Transducer apparatuses with electrode array shaped to reduce edge effect in delivering tumor treating fields to a subject's body

Abstract

A sensor device for delivering a tumor therapeutic field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: an array of electrically coupled electrode elements, the array including all electrode elements present on the sensor device, the array being configured to be positioned over the body of the subject, wherein one side faces the body of the subject; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, a portion of the array substantially depicting the outer periphery of the electrode elements of the array has an arcuate convex shape; some of the electrode elements in the array are peripheral electrode elements that define the outer periphery of the array, the peripheral electrode elements substantially surrounding any other electrode elements of the array; and wherein for each peripheral electrode element, at least a portion of the length of the periphery of the peripheral electrode element touches the outer periphery of the array.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to a sensor device having an electrode array that is shaped to reduce edge effects in delivering the tumor treatment field to the subject's body. Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 886,382, filed August 11, 2022; U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 698,457, filed March 18, 2022; U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 232,329, filed August 12, 2021; and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 232,361, filed August 12, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Previous Technology]

[0003] A Tumor Therapeutic Field (TTField) is a low-intensity (e.g., 1-4 V / cm) alternating electric field in the mid-frequency range (e.g., 50 kHz to 1 MHz, such as 50-550 kHz) that can be used to treat tumors as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,565,205. TTField therapy is an approved monotherapy for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and an approved combination therapy with chemotherapy for newly diagnosed GBM patients. TTField can also be used to treat tumors in other parts of the subject's body (e.g., lungs, ovaries, pancreas). For example, TTField therapy is an approved combination therapy with chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). TTField non-invasively senses the area of ​​interest by applying an AC voltage between sensors (e.g., an array of capacitively coupled electrode elements) that are directly placed on the patient's body (e.g., using the Novocure Optune™ system).

[0004] Conventional sensors used to generate TTFields comprise a plurality of ceramic discs. One side of each ceramic disc is positioned against the patient's skin, while the other side of each disc has a conductive backing. Electrical signals are applied to this conductive backing, and these signals are capacitively coupled into the patient's body through the ceramic discs. Conventional sensor designs comprise a rectangular array of ceramic discs aligned with each other in straight columns and rows (e.g., in a 3x3 configuration). [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] One specific example of this application relates to a sensor device for delivering a tumor treatment field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: an array of electrode elements electrically coupled to each other, the array including all electrode elements present on the sensor device, the array being configured to be positioned over the body of the subject, wherein one side of the array faces the body of the subject; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the array substantially depicts an arcuate convex shape of the outer periphery of the electrode elements of the array; some of the electrode elements in the array are peripheral electrode elements that define the outer periphery of the array, the peripheral electrode elements substantially surrounding any other electrode elements of the array; wherein for each peripheral electrode element, at least a portion of the length of the periphery of the peripheral electrode element touches the outer periphery of the array.

[0006] Another specific example of this application relates to a sensor device for delivering a tumor treatment field to a subject's body, the sensor device comprising: a plurality of electrode elements electrically coupled to each other and forming an array in a plane of the sensor device; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane: the outer periphery of the array is defined by a shape-fitting convex shape surrounding the plurality of electrode elements; and at least 30% of the length of the outer periphery contacts one or more of the plurality of electrode elements.

[0007] Another specific example of this application relates to a sensor device for delivering a tumor treatment field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: an array of electrode elements electrically coupled to each other, the array including all electrode elements present on the sensor device, the array being configured to be positioned over the body of the subject, wherein one side of the array faces the body of the subject; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side of the array: the outer periphery of the electrode elements extrinsing the array has a substantially circular, elliptical, oval, egg-like, or elliptical shape; and at least one electrode element in the array of electrode elements has a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery for at least 5% of the length along the outer periphery.

Implementation Method

[0022] This application describes an exemplary sensor device for delivering a TTField to the body of a subject and for treating one or more cancers (tumors) located in the body of the subject.

[0023] When a TTField is applied to a subject's body, the temperature of the subject's body may increase proportionally to the induced electric field. Regulations limit the amount of current that can be driven through a sensor to a level where the temperature measured at a location on the subject's body is below a temperature threshold. As implemented in this technique, the temperature at the sensor location on the subject's body is controlled below the temperature threshold by reducing the operating current driven by the sensor and reducing the intensity of the generated TTField. This thus becomes a crucial limitation on the intensity of the TTField that can be used to treat the tumor. Therefore, there is a need in this technique to safely utilize higher TTField intensities without exceeding the temperature threshold of the subject's skin.

