). When the transducer device (500(1), 600(1)) is rotated from the first position to the second position, the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) does not cover at least a portion of the area of ​​the subject's body that was previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode (502(1), 602(1)) in the first position (because the anisotropic material layer appears as a cutout area in that area in the second position).

[0064] In some embodiments, the anisotropic material layer cutout regions (574, 674) can provide relief zones as discussed herein. For example, the anisotropic material layer cutout regions (574, 674) can include a drug zone comprising a drug base and a topical drug integrated therein or thereon for applying a topical drug to an area of ​​the subject's skin, or the anisotropic material layer cutout regions (574, 674) can include a non-adhesive zone comprising a drug base capable of receiving, absorbing, and / or retaining a topical drug applied thereto. For example, the cover bandage can include regions covered with gauze or other drug base (with or without drug) on ​​the skin-facing side, which regions are aligned with the pattern of the anisotropic material layer cutouts (574, 674) when the transducer array is constructed; or the cover bandage can already be constructed from the electrode array and the anisotropic material layer, and a gauze patch or other drug base (with or without drug) can be attached to the adhesive zone shown by the anisotropic material layer cutout regions (574, 674). Where a drug-free drug base is used in the anisotropic material layer cutout regions (574, 674), drug may be added by the patient or an assistant / caregiver between treatment sessions, for example, just prior to transducer array shifting (e.g., rotation or translation).

[0065] In alternative embodiments, the cut-away regions described herein may include only the forward-facing conductive adhesive material (e.g., disposed on the Figure 3F The conductive adhesive material 316E on the forward side of the anisotropic material layer 310E in FIG. 3 is not included, and the anisotropic material layer is not included.

[0066] exist Figure 5BIn the embodiment, one or more anisotropic material layer cutouts 574 may have a closed shape such that one or more cutouts 574 are surrounded by the anisotropic material layer 572. As shown, the anisotropic material layer 572 may extend toward and cover all outer edges of the one or more electrodes 502(1). Figure 6B In the embodiment, one or more anisotropic material layer cutouts 674 may have an open shape such that one or more anisotropic material layer cutouts 674 define one or more recessed portions along the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer 672(1). The anisotropic material layer 672(1) may completely cover the outer edge of one or more electrodes 602(1) (from above), such as Figure 6B As shown. Figure 5B and 6B In some embodiments, the shape of the base layer (570, 670(1)) can be substantially circular, as shown (e.g., circular, oval, etc.) or contoured to match the shape of the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) (e.g., contoured to match the shape of the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)) at one or more concave portions along the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer (572, 672(1)). In some embodiments, the base layer (570, 670(1)) can be contoured to have slits extending into the gap (e.g., void space) between the electrodes (502(1), 602(1)). The latter embodiment can allow for increased flexibility for adhesion to non-flat (e.g., curved) surfaces (e.g., the head of a subject).

[0067] Now go to Figure 6C , the anisotropic material layer 672(2) may be electrically coupled directly or indirectly to and substantially cover (from above) the array of electrodes 602(2), and the anisotropic material layer 672(2) may include at least one cutout or slit formed therein. Figure 6CFor example, the anisotropic material layer 672(2) has five cutouts or slits 676B(2)-676F(2) (i.e., 676(2)) formed therein. The cutouts or slits 676(2) can be formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer 672(2). The cutouts or slits 676(2) can extend from the outer edges of the anisotropic material layer 672(2) toward the center portion of the anisotropic material layer 672(2). The cutouts or slits 676(2) can extend into the gaps (e.g., void spaces) 604A(2)-604F(2) (i.e., 604(2)) between the electrodes 602A(2)-602F(2) (i.e., 602(2)). The cutouts or slits 676(2) allow the anisotropic material layer 672(2) to be separated enough to provide some flexibility to stretching, twisting, or other movement of the subject's body when the transducer device 600(2) is attached to the subject's body. The perimeter of the anisotropic material layer can be contoured to follow the perimeter of the electrode, such as Figure 6B 602(2). Figure 6C As shown, the base layer 670(2) is flexible and does not include cuts or slits.

[0068] Figure 6D and 6EOther example transducer devices 600(3) and 600(4) are depicted, respectively. Each of the transducer devices 600(3) and 600(4) includes a substrate layer (670(3), 670(4)) and an array of electrodes (602A(3)-602D(3), 602A(4)-602D(4)) (i.e., 602(3), 602(4) disposed on the substrate layer (670(3), 670(4)). The array is configured to be positioned above a body of a subject with the front face of the array facing the body of the subject. The transducer devices 600(3) and 600(4) also include an anisotropic material layer (672(3), 672(4)) electrically coupled directly or indirectly to the array of electrodes (602(3), 602(4)) and located on a side of the array opposite the substrate layer (670(3), 670(4). The anisotropic material layer (672(3), 672(4)) may have a conductive layer extending through the anisotropic material. At least one cut or slit (676A(3)-676D(3), 676A(4)-676D(4)) (i.e., 676(3), 676(4)) is formed throughout the thickness of the layer (672(3), 672(4)). As shown, each cut or slit (676(3), 676(4)) can extend from an outer edge of the anisotropic material layer (672(3), 672(4)) toward a central portion of the anisotropic material layer (672(3), 672(4)) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array. The cuts or slits (676(3), 676(4)) allow the anisotropic material layers (672(3), 672(4)) to be sufficiently separated when the transducer device (600(3), 600(4)) is attached to the body of the subject to provide some flexibility against stretching, twisting, or other movement of the subject's body. Figure 6D In the transducer device 600(3), the base layer 670(3) does not include any cutouts or slits. Figure 6E In the transducer device 600(4), the base layer 670(4) has at least one cut or slit (678A-678D) (i.e., 678) formed through the entire thickness of the base layer 670(4), and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the cut or slit 678 extends from the outer edge of the base layer 670(4) toward the center portion of the base layer 670(4). As shown, the cut or slit 678 formed in the base layer 670(4) can at least partially overlap with the cut or slit 676(4) formed in the anisotropic material layer 672(4). Compared to transducers that do not feature such cuts or slits formed in the anisotropic material layer or base layer, Figure 6D and 6EThe transducer devices 600(3) and 600(4) have increased flexibility. The cutouts or slits (in the anisotropic material layer, or in the substrate layer, or in both - in the latter case, coinciding or not) are applicable to transducers having any desired electrode shape, number and arrangement, not just those configured to respond to rotational displacement (e.g., Figures 4A-6C and 7A-7I) or translational shifts (e.g., Figure 8 ) and provide a transducer for the relief area.

[0069] Figure 6F and 6G Other example transducer devices 600(5) and 600(6) are depicted, respectively. Transducer devices 600(5) and 600(6) each include an array of electrodes 602A(5)-602D(5), 602A(6)-602C(6) (i.e., 602(5), 602(6)) disposed on a substrate layer 670(5), 670(6), optionally paired with an anisotropic material layer 672(5), 672(6), which may be absent or may coincide with the area trajectory of the electrodes. The anisotropic material layer 672(5), 672(6) may extend beyond the periphery of the area footprint of the electrodes and may or may not be contoured to reflect the shape of the outer periphery of the area trajectory of the electrons. In some embodiments, the front face of the array of electrodes 602(5), 602(6) faces the subject's body, and the anisotropic material layer 672(5), 672(6) covers the front face of the array of electrodes 602(5), 602(6) and extends outward (radially) from each electrode 602(5), 602(6) to at least partially cover each void space 604A(5)-604D(5), 604A(6)-604C(6) (i.e., 604(5)-604(6)) in the array. In some embodiments, the anisotropic material layer 672(5), 672(6) can be composed of graphite (such as, for example, pyrolytic graphite). In some embodiments, the base layer 670(5), 670(6) can cover the array of electrodes 602(5), 602(6) and the anisotropic material layer 672(5), 672(6), and can extend outward (radially) from the combined area footprint of each electrode 602(5), 602(6) and the associated anisotropic material layer to at least partially cover each void space 604(5), 604(6) in the array (covering more than the area footprint of the anisotropic material layer 672(5), 672(6)). In some embodiments, the base layer 670(5), 670(6) completely covers each void space 604(5), 604(6).

[0070] In some embodiments (such as Figure 6F), the device 600(5) includes at least four electrodes 602(5), and in some embodiments (such as in Figure 6G ), the device 600(6) includes at least three electrodes 602(6). In some embodiments, the array of electrodes 602(5), 602(6) has point symmetry. The transducer device 600(5), 600(6) may include an array of electrode elements 602(5), 602(6) arranged around a centroid 640(5), 640(6). For example (such as in Figure 6F ), the electrode array may include four electrodes having point symmetry (C4 symmetry) around the centroid 640(5). For example (such as in Figure 6G ), the electrode array may include three electrodes having point symmetry (C3 symmetry) about a centroid 640 (6). Each electrode may be substantially similar in size and shape. In some embodiments, the base layer 670 (5), 670 (6) may cover all of the electrodes 602 (5), 602 (6) and all of the void spaces 604 (5), 604 (6) between the electrodes 602 (5), 602 (6). In some embodiments, the base layer 670 (5), 670 (6) paired with the device 600 (5), 600 (6) includes one or more cutouts that coincide with at least a portion of the void spaces 604 (5), 604 (6) between at least one pair of the paired electrodes 602 (5), 602 (6). The cutouts may have an open shape such that the one or more cutouts define one or more recessed portions along the outer edge of the base layer 670 (5), 670 (6) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array. For Figure 6F and Figure 6G In some embodiments, a 45° rotation or a 60° rotation of an existing electrode position about the centroid 640(5), 640(6), respectively, positions each void space over a previously existing electrode position, thereby providing relief to an area of ​​the skin that may have been experiencing skin irritation from the electrode. Additionally, the base layers 670(5), 670(6) provide flexibility to the transducer array device and allow the array to adapt to skin movement due to movement of the subject's torso. In some embodiments, and as Figure 6G As shown, the cutouts or slits 676A(6)-676C(6) (i.e., 676(6)) in the anisotropic material layer 672(6) and / or base layer 670(6) as described elsewhere herein can provide additional flexibility to the base layer 670(6) and / or anisotropic material layer 672(6) to accommodate skin movement due to movement of the subject's torso. Although Figure 6F 4 electrodes and an array with C4 rotational symmetry are shown in Figure 6G, 3 electrodes and an array with C3 rotational symmetry are shown, but similar configurations with other rotational symmetries (e.g., with 2, 5, 6, or more electrodes) and other electrode arrays spaced and arranged to allow translational displacement of the electrode array are readily contemplated.

[0071] Other arrangements of electrode arrays can achieve rotational displacement to minimize, reduce, prevent, alleviate, heal and / or treat skin irritation during TT field therapy. Various examples of such electrode arrays are described in Figures 7A-7I The present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements of electrode elements and relief zones (eg, void zones or drug zones) depicted in these examples, as many other arrangements may be possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0072] Figures 7A-7I Other examples of electrode arrays suitable for use in the transducer devices and methods of use described herein are provided. Although for clarity, Figures 7A-7I The anisotropic material layer and other features of the invention described herein are not shown, but it is understood that the electrode arrays shown here can be combined with the anisotropic material layer and associated features described herein.

[0073] Figures 7A-7I Each of the diagrams illustrates an array of electrodes (700A, 700B, 700C, 700D, 700E, 700F, 700G, 700H, 700I) including a plurality of electrode elements (702A, 702B, 702C, 702D, 702E, 702F, 702G, 702H, 702I) and one or more empty spaces where no electrode elements are present. Each empty space may be or may include one or more relief zones (704A, 704B, 704C, 704D, 704E, 704F, 704G, 704H, 704I).

[0074] As used herein, the term "relief zone" 704 (and Figure 8 804) refers to 1) a void area of ​​the transducer device that is completely uncovered or completely uncovered except for the transducer substrate and / or anisotropic material layer (with or without a conductive adhesive layer and / or a conductive layer), 2) a non-adhesive area comprising a drug substrate capable of receiving, absorbing, or retaining a topical drug applied thereto, or 3) a drug area of ​​the transducer device that includes a drug substrate and a topical drug integrated therein or thereon for administering the topical drug to an area of ​​the skin of a subject. These relief areas 704 may optionally be free of exposed adhesive.

[0075] The electrode elements 702 are positioned in existing electrode locations (708A, 708B, 708C, 708D, 708E, 708F, 708G, 708H, 708I) arranged around the centroid (706A, 706B, 706C, 706D, 706E, 706F, 706G, 706H, 706I) of the array 700. Each electrode element 702 may outline an existing electrode footprint, which is Figures 7A-7I , which are illustrated by solid outlines in FIG. 7 . The existing electrode footprint is the area footprint of the existing electrode positions 708. One or more empty spaces may define potential electrode positions (710A, 710B, 710C, 710D, 710E, 710F, 710G, 710H, 710I) that may be occupied by electrode elements 702 after a certain rotation of the array 700. The potential electrode positions 710 are arranged around the centroid 706 of the array, and each potential electrode position 710 outlines a potential electrode footprint, which is defined in FIG. Figures 7A-7I The potential electrode coverage area is the area coverage area of ​​the potential electrode positions 710.