[0024] The inventors have discovered that in a sensor having an array of electrode elements, electrode elements located along the edges of the array have a lower resistance to current flowing through them compared to electrode elements located towards the center of the array. This generally results in points at the edges of the array (e.g., the outer perimeter) having a higher concentration of charge. Furthermore, corner or similarly sharp curved electrode elements located at the edges of the array will have a higher concentration of charge than other electrode elements along the edges and at the center of the array. The tendency of a sensor to drive a higher current through electrode elements located along the edges of the array (and particularly at the corners) is referred to herein as the "edge effect".

[0025] The uneven distribution of current through a sensor array caused by the edge effect may result in the formation of higher temperature regions (or "hot spots") at the far corners of the array and along the edges. These hot spots are the first to reach the critical temperature, thus controlling the current reduction requirement. In this regard, the generation of hot spots due to the edge effect can be limited by the maximum operating current driven by the sensor and the intensity of the generated TTField.

[0026] The inventors have recognized a need for sensors with an electrode element array layout that reduces or minimizes the edge effect and allows for a higher operating current to be applied to the sensor. Sensors operated at increased current can sense a stronger TTField within the subject's body, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. Each of the disclosed sensor devices has an array of electrode elements positioned in a layout and having a shape that reduces or minimizes the edge effect.

[0027] The present invention can be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description, examples, drawings and claims, as well as the preceding and following description. However, it will be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the present invention is not limited to the specific devices, apparatuses, systems and / or methods disclosed, and therefore, variations are of course possible.

[0028] The headings are provided for convenience only and are not intended to be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Embodiments described under any heading or in any part of this disclosure may be combined with embodiments described under the same or any other heading or in other parts of this disclosure.

[0029] Unless otherwise indicated herein or to the contrary, all possible combinations of the elements described herein are encompassed by the present invention.

[0030] As used in the specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form “a” and “the” include a plural of the referred objects.

[0031] Figure 1 depicts a sensor 100 positioned on the head of a subject. Figure 1 depicts an example of the sensor 100 being positioned on the head of a subject at various locations and / or orientations. This configuration of the sensor 100 on the head of a subject enables the application of a TTField to a tumor in a region of the subject's brain. It should be noted that various other locations and / or orientations on the subject's head can be selected for sensor placement.

[0032] As described herein, each sensor 100 may have an array of electrode elements disposed thereon. Each sensor 100 may be placed on the head of a subject, wherein one side of the array of electrode elements faces the head of the subject. A sensor 100 may be disposed on the head of the subject such that the side of the array of electrode elements conforms to the external shape of the head.

[0033] Figure 2 depicts a first and a second sensor, respectively positioned at a first and a second location on the torso of a subject. Specifically, Figure 2 depicts a first sensor 200 located on the front of the right chest of the subject, and a second sensor 201 located on the front of the left thigh of the subject. It should be noted that various other locations on the torso of the subject may be selected for the setting of one or more pairs of sensors.

[0034] Figure 2 depicts the sensors 200 and 201 attached to the body of a subject. For example, the sensors 200 and 201 can be adhered to the subject's body by applying a suitable medical adhesive to one surface of each sensor. In other embodiments, the sensors 200 and 201 can be attached to one or more garments (not shown), such as shirts and trousers. In one example, the sensors 200 and 201 can be attached to clothing using an adhesive. In another example, the sensors 200 and 201 can be attached to clothing by incorporating the sensors 200 and 201 within the clothing. In examples where the sensors are positioned on the subject's head, the corresponding sensors can be integrated into another type of clothing (e.g., a hat).

[0035] As described herein, each of the sensors 200 and 201 may have an array of electrode elements disposed thereon. Each sensor 200 and 201 may be disposed on the body of a subject, wherein one side of the electrode element array faces the body of the subject. The sensors 200 and 201 may be disposed on the body of the subject such that the side of the corresponding electrode element array conforms to the external shape of the subject's body.