[0076] In some embodiments, the relief zones 704 of the array 700 occupy at least the potential electrode locations 710. As an example, the relief zones 704 occupy only the area footprint defined by the potential electrode locations 710. In another example, the one or more relief zones 704 of the array 700 may occupy a greater portion of the empty space between adjacent electrodes 702 than the portion defined by the potential electrode locations 710.

[0077] exist Figures 7A-7I In each of the at least one relief zone 704 in the array 700 can encompass an area footprint equivalent to at least 40% or at least 50% of the area footprint of the at least one electrode 702 and can be superimposed on at least 40% or at least 50% of the existing electrode positions 708 by rotating the array 700 about the centroid 706. For example, in Figure 7D In some embodiments, one such relief zone 704D(2) is capable of enclosing and being superimposable upon at least 40% of the area footprint (708D(1)) of the larger electrode element 702D(1). In some embodiments, the at least one relief zone 704 in the array is capable of enclosing an area footprint equivalent to at least 95% (e.g., 100%) of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode position 708 and being superimposable upon at least 95% (e.g., 100%) of the existing electrode positions 708 by rotating the array about the centroid 706. For example, in Figure 7D In the embodiment, the relief region 704D(2) is able to surround and, via rotation, be superimposed on the entire footprint (708D(2)) of the smaller electrode element 702D(2).

[0078] exist Figures 7A-7E , 7H and 7I, at least one electrode element 702 extends radially outward away from the center of mass 706. Figure 7A 、 7E , 7H and 7I, the sum of the area footprint of each relief zone 704 in the array is approximately 50% of the sum of the combined area footprints of each relief zone 704 and each existing electrode position 708 in the array. In other words, the relief zones 704 occupy approximately the same total area as the electrode elements 702 in the transducer device. Figures 7A-7I As shown in each of the , the sum of the area coverage areas of each relief zone 704 in the array can be equivalent to at least 20% of the sum of the combined area coverage areas of each relief zone 704 and each existing electrode position 708 in the array, so that the relief zones 704 occupy a total of at least one quarter of the area amount of the electrode elements 702.

[0079] In some embodiments, each potential electrode footprint (710) has the same shape, area, orientation relative to the centroid 706, and distance from the centroid 706 as one or more existing electrode footprints (708). In addition, each potential electrode footprint (710) is rotationally aligned with one or more existing electrode footprints (708) about the centroid 706, such that rotational displacement of the electrode array 700 about the centroid 706 can position at least one potential electrode location 710 to be aligned with an existing electrode location 708. This rotation provides a resting state (or application of a topical medication) for the skin area underlying the at least one electrode after the rotation. In some embodiments, the total area occupied by the potential electrode locations 710 can be no greater than 50% of the total area of ​​the potential electrode locations 710 and the existing electrode locations 708 combined.

[0080] In some embodiments, the combined distribution of potential electrode locations 710 and existing electrode locations 708 in array 700 may exhibit Cx symmetry with respect to rotation about centroid 706, where x is an integer, and the potential electrode footprint is considered to be the same as the existing electrode footprint when determining the rotational symmetry of the combined electrode locations 708 and 710. For example, with respect to the combined distribution of potential electrode locations and existing electrode locations, Figure 7A Array 700A is depicted as having C12 symmetry, in that there are twelve rotationally symmetric locations about centroid 706A at which combined electrode locations 708A / 710A may be located; Figure 7B The array 700B has C10 symmetry; Figure 7C The array 700C has C9 symmetry; Figure 7D 、 7H and 7I arrays 700D, 700H, and 700I have C2 symmetry; Figure 7E and 7FArrays 700E and 700F have C8 symmetry; and Figure 7G The array 700G has C4 symmetry.

[0081] Additionally, the rotational symmetry of the existing electrode position 708 with respect to the rotation about the center of mass 706 is Cx', or it has no rotational symmetry, where x' is an integer. Figure 7A An array 700A is depicted with an x' value of 6 because there are six rotationally symmetric existing electrode locations 708. Figure 7A and 7E In the example, the value of x is equal to the value of 2x'. Figure 7B In , the value of x is equivalent to 5x'. Figure 7C In , the value of x is equivalent to 3x'. Figure 7F In this example, the value of x is equivalent to 4x'.

[0082] An effective rotation of the array is given by a rotation of 360 / x degrees and integer multiples thereof, except for a rotation of 360 / x' degrees and integer multiples thereof (which is an invalid rotation). An "invalid rotation" results in an equivalent array pattern in which the same skin area is covered by existing electrode positions 708, while a "valid rotation" results in at least one existing electrode position 708 being exchanged for a potential electrode position 710, thereby giving the subject's skin an opportunity to recover or receive medication application. In some embodiments, at least one rotation about the centroid 706 results in all potential electrode positions 710 being moved to coincide with positions previously occupied by existing electrode positions 708, thereby providing a resting state (or application of topical medication) for all skin areas beneath all electrodes in the existing electrode positions (e.g., arrays 700A, 700E, 700H, 701) in a single rotation.

[0083] like Figure 7D As shown, the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element 702D(1) of the array may have a different shape than the potential electrode footprint of at least one potential electrode position 710 and the same distance from the centroid 706. Figure 7D 、 7E , 7G, 7H and 7I, the existing electrode coverage area of ​​at least one electrode element (702D(1), 702E(1), 702G(1), 702H(1), 702I(1)) of the array has a shape that is different from the existing electrode coverage area of ​​at least one other electrode element 702D(2), 702E(2), 702G(2), 702H(2), 702I(2) of the array.

[0084] like Figure 7E and 7FAs shown, one or more relief zones 704 may define a first potential electrode position (710E(1), 710F(1)) located at a first distance from the centroid 706 and a second potential electrode position (710E(2), 710F(2)) located at a second distance from the centroid 706, the first and second distances being different from each other. In this case, the first potential electrode position 710E(1) may be as shown in FIG. Figure 7E circumferentially offset from the second potential electrode position 710E(2) as in FIG, or the first potential electrode position 710F(1) may be as in Figure 7F As in the example, the second potential electrode position 710F(2) is aligned radially. Figure 7E (as well as Figure 7F and 7G ), the array 700E may include a first group of electrode elements 702E arranged in a first circular area 712E around the centroid 706E, and a second group of electrode elements 702E separated from the first group and arranged in a second circular area 714E concentric with the first circular area 712E.