[0036] In both the first sensor 200 and the second sensor 201, an electrode element array may be configured and disposed within an outer periphery 206 (defined by a dashed line in FIG. 2). In one example, the outer periphery 206 of the array on each sensor may have a substantially rounded edge. In one example, the outer periphery 206 of the array on each sensor may be substantially circular, elliptical, oval, egg-shaped, or elliptical in shape. Other shapes of the outer periphery 206 are also possible.

[0037] The electrode element array may include some of the different layouts disclosed herein, which reduce or minimize edge effects during operation of the sensor. Such layouts may include, for example, one or more of the following: peripheral electrode elements are shaped to conform to an arcuate outer periphery 206; a certain percentage of the length of the arcuate outer periphery 206 contacts the electrode elements of the array; a peripheral electrode element is shaped to contact at least a certain percentage of the length of the arcuate outer periphery 206; and / or the electrode elements of the array are respectively positioned along or adjacent to the outer periphery 206.

[0038] Figures 3A and 3B depict cross-sectional views of an example structure of a sensor. For example, as shown in Figure 3A, the sensor 300A has a plurality of electrode elements 302A and a substrate 304A. The substrate 304A is configured for attaching the sensor 300A to the body of a subject. Suitable materials for the substrate 304A include, for example, fabrics, foams, and flexible plastics. In one example, the substrate 304A comprises a conductive medical gel having a thickness of not less than about 0.5 mm. In a more specific example, the substrate 304A is a single layer of hydrogel having a minimum thickness of 0.5 mm. In this case, the sensor 300A is attached to the body of the subject through the substrate 304A.

[0039] A plurality of electrode elements 302A are positioned on the substrate 304A. Each of the electrode elements may have a conductive plate with a dielectric layer disposed thereon facing the substrate 304A. Alternatively, one or more sensors may be positioned below each of the electrode elements 302A in a configuration similar to that used in the Novocure Optune® system. In one example, the one or more sensors are temperature sensors (e.g., thermistors).

[0040] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view depicting another example of the structure of sensor 300B. In this example, sensor 300B includes a plurality of electrode elements 302B. The plurality of electrode elements 302B are electrically and mechanically connected to each other without a substrate. In one example, the electrode elements 302B are connected to each other via wires 304B.

[0041] As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the sensors 300A and 300B respectively comprise arrays of substantially flat electrode elements 302A and 302B. In each of Figures 3A and 3B, the electrode element arrays may be capacitively coupled. In some embodiments, the electrode elements 302A and 302B are non-ceramic dielectric materials disposed on a plurality of flat conductors. Examples of non-ceramic dielectric materials disposed on flat conductors include polymer films disposed on pads on printed circuit boards or on flat metal sheets. In other embodiments, the electrode elements 302A and 302B are ceramic elements.

[0042] A sensor utilizing an array of electrode elements that are not capacitively coupled can also be used. In this case, each electrode element 302A and 302B can be implemented using a conductive material configured to be disposed against a region of a subject's body, wherein there is no insulating dielectric layer between the conductive element and the body.

[0043] Other alternative structures for implementing the sensors used in the embodiments of the present invention may also be utilized, as long as they are able to (a) transmit the TTField to the subject's body and (b) be located at the position of the subject's body.

[0044] Figures 3A and 3B depict the sensors 300A and 300B from a direction perpendicular to the YZ plane, which is defined by the 3D coordinate axes shown in the figures. As illustrated, the electrode elements 302A and 302B are distributed along a direction parallel to the Y-axis. Furthermore, the electrode elements 302A and 302B may be distributed along a direction parallel to the X-axis. In this regard, the sensors 300A and 300B may each comprise an array of electrode elements 302A and 302B, distributed along one side of the array in a plane parallel to the XY plane. When the sensors are positioned on a subject's body, the side of the array (parallel to the XY plane) is configured to face the subject's body. Similar 3D coordinate axes are depicted in the remaining figures.

[0045] Figure 3C depicts a thermal map of a 9-electrode sensor array (3×3 rectangular electrode array) in use, illustrating the presence of higher-temperature regions or "hot spots" along the edges and particularly at the corners of the array. As discussed above, the generation of hot spots due to the edge effect is limited by the maximum operating current driven by the sensor and the intensity of the generated TTField.