[0085] like Figure 7F As shown, the existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element 702F(1) of the array 700F may have a different size than the existing electrode footprint of at least one other electrode element 702F(2) of the array 700F. In this case, the electrode element 702F(1) may have a similar shape to the differently sized electrode element 702F(2), as shown in ( Figure 7F ), or with a different shape ( Figure 7G ).like Figure 7H and 7I As shown, the entire array 700 (700H, 700I) of electrodes can have a non-circular shape. For example, the array 700 can have an oval, ovoid, ovate, or elliptical shape. This can allow the array 700 to be used to sense a desired TT field while still providing rotational symmetry for shifting the electrodes relative to the subject's skin. Both arrays 700H and 700I can undergo a 180° rotation about the center of mass 706 (706H, 706I) and cause all potential electrode positions 710 to move to coincide with the positions previously occupied by existing electrode positions 708, thereby providing a resting state (or application of a topical medication) for all skin areas beneath all electrodes in the existing electrode positions in a single rotation.

[0086] Figure 8 Another example of an electrode array is provided that may be suitable for use in the transducer devices and methods of use described herein. Figure 8 The anisotropic material layer and other features of the invention described herein are not shown, but it is understood that Figure 8The electrode array shown may be combined with anisotropic material layers and associated features as described herein.

[0087] Figure 8 An example transducer device 800 that can be used to apply a TT field to a subject's body is depicted. The transducer device 800 can implement simple translation of the transducer relative to the subject's body to reposition at least one relief zone 804 formed in the electrode array over an area of ​​the subject's skin previously covered by electrode elements 802 (existing electrode locations). Relief zones 804A and 804B can be void areas in the transducer device 800 that are completely uncovered or completely uncovered except for the transducer substrate and / or anisotropic material layer (with or without a conductive adhesive layer and / or a conductive layer); or non-adhesive areas that include a drug substrate capable of receiving, absorbing, or retaining a topical drug applied thereto; or a drug zone of the transducer device that includes a drug substrate and a topical drug integrated therein or thereon for applying the topical drug to an area of ​​the subject's skin. In some embodiments, the drug substrate can be part of the transducer substrate. In some embodiments, the transducer device 800 may include an anisotropic material layer that covers some or all of the electrode elements 802 and that covers or does not cover the relief region 804. For example, there may be cutout regions in the anisotropic material layer and / or the conductive adhesive layer and / or the conductive layer, as previously described with respect to FIG. Figure 5B As described above, the anisotropic material layer does not cover the relief area 804 or only partially covers the relief area 804. Each relief area 804 may be able to enclose an area equivalent to Figure 8 At least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 95% of the area coverage area (potential electrode coverage area) of at least one electrode element 802 of the transducer 800. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the electrode array, the electrode elements 802 are positioned in existing electrode positions 808. Each electrode element 802 can outline the outline of the existing electrode coverage area. The existing electrode coverage area is the area coverage area of ​​the existing electrode positions 808. Relief zones 804A and 804B can respectively define potential electrode positions, which are positions that may be occupied by electrode elements 802 (i.e., potential electrode coverage areas) after certain translations of the transducer device 800. As shown, multiple existing electrode positions 808 can be arranged in rows 830. For example, in Figure 8 800 of transducer 800, three rows 830A, 830B, and 830C of existing electrode locations 808 are shown. By translating the array relative to the subject's body, two relief zones 804A and 804B may be able to be superimposed on at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 95%, or even 100% of the area footprint of each existing electrode location 808 arranged in a separate row (e.g., 830A, 830B, or 830C).

[0088] Figure 9 An example method 900 for applying a TT field to a subject's body according to the present technology is depicted. The method 900 begins at step S902, where a first transducer is positioned in a first initial position at a first location on the subject's body. The first transducer may include a plurality of electrodes in the initial electrode positions and at least one void space (e.g., such as a plurality of electrodes) located between adjacent electrodes. Figure 4A-8 ). The first transducer can be secured to the subject's body via an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer optionally having one or more cutouts therein (as described above), the cutouts being located over the spaces between adjacent electrodes. The first transducer can include a layer of anisotropic material electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and located between the plurality of electrodes and the subject's body, wherein the anisotropic material layer optionally has one or more cutouts therein, the cutouts being located over the spaces between adjacent electrodes.

[0089] At step S904, method 900 may include positioning a second transducer in a second initial position at a second site on the subject's body. The second transducer may include a plurality of electrodes in the initial electrode positions and at least one void space (e.g., such as Figure 4A-8 (As shown in the device of FIG. 1 ). The second transducer can be secured to the subject's body via an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer optionally having one or more cutouts therein, the cutouts being located over the spaces between adjacent electrodes. The second transducer can include a layer of anisotropic material electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and positioned between the plurality of electrodes and the subject's body, wherein the anisotropic material layer optionally has one or more cutouts therein, the cutouts being located over the spaces between adjacent electrodes.

[0090] At step S906, method 900 may include inducing an electric field between a first transducer located at a first location on the subject's body and a second transducer located at a second location on the subject's body. At step S907, during inducing the electric field, method 900 may include distributing heat and / or current from the plurality of electrodes via the anisotropic material layer in a plane perpendicular to a direction from the plurality of electrodes to the subject's body. At step S908, method 900 may include determining whether a first time period has elapsed. Upon determining that the first time period has elapsed, method 900 proceeds to step S910. Otherwise, method 900 returns to step S906. After the induced electric field exceeds the first time period, method 900 proceeds to step S910, which may include stopping the electric field.

[0091] At step S912, method 900 may include moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position on the subject at a first location, wherein in the first rotational or translational position, at least one initial electrode position is now occupied by a space that was between two electrodes in the first initial position. In some embodiments, in the first rotational or translational position, a void space in the plurality of void spaces of the first transducer may now be located in an area previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode for each electrode in the first initial position.

[0092] As an example, in step S912, moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position may include rotating (S916) the first transducer about its center of mass. In particular, moving the first transducer may include rotating the first transducer about its center of mass at a first portion of the subject's body to a first rotational position, wherein in the first rotational position, at least one initial electrode position is now occupied by a space that was between two electrodes in the first initial position. In some embodiments, in the first rotational position, all areas previously covered by the electrodes in the first initial position may now be occupied by the space, and vice versa. As another example, in step S912, moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position may include translating (S918) the first transducer relative to the surface of the subject's body to the first translational position.

[0093] At step S914, method 900 may include moving a second transducer at a second location on the subject's body from a second initial position to a second rotational or translational position on the subject's body (in a manner similar to that described above for the first transducer in step S912), wherein in the second rotational or translational position, at least one initial electrode position is now occupied by a space that was previously between two electrodes in the second initial position. In some embodiments, in the second rotational or translational position, a void space in the plurality of void spaces of the second transducer may now be located in an area previously covered by at least a portion of the electrodes for each electrode in the second initial position. As an example, at step S914, moving the second transducer to the second rotational or translational position may include rotating (S916) the second transducer about its center of mass (as described above for moving the first transducer). As another example, at step S914, moving the second transducer to the second rotational or translational position may include translating (S918) the second transducer relative to the surface of the subject's body to the second translational position (as described above for moving the first transducer).

[0094] In some embodiments, step S912 and step S914 may be performed sequentially. In some embodiments, step S912 and step S914 may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously.

[0095] At step S920, method 900 may include inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.After step S920, the process returns to step S908.

[0096] Figure 10 An example method 1000 for applying a TT field to a subject's body according to the present technology is depicted. Method 1000 begins at step S1002, where a first transducer is positioned in a first initial position at a first site on the subject's body. The first transducer may include a plurality of electrodes and a drug zone located between two adjacent electrodes, the drug zone including a drug base capable of retaining a topical drug therein or thereon, and the drug zone having no exposed adhesive thereon. In some embodiments, the first transducer may include a plurality of drug zones located between adjacent electrodes (e.g., Figure 4A-8 device).

[0097] At step S1004, method 1000 may include positioning a second transducer in a second initial position at a second site on the subject's body. As described above, the second transducer may include a plurality of electrodes in the initial electrode positions and a drug zone located between two adjacent electrodes. In some embodiments, the second transducer may include a plurality of drug zones located between adjacent electrodes (e.g., Figure 4A-8 device).

[0098] At step S1006, method 1000 may include inducing an electric field between a first transducer positioned in a first initial position at a first portion of the subject's body and a second transducer positioned in a second initial position at a second portion of the subject's body. At step S1008, method 1000 may include determining whether a first time period has elapsed. If it is determined that the first time period has elapsed, method 1000 proceeds to step S1010. Otherwise, method 1000 returns to step S1006. After the induced electric field exceeds the first time period, method 1000 proceeds to step S1010, which may include deactivating the electric field.

[0099] At step S1012, method 1000 may move the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position comprising a first portion of a body portion of the subject, wherein in the first rotational or translational position, at least one drug zone retains a localized drug thereon or therein and is in contact with an area of ​​the body portion of the subject previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode. In some embodiments, in the first rotational or translational position, for each electrode in the first initial position, a plurality of drug zones of the first transducer may each be located in an area previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode. For example, the drug zones may comprise a drug base and a localized drug, which may be incorporated into or onto the drug base prior to steps S1002 and S1012. As another example, method 1000 may comprise, as an optional step S1014, applying a localized drug to the drug base at the first portion of the body portion of the subject prior to moving the first transducer to the first rotational or translational position.

[0100] For example, in step S1012, moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position may include rotating (S1016) the first transducer about its center of mass. In particular, moving the first transducer may include rotating the first transducer about its center of mass at a first portion of the subject's body to a first rotational position, wherein in the first rotational position, at least one drug zone is now located above an area previously occupied by at least a portion of the electrode in the first initial position. In some embodiments, in the first rotational position, all areas that were previously covered by the electrode in the first initial position may now be occupied by the drug zone, and vice versa. As another example, in step S1012, moving the first transducer to a first rotational or translational position may include translating (S1018) the first transducer relative to the surface of the subject's body to the first translational position.

[0101] Method 1000 may also include, at step S1020, moving the second transducer from the second initial position to a second rotational or translational position on the subject's body at a second location on the subject's body (in a manner similar to that described above for the first transducer in step S1012), wherein in the second rotational or translational position, at least one drug zone retains a localized drug thereon or therein and is in contact with an area of ​​the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode in the second initial position. In some embodiments, in the second rotational or translational position, for each electrode in the second initial position, the plurality of drug zones of the second transducer may each be located in an area previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode. For example, in some embodiments, the drug zones include a drug base and a localized drug, which may be integrated into or onto the drug base prior to steps S1002 and S1020. As another example, method 1000 may include, as an optional step S1014, applying a localized drug to the drug base prior to moving the second transducer to the second rotational or translational position at the second location on the subject's body. As an example, at step S1020, moving the second transducer to the second rotational or translational position may include rotating (S1016) the second transducer about its center of mass (as described above for movement of the first transducer). As another example, at step S1020, moving the second transducer to the second rotational or translational position may include translating (S1018) the second transducer relative to the surface of the subject's body to the second translational position (as described above for movement of the first transducer).

[0102] In some embodiments, step S1012 and step S1020 may be performed sequentially. In some embodiments, step S1012 and step S1020 may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously.

[0103] At step S1022, method 1000 may include inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.After step S1022, the process returns to step S1008.

[0104] The present invention includes the following additional illustrative embodiments ("embodiments").

[0105] Example 1: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the transducer device comprising: an electrode array configured to be positioned over the subject's body with a front face of the array facing the subject's body, the array comprising electrode elements positioned in existing electrode locations arranged about a centroid of the array; a layer of anisotropic material electrically coupled to the electrode array and located on an anterior side of the front face of the array; and at least one void space in the electrode array capable of enclosing an area footprint equivalent to at least a portion of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and being superimposable over at least a portion of the at least one existing electrode location by rotating the array about the centroid. Example 1A: The transducer device of Example 1, wherein the layer of anisotropic material is electrically coupled to the electrode array and located on the front face of the electrode array.

[0106] Example 2: The transducer device of Example 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a front side and a back side, wherein the back side of the anisotropic material layer faces the electrode array, and wherein the anisotropic material layer has different thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front side and in a direction parallel to the front side.

[0107] Embodiment 3: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer comprises graphite.

[0108] Embodiment 4: The transducer device of embodiment 1, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material on the forward side of the anisotropic material layer. Embodiment 4A: The transducer device of embodiment 1, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material on the front side of the anisotropic material layer.

[0109] Embodiment 5: The transducer device of embodiment 1, further comprising a first conductive material layer located between the electrode array and the back surface of the anisotropic material layer.

[0110] Example 6: The transducer device of Example 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer has at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the array, the cut or slit extends from the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer toward the central portion of the anisotropic material layer.

[0111] Embodiment 7: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer is disposed over the electrode array such that the anisotropic material layer covers the electrodes and at least one void space in the array.