[0046] Figures 4 and 6-10 respectively depict exemplary layouts of electrode elements on a sensor according to the disclosed embodiments. In each exemplary layout of the electrode elements described herein (e.g., in Figures 4 and 6-10), the layout is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the electrode element array (i.e., perpendicular to the XY plane). The electrode element array is configured to be positioned over the body of a subject, wherein this face of the array faces the body of the subject. In each exemplary layout described herein (e.g., in Figures 4 and 6-10), the “electrode element array” includes all electrode elements present on the sensor device (e.g., 400 in Figure 4) (e.g., 402A-402H in Figure 4).

[0047] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 6-10, the sensor (e.g., 400 in Figure 4) may include a substrate (e.g., 404 in Figure 4) on which the electrode elements are disposed. In some embodiments (e.g., Figure 9), the substrate may have cutouts, slits, or perforations formed therein to facilitate placement of the substrate over the arcuate edge of the subject's body. As discussed above, other embodiments of the sensor may not include a substrate. The disclosed electrode element layout is equally applicable to sensors in which a substrate is present and sensors in which a substrate is absent.

[0048] In each electrode element layout described herein (e.g., in Figures 4 and 6-10), some of the electrode elements in the array are “peripheral electrode elements.” For example, in Figures 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10, all electrode elements present on the sensor are peripheral electrode elements. In another example, as shown in Figure 8, only a subset of electrode elements on the sensor (e.g., 802A-802H) are peripheral electrode elements. In this embodiment, the peripheral electrode elements (e.g., 802A-802H in Figure 8) may substantially surround all other electrode elements in the array (e.g., 802I in Figure 8). The term “substantially surround” can refer to a convex shape passing through the centroid of all peripheral electrode elements, which surrounds or encloses each other (non-peripheral) electrode element. In each of the figures described below, the peripheral electrode elements may define an outer periphery of the electrode element array (e.g., 406 in Figure 4). In each of the figures described below, the electrode element array on a sensor comprises at least six electrode elements. In one example, an array of electrode elements on a sensor contains at least eight electrode elements.

[0049] In the several electrode element arrangements described herein (e.g., in Figures 4 and 6-10), an outer periphery of the array of electrode elements substantially depicting the array (e.g., 406 in Figure 4) has an arcuate convex shape. The term "arcuate convex shape" refers to any two-dimensional shape that 1) has at least a portion of it having a radius of curvature (i.e., the shape is at least partially arcuate); and 2) does not have any concave portions. In some sensors, such as those depicted in Figures 4, 6-8, and 10, the arcuate convex outer periphery does not have any corners (e.g., a sharp corner where two straight edges meet at a point, an arcuate corner, etc.). The arcuate convex outer periphery can be substantially circular, elliptical, oval, ovate, or elliptical, as shown in Figures 4, 6-8, and 10. In other sensors, such as those depicted in Figure 9, the arcuate convex outer periphery 906 has arcuate corners. For example, the outer periphery of the arc protrusion can be a real rectangle with arc corners, a real polygon with arc corners, or other protruding shapes with arc corners.

[0050] Each electrode element layout described herein (e.g., in Figures 4 and 6-10) is designed to reduce or minimize the edge effects and reduce the presence or intensity of hot spots formed at the outer periphery of the electrode element array. This can be achieved by manipulating the geometry of the overall electrode element array (defined by the outer periphery), manipulating the geometry of individual electrode elements, and / or making all electrode elements of the array peripheral electrode elements. Setting the geometry of the electrode element array in this way balances the current output from the individual electrodes of the array, such that the current across the array or across the edges of the array is fairly consistent. This allows for an increase in the current supplied to the sensor while maintaining the temperature on the subject's body below a critical temperature.

[0051] FIG4 depicts a sensor 400 having an exemplary layout of electrode elements 402, which may be disposed on a substrate 404. As shown, the electrode elements 402 of the sensor 400 are coupled to each other. In FIG4, the electrode element array of the sensor includes eight electrode elements 402A-402H, all of which are peripheral electrode elements.