[0112] Embodiment 8: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein: the anisotropic material layer substantially covers the electrode array, and the anisotropic material layer has one or more cutouts formed therein, the one or more cutouts being located over at least one void space in the array.

[0113] Embodiment 9: The transducer device of Embodiment 8, wherein the one or more cutouts have a closed shape such that when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the one or more cutouts are surrounded by the anisotropic material layer.

[0114] Embodiment 10: The transducer device of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more cutouts have an open shape such that the one or more cutouts define one or more recessed portions along an outer edge of the anisotropic material layer when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array.

[0115] Example 10A: The transducer device of Example 10 further includes a base for holding the electrode array against the body of a subject, wherein the outer perimeter of the base extends beyond the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer and is contoured to match the shape of the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer at one or more recessed portions along the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer.

[0116] Embodiment 10B: The transducer device of embodiment 10A, wherein the substrate has at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the substrate, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the cut or slit extends from the outer edge of the substrate toward the central portion of the substrate.

[0117] Example 11: The transducer device of Example 1, wherein the at least one void space in the array is capable of enclosing an area coverage area equivalent to at least 40% of the area coverage area of ​​at least one existing electrode position, and can be superimposed on at least 40% of at least one existing electrode position by rotating the array about the center of mass.

[0118] Example 12: The transducer device of Example 1, wherein at least one void space in the array is capable of enclosing an area coverage area equivalent to at least 90% or at least 95% of the area coverage area of ​​at least one existing electrode position, and can be superimposed on at least 90% or at least 95% of at least one existing electrode position by rotating the array about the center of mass.

[0119] Embodiment 13: The transducer apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the sum of the area footprint of each interstitial space in the array is approximately 50% of the sum of the area footprint of each interstitial space and each existing electrode location of the array.

[0120] Embodiment 14: The transducer apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the sum of the area footprint of each interstitial space in the array is at least 20% of the sum of the area footprint of each interstitial space and each existing electrode position of the array.

[0121] Embodiment 15: The transducer device of embodiment 1, wherein the anisotropic material layer comprises pyrolytic graphite, a graphitized polymer, or a graphite foil made of compressed high-purity flake mineral graphite.

[0122] Example 16: The transducer device of Example 11 or Example 12, wherein the anisotropic material layer has at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the cut or slit extends from the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer toward the central portion of the anisotropic material layer.

[0123] Example 17: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the transducer device comprising: an electrode array configured to be positioned above the subject's body with the front face of the array facing the subject's body; a layer of anisotropic material electrically coupled to the electrode array and located on the front side of the front face of the array; and a void space located between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes of the array; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the void space is capable of enclosing an area coverage area equivalent to at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 90%, or at least 95% of the area coverage area of ​​at least one electrode of the electrode array.

[0124] Example 18: The transducer device of Example 17, wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the array comprises electrode elements located in existing electrode positions arranged around the array centroid, and each electrode element outlines an existing electrode coverage area; and the void space contains an area coverage area defining potential electrode positions, the potential electrode positions being arranged around the array centroid and outlining the potential electrode coverage area; wherein the potential electrode coverage area has the same shape, area and distance from the centroid as one or more existing electrode coverage areas, and is rotationally aligned with the one or more existing electrode coverage areas around the centroid, so that rotational displacement of the array around the centroid can position the potential electrode position to coincide with the existing electrode position.

[0125] Embodiment 19: The transducer device of Embodiment 18, wherein an existing electrode footprint of at least one electrode element of the array has a different shape or a different size than an existing electrode footprint of at least one other electrode element of the array.

[0126] Embodiment 20: The transducer apparatus of Embodiment 18, wherein at least a single rotation about the center of mass causes all potential electrode positions to move to coincide with positions previously occupied by existing electrode positions.

[0127] Example 21: The transducer device of Example 18, wherein the electrode array has a non-circular shape.

[0128] Embodiment 22: The transducer apparatus of Embodiment 18, wherein each electrode element extends radially outward away from the center of mass.

[0129] Example 23: The transducer device of Example 17, wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the array comprises electrodes located in existing electrode positions arranged around the center of mass of the array; and the void space can be superimposed on at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 90%, or at least 95% of at least one existing electrode position by rotating the array around the center of mass.

[0130] Example 24: The transducer device of Example 17, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a front side and a back side, wherein the back side of the anisotropic material layer faces the electrode array, and wherein the anisotropic material layer has different thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front side and in a direction parallel to the front side.

[0131] Embodiment 25: The transducer device of embodiment 17 further comprising at least one of: a conductive adhesive material on the forward side of the anisotropic material layer opposite the electrode array, or a conductive material between the electrode array and the back side of the anisotropic material layer facing the array.

[0132] Embodiment 26: The transducer device of embodiment 17 further comprising at least one of: a conductive adhesive material on the front side of the anisotropic material layer opposite the electrode array, or a conductive material between the electrode array and the back side of the anisotropic material layer facing the array.

[0133] Embodiment 27: The transducer device of Embodiment 17, wherein the anisotropic material layer is disposed over the electrode array such that the anisotropic material layer covers the electrodes and the void spaces.

[0134] Embodiment 28: The transducer device of Embodiment 17, wherein: the anisotropic material layer substantially covers the electrode array, and the anisotropic material layer has cutouts formed therein, the cutouts being located over the void spaces.

[0135] Example 29: The transducer device of Example 17, wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the array includes electrode elements positioned in existing electrode positions, wherein a plurality of the existing electrode positions are arranged in a row; and by translating the array relative to the subject's body, the void space can be superimposed on at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 95% of the area coverage area of ​​each existing electrode position arranged in a row.

[0136] Example 30: A method of applying a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the method comprising: positioning a first transducer in a first position at a first location on the subject's body, the first transducer comprising: a plurality of electrodes; a void space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes in the plurality of electrodes; and an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and positioned between the plurality of electrodes and the subject's body; inducing an electric field between the first transducer and a second transducer positioned at a second location on the subject's body, wherein, during induction of the electric field, the anisotropic material layer distributes heat and / or current from the plurality of electrodes in a plane perpendicular to a direction from the plurality of electrodes to the subject's body; stopping the electric field after the induced electric field exceeds a first period of time; moving the first transducer to a second position on the subject's body, wherein, in the second position, the void space is positioned over an area of ​​the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrodes; and inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0137] Embodiment 31: The method of Embodiment 30, wherein the anisotropic material layer has different thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the anisotropic material layer and in a direction parallel to the surface of the anisotropic material layer.

[0138] Embodiment 32: The method of Embodiment 30, wherein moving the first transducer into the second position comprises rotating the first transducer about the center of mass of the first transducer. Embodiment 32A: The method of Embodiment 30, wherein the plurality of electrodes are positioned in existing electrode positions arranged about the center of mass of the transducer when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the first transducer array; and by rotating the first transducer about the center of mass, the void space can be superimposed on at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 90%, or at least 95% of at least one existing electrode position.

[0139] Example 33: The method of Example 30, wherein the first transducer includes a plurality of void spaces including the void space, wherein each of the plurality of void spaces is located between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of electrodes, and wherein, in the second position, each of the plurality of void spaces of the first transducer is located in an area previously covered by at least a portion of an electrode.

[0140] Embodiment 34: The method of Embodiment 30, wherein the layer of anisotropic material covers the void space such that in the second position, the anisotropic material covers an area of ​​the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode.

[0141] Example 35: The method of Example 30, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a cut-out portion formed therein above the void space such that in the second position, the anisotropic material layer does not cover at least a portion of the area of ​​the subject's body previously covered by at least a portion of the electrode.

[0142] Embodiment 36: The method of Embodiment 30, wherein moving the first transducer into the second position comprises translating the first transducer relative to the surface of the subject's body.

[0143] Example 37: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the transducer device comprising: an electrode array configured to be positioned on the subject's body, wherein one side of the array faces the subject's body, the array comprising electrode elements positioned in existing electrode positions arranged around the array's centroid, and each electrode element outlines an existing electrode footprint; and an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the electrode array and located on one side of the side of the array; the array also comprising one or more void spaces defining potential electrode positions, the potential electrode positions being arranged around the array's centroid, each potential electrode position outlining a potential electrode footprint, wherein each potential electrode footprint is rotationally aligned with the one or more existing electrode footprints around the centroid, such that rotational displacement of the electrode array around the centroid can position at least one potential electrode position to coincide with an existing electrode position, thereby providing a resting state for the skin area beneath at least one electrode after rotation.

[0144] Example 38: The transducer device of Example 37, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a front side and a back side, wherein the back side of the anisotropic material layer faces the electrode array, and wherein the anisotropic material layer has different thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front side and in a direction parallel to the front side.

[0145] Example 39: The transducer device of Example 37 further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material on the forward side of the anisotropic material layer opposite the electrode array, or a conductive material between the electrode array and the back side of the anisotropic material layer facing the array.

[0146] Embodiment 40: The transducer device of embodiment 37, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material on the front side of the anisotropic material layer opposite the electrode array, or a conductive material between the electrode array and the back side of the anisotropic material layer facing the array.

[0147] Embodiment 41: The transducer device of Embodiment 37, wherein the anisotropic material layer is disposed over the electrode array such that the anisotropic material layer covers the electrodes and the one or more void spaces.

[0148] Embodiment 42: The transducer device of Embodiment 37, wherein: the anisotropic material layer substantially covers the electrode array, and the anisotropic material layer has one or more cut-outs formed therein, the one or more cut-outs being located above the one or more void spaces.

[0149] Embodiment 43: The transducer device of Embodiment 37, wherein each potential electrode footprint has the same shape, area, and distance from the centroid as one or more existing electrode footprints.

[0150] Example 44: A method for applying a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the method comprising: positioning a first transducer in a first initial position at a first portion of the subject's body, the first transducer comprising a plurality of electrodes in initial electrode positions, the electrodes being arranged circumferentially around a center of mass of the first transducer with a space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes; inducing an electric field between the first transducer and a second transducer positioned at a second portion of the subject's body; distributing heat and / or current output from the plurality of electrodes in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction from the plurality of electrodes to the subject's body via a layer of anisotropic material positioned between the plurality of electrodes and the subject's body; stopping the electric field after inducing the electric field for more than a first period of time; rotating the first transducer at the first portion of the subject's body about the center of mass to a first rotational position, wherein, in the first rotational position, at least one initial electrode position is now occupied by a space between two electrodes initially present in the first initial position; and inducing another electric field between the first transducer and the second transducer.

[0151] Example 45: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the transducer device comprising: a base layer; an electrode array disposed on the base layer, the array being configured to be positioned above the subject's body with one side of the array facing the subject's body; and an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the electrode array and located on a side of the array opposite to the base layer; wherein the anisotropic material layer substantially covers the electrode array; wherein the anisotropic material layer has one or more cutouts formed therein, the one or more cutouts being located above a space between adjacent electrodes of the array.

[0152] Example 46: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the transducer device comprising: a base layer; an electrode array disposed on the base layer, the array being configured to be positioned above the subject's body with one side of the array facing the subject's body; and an anisotropic material layer electrically coupled to the electrode array and located on a side of the array opposite to the base layer; wherein the anisotropic material layer has at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the cut or slit extends from an outer edge of the anisotropic material layer toward a central portion of the anisotropic material layer.

[0153] Example 47: The transducer device of Example 46, wherein the base layer has at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the base layer, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the array, the cut or slit extends from the outer edge of the base layer toward the center portion of the base layer.

[0154] Embodiment 48: The transducer device of Embodiment 47, wherein the cuts or slits formed in the base layer at least partially coincide with the cuts or slits formed in the anisotropic material layer when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array.

[0155] Example 49: A transducer device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the transducer device comprising: an electrode array configured to be positioned above the subject's body, the front face of the array facing the subject's body, the array comprising electrode elements positioned in existing electrode positions arranged around the array's centroid; a layer of anisotropic material electrically coupled to the electrode array and located on the front side of the front face of the array; wherein the array comprises x' electrodes in existing electrode positions that are rotationally symmetric around the array's centroid, and the x' electrodes exhibit Cx' point symmetry; and wherein at least one (360 / 2x') degree rotation of the array positions each x' electrode in a new position, wherein less than 40% of any given existing electrode position is covered by any portion of any x' electrode in the new position.

[0156] Example 50: The transducer device of Example 49, wherein at least one (360 / 2x') degree rotation of the array positions each x' electrode in a new position, wherein less than 25% of any given existing electrode position is covered by any portion of any x' electrode in the new position.

[0157] Example 51: The transducer device of Example 49, wherein at least one (360 / 2x') degree rotation of the array positions each x' electrode in a new position, wherein no portion of any x' electrode in the new position overlaps any portion of any given existing electrode position.

[0158] Example 52: The transducer device of Example 49, wherein the anisotropic material layer has a front side and a back side, wherein the back side of the anisotropic material layer faces the electrode array, and wherein the anisotropic material layer has different thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front side and in a direction parallel to the front side.

[0159] Example 53: The transducer device of Example 49, wherein the anisotropic material layer comprises graphite.