[0052] Figure 4 depicts an outer periphery 406 using dashed lines. As described above, the outer periphery 406 is an arcuate protruding periphery that essentially depicts the electrode elements 402 of the array. The outer periphery 406 can be defined by a protruding shape that conforms to the shape of the electrode elements 402. Furthermore, as depicted, the outer periphery 406 circumscribes the electrode element array 402. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the outer periphery 406 touches an edge of each electrode element 402A-402H in the array.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the length of the periphery of each peripheral electrode element (e.g., each electrode element 402A-402H) touches the outer periphery 406. Each electrode element 402A-402H in FIG. 4 may touch the outer periphery 406 at more than a single point along the outer periphery 406. In one example, the outer periphery 406 delineates one or more curved edges (e.g., 414) of the electrode element 402 that touch the outer periphery 406. In embodiments where all electrode elements 402 and / or all peripheral electrode elements such that a length of their periphery touches / delineates an arcuate convex outer periphery 406, the current output through the electrode element 402 can be more effectively balanced.

[0054] In one example, electrode elements 402A-402H in the array may be substantially equidistant from each other around the array. For example, in FIG4, each pair of adjacent peripheral electrode elements (e.g., 402A and 402H) touching the outer perimeter 406 has approximately the same distance between them (e.g., 408). More specifically, the distance between a pair of adjacent peripheral electrode elements is no more than 5% greater than the distance between any other pair of adjacent peripheral electrode elements in the array. In other examples, the “substantially equidistant” spacing may mean that the distance between a pair of adjacent peripheral electrode elements is no more than 2% greater than, and more particularly no more than 1% greater than, the distance between any other pair of adjacent peripheral electrode elements in the array. For example, the distance 408 between electrode elements 402A and 402H in Figure 4 is no more than 5%, particularly no more than 2%, and particularly no more than 1%, greater than any of the following distances: electrode elements 402A and 402B; electrode elements 402B and 402C; electrode elements 402C and 402D; electrode elements 402D and 402E; electrode elements 402E and 402F; electrode elements 402F and 402G; and electrode elements 402G and 402H. In one example, the distance between a pair of adjacent electrode elements may be the shortest distance from the point where a first electrode element intersects or touches the outer perimeter 406 to the point where a second adjacent electrode element intersects or touches the outer perimeter 406. In one example, the distance between a pair of adjacent electrode elements may be measured along the length (straight line or arc) of the outer perimeter 406. Arranging the electrode elements 402 to be substantially equidistant from each other along the outer periphery 406 balances the electromagnetic shielding between the electrode elements 402 in the array, which contributes to a more balanced current output.

[0055] Certain shapes of the individual electrode elements 402 may also help balance the current flowing through the array. In one example, at least one of the electrode elements 402 in the array may have a triangular shape, a substantially triangular shape with rounded corners, a truncated triangular shape, a substantially truncated triangular shape with rounded corners, a wedge shape, a substantially wedge shape with rounded corners, a truncated wedge shape, or a substantially truncated wedge shape with rounded corners. Figure 4 depicts each of the electrode elements 402 having a substantially wedge shape, which has a radially inward-facing rounded corner and a radially outward-facing rounded edge between the two remaining corners. As depicted with reference to electrode element 402C, one or more electrode elements 402 may include: a first edge 410 extending in a radially outward direction relative to a central portion 411 of the array; a second edge 412 extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion 411 of the array; and an arcuate edge 414 connecting the first edge 410 to the second edge 412 at one end of the electrode element located radially away from the central portion 411 of the array. As illustrated, an arcuate corner 416 may connect the first edge 410 to the second edge 412 at an opposite end of the electrode element located radially toward the central portion 411. Although not shown, in other embodiments, the corner connecting the first edge 410 to the arcuate edge 414 and the corner connecting the second edge 412 to the arcuate edge 414 may each be an arcuate corner similar to the arcuate corner 416. The radius of curvature of the arcuate edge 414 may be greater than the radius of curvature of the arcuate corner 416.

[0056] The shape of the electrode elements 402 in FIG. 4 provides an additional balance between the currents output through the electrode elements 402, since all electrode elements 402 are positioned to extend substantially symmetrically outward from the central portion 411 of the array. Furthermore, the arcuate edges 414 depict the outer perimeter 406 of the arcuate shape of the array. This eliminates corners in the overall shape of the array, which avoids high current concentrations due to edge effects.

[0057] In each electrode element layout described herein (e.g., in Figures 4 and 6-10), any number of electrode elements 402 in the array may have substantially similar shapes. For example, in Figure 4, all electrode elements 402A-402H have substantially similar shapes as described above. In other embodiments (Figures 4 and 6-10), one or more electrode elements in the array may have shapes substantially different from each other. As illustrated in Figure 4, each electrode element 402A-402H in the array may have approximately the same surface area, which further balances the current output from the individual electrode elements.