[0160] Embodiment 54: The transducer device of Embodiment 49, wherein the anisotropic material layer comprises pyrolytic graphite, a graphitized polymer, or a graphite foil made of compressed high-purity flake mineral graphite.

[0161] Embodiment 55: The transducer device of Embodiment 49, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material on the forward-facing side of the anisotropic material layer. Embodiment 55A: The transducer device of Embodiment 49, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material on the front-facing side of the anisotropic material layer.

[0162] Embodiment 56: The transducer device of Embodiment 49, further comprising a first conductive material layer located between the electrode array and the back surface of the anisotropic material layer.

[0163] Example 57: The transducer device of Example 49, wherein the anisotropic material layer has at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the cut or slit extends from the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer toward the center portion of the anisotropic material layer.

[0164] Embodiment 58: The transducer device of Embodiment 49, wherein: the anisotropic material layer substantially covers the electrode array, and the anisotropic material layer has one or more cutouts formed therein.

[0165] Embodiment 59: The transducer device of Embodiment 58, wherein the one or more cutouts have a closed shape such that when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the one or more cutouts are surrounded by the anisotropic material layer.

[0166] Example 60: The transducer device of Example 58, wherein the one or more cutouts have an open shape such that the one or more cutouts define one or more recessed portions along an outer edge of the anisotropic material layer when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array.

[0167] Example 61: The transducer device of Example 60 further includes a base for holding the electrode array against the body of a subject, wherein an outer perimeter of the base extends beyond the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer and is contoured to match the shape of the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer at one or more recessed portions along the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer.

[0168] Example 62: The transducer device of Example 61, wherein the substrate has at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the substrate, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the array, the cut or slit extends from the outer edge of the substrate toward the center portion of the substrate.

[0169] The embodiments described under any heading or in any section of this disclosure may be combined with the embodiments shown under the same or any other heading or other section of this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. For example, but not limited to, for a given embodiment (e.g., a given embodiment described in the independent claim format), embodiments of the given embodiment described in the dependent claim format may be combined with other embodiments (described in the independent claim format or the dependent claim format).

[0170] Many modifications, changes, and variations of the described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the following claims and their equivalent language.

Claims

1. A transducer device for delivering a tumor treating field to a subject's body, the transducer device comprising: an electrode array configured to be positioned on a subject's body with a front face of the array facing the subject's body, the array comprising electrode elements positioned in existing electrode locations arranged about a centroid of the array; a layer of anisotropic material electrically coupled to the electrode array and located on a front side of the front face of the array; and at least one void space in the electrode array capable of enclosing an area footprint equivalent to at least a portion of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and capable of being superimposed over at least a portion of the at least one existing electrode location by rotating the array about the centroid; The anisotropic material layer has a front side and a back side, wherein the back side of the anisotropic material layer faces the electrode array, and wherein the anisotropic material layer has different thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front side and in a direction parallel to the front side.

2. The transducer device according to claim 1, wherein The anisotropic material layer includes graphite.

3. The transducer device of claim 1, further comprising at least one layer of conductive adhesive material on a forward-facing side of the anisotropic material layer. 4 . The transducer device of claim 1 , further comprising a first conductive material layer located between the electrode array and a back surface of the anisotropic material layer.

5. The transducer device according to claim 1, wherein The anisotropic material layer has at least one cut or slit formed through the entire thickness of the anisotropic material layer, and when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the cut or slit extends from the outer edge of the anisotropic material layer toward the central portion of the anisotropic material layer.

6. The transducer device according to claim 1, wherein The anisotropic material layer is disposed over the electrode array such that the anisotropic material layer covers the electrodes and at least one void space in the array.

7. The transducer device according to claim 1, wherein: The anisotropic material layer substantially covers the electrode array, and The anisotropic material layer has one or more cutouts formed therein, the one or more cutouts being located over the at least one void space in the array.

8. The transducer device according to claim 7, wherein The one or more cutouts have a closed shape such that when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the one or more cutouts are surrounded by the anisotropic material layer.

9. The transducer device according to claim 7, wherein: The one or more cutouts have an open shape such that, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the one or more cutouts define one or more concave portions along an outer edge of the anisotropic material layer.

10. The transducer device according to claim 1, wherein At least one void space in the array can enclose an area footprint equivalent to at least 40% of the area footprint of at least one existing electrode location and can be superimposed on at least 40% of at least one existing electrode location by rotating the array about the centroid.

11. The transducer device according to claim 1, wherein The device comprises at least three electrodes.

12. The transducer device according to claim 11, wherein The array of electrodes includes x' electrodes, which can be arranged with Cx' rotational (point) symmetry around the center of mass, where x' is an integer greater than or equal to 3, and the array of electrodes can be arranged with C3 symmetry, C4 symmetry, C5 symmetry or C6 symmetry around the center of mass.

13. A transducer device for delivering a tumor treating field to a subject's body, the transducer device comprising: an electrode array configured to be positioned on a subject's body, wherein a front face of the array faces the subject's body; a layer of anisotropic material electrically coupled to the electrode array and located on a front side of the array front face; and an interstitial space between at least one pair of adjacent electrodes of the array; wherein the void space is capable of enclosing an area footprint equivalent to at least 40% of the area footprint of at least one electrode of the electrode array when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the face of the array; The anisotropic material layer has a front side and a back side, wherein the back side of the anisotropic material layer faces the electrode array, and wherein the anisotropic material layer has different thermal conductivity and / or electrical conductivity in a direction perpendicular to the front side and in a direction parallel to the front side.

14. The transducer device according to claim 13, wherein When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array: The array comprises electrode elements positioned in existing electrode locations arranged about a centroid of the array, and each electrode element outlines an existing electrode footprint; and The void space includes an area footprint defining potential electrode locations, the potential electrode locations being arranged about a centroid of the array and outlining the potential electrode footprint; In which, the potential electrode coverage area has the same shape, area and distance from the center of mass as one or more existing electrode coverage areas, and rotates around the center of mass to overlap with the one or more existing electrode coverage areas, so that the rotational shift of the array around the center of mass can position the potential electrode position to overlap with the existing electrode position.

15. The transducer device according to claim 13, wherein The device comprises at least three electrodes.

16. The transducer device according to claim 15, wherein The array of electrodes includes x' electrodes, which can be arranged with Cx' rotational (point) symmetry around the center of mass, where x' is an integer greater than or equal to 3, and the array of electrodes can be arranged with C3 symmetry, C4 symmetry, C5 symmetry or C6 symmetry around the center of mass.

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