[0058] FIG5 depicts the electrode element 402C of FIG4 in more detail. FIG5 depicts a periphery 500 of the electrode element 402C (in small dashed lines) and the portion of the outer periphery 406 that touches the electrode element 402C (in large dashed lines). As depicted, at least 10% of the length of the periphery 500 of the electrode element 402C touches the outer periphery 406 (e.g., along the curved edge 414). In an exemplary sensor, each electrode element 402 that touches the outer periphery 406 may have at least 10% of the length of its periphery 500 touching the outer periphery 406. For each of the embodiments described herein, each electrode element that touches the outer periphery of the array may have at least 30%, at least 20%, at least 15%, at least 10%, or at least 5% of the length of its periphery touching the outer periphery of the array, for example, 5% to 30%, or 10% to 15%, or 10% to 20%, or 10% to 30% of the length of its periphery touching the outer periphery of the array. A significant portion of each peripheral electrode element therefore follows the edge of the outer periphery 406, providing a more balanced current distribution along the edge of the sensor compared to a sensor with electrodes that only touch the outer periphery at discrete points (e.g., disc electrodes).

[0059] Referring back to Figure 4, it may be desirable for an electrode element of the array to touch at least a certain percentage of the total length of the outer periphery 406. For example, at least one electrode element 402C in the array has a curved edge 414 that touches a curved section of the outer periphery 406 along at least 5% of its length. For each of the embodiments described herein, at least one electrode element in the array has a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery along at least 30%, at least 20%, at least 15%, at least 10%, or at least 5% of the length of the outer periphery, for example, 5% to 10%, or 5% to 15%, or 5% to 20%, or 10% to 30% of the length of the outer periphery. In one example, at least 50% of the total number of electrode elements in an array may have a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery along at least 5% of its length. For each of the embodiments described herein, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the total number of electrode elements in an array may have a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery for at least 5% of its length along the outer periphery. For example, 50% to 60%, or 50% to 70%, or 50% to 80%, or 50% to 90% of the total number of electrode elements in an array may have a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery for at least 5% of its length along the outer periphery. Furthermore, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the total number of electrode elements in an array may have a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery for at least 30%, at least 20%, at least 15%, at least 10%, or at least 5% of its length along the outer periphery, and within the same relevant range. In one example, at least six electrode elements in an array may have a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery for at least 5% of its length along the outer periphery. In Figure 4, each electrode element in the array has a curved edge (e.g., 414) that extends at least 5% of the length of the outer periphery 406 to a curved section of the outer periphery 406. This helps to spread the electrode elements 402 along the arcuate periphery, so that the overall shape of the array of electrode elements 402 is arcuate and without corners.

[0060] In one example, at least 30% of the total length of the outer periphery 406 contacts one or more electrode elements 402 in the array. Alternatively, at least 50% of the length of the outer periphery 406 contacts one or more electrode elements 402 in the array. As illustrated in Figure 4, due to the shape of the individual electrode elements 402, at least 60%, more particularly at least 80%, and more particularly at least 90% of the length of the outer periphery 406 contacts the electrode elements 402 of the array. Increasing or maximizing the amount of contact between the outer periphery 406 and the electrode elements in this manner can be achieved by making a large portion of the edge of the electrode element conform to an arc shape, thereby further balancing the current output through the array. For each of the embodiments described herein, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the total length of the outer periphery touches one or more electrode elements in the array, for example, 30% to 60%, or 30% to 70%, or 30% to 80%, or 30% to 90%, or 50% to 60%, or 50% to 70%, or 50% to 80%, or 50% to 90% of the total length of the outer periphery touches one or more electrode elements in the array.

[0061] FIG. 6 depicts a sensor 600 with an exemplary layout of electrode elements 602, which may be disposed on a substrate 604. The layout of the electrode elements 602 is similar to that of FIG. 4, but with different shapes and unevenly spaced electrode elements 602. Furthermore, a layered structure of the sensor 600 is depicted in FIG. 6. As shown, the sensor 600 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) layer 605 between the electrode elements 602 and the substrate 604. The PCB layer 605 may include conductive paths that electrically couple the electrode elements 602 together. The PCB layer 605 may include an electrical connector portion 622 that provides a point for connecting wires to the sensor 600. As illustrated, the electrical connector portion 622 may be disposed in a central portion 611 of the sensor 600, surrounded by the array of electrode elements 602. Other embodiments of the sensor may feature an electrical connector portion located elsewhere on the sensor.

[0062] In Figure 6, the electrode element array of the sensor includes eight electrode elements 602A-602H, all of which are peripheral electrode elements. An outer periphery 606 of the array is shown by a dashed line. The outer periphery 606 is an arcuate protrusion that substantially depicts the electrode elements 602 of the array. As depicted, the outer periphery 606 is external to the array of electrode elements 602. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the outer periphery 606 touches an edge of each electrode element 602A-602H in the array. At least a portion of a length of the periphery of each peripheral electrode element 602A-602H touches the outer periphery 606.

[0063] The electrode elements 602 depicted in FIG. 6 are substantially wedge-shaped with rounded corners. Each electrode element 602 has a radially inward-facing rounded corner (e.g., 616) and a radially outward-facing rounded edge (e.g., 614) between the two remaining corners. One or more electrode elements 602 may include: a first edge 610 extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion 611 of the array; a second edge 612 extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion 611 of the array; and a rounded edge 614 connecting the first edge 610 to the second edge 612 at one end of the electrode element located radially away from the central portion 611 of the array. As illustrated, a rounded corner 616 may connect the first edge 610 to the second edge 612 at an opposite end of the electrode element located radially towards the central portion 611. As depicted, a rounded corner 618 may connect the first edge 610 to the rounded edge 614, while another rounded corner 620 may connect the second edge 612 to the rounded edge 614. Figure 6 depicts all electrode elements 602 having substantially similar shapes as described above. However, in other embodiments, one or more electrode elements in the array may have shapes substantially different from each other. Each electrode element 602 in the array may have approximately the same surface area.

[0064] FIG. 7 depicts a sensor 700 with an exemplary layout of electrode elements 702 coupled to each other and disposed on a substrate 704. The layout of the electrode elements 702 is similar to that of FIG. 4, but with electrode elements 702 having different shapes and an outer periphery 706 having a different shape. In FIG. 7, the electrode element array of the sensor includes eight electrode elements 702A-702H, all of which are peripheral electrode elements.

[0065] Figure 7 depicts an outer periphery 706, which is a substantially arcuate protruding periphery depicting the electrode elements 702 of the array. The outer periphery 706 is defined by a protruding shape that conforms to the shape of the plurality of electrode elements 702, and thus external to the array of electrode elements 702. The outer periphery 706 may be arcuate. As depicted, the outer periphery 706 may be shaped such that each point along the outer periphery 706 is equidistant from a point within the outer periphery 706 (e.g., a centroid of the array).

[0066] The outer periphery 706 contacts an edge of each electrode element 702A-702H in the array. As depicted, at least a portion of the length of the periphery of each electrode element (702A-702H) contacts the outer periphery 706. In particular, the outer periphery 706 depicts one or more curved edges (e.g., curved edge 714) of the electrode element 702 that contact the outer periphery 706.

[0067] In one example, the electrode elements 702A-702H in the array may be substantially equidistant from each other around the array. In FIG7, for example, each pair of adjacent peripheral electrode elements (e.g., 702A and 702H) touching the outer periphery 706 may have approximately the same distance between them (e.g., 708), as described above in relation to distance 408 in FIG4.

[0068] FIG. 7 depicts each of the electrode elements 702 having a wedge shape with a radially outward-facing arcuate edge (e.g., 714). As depicted with reference to electrode element 702C, one or more electrode elements 702 may include: a first edge 710 extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion 711 of the array; a second edge 712 extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion 711 of the array; and an arcuate edge 714 connecting the first edge 710 to the second edge 712 at one end of the electrode element located radially away from the central portion 711 of the array. Any number of electrode elements 702 in the array may have substantially similar shapes. For example, in FIG. 7, all electrode elements 702 have substantially similar shapes as described above. However, in other embodiments, one or more electrode elements in the array may have shapes substantially different from each other. Each electrode element 702 in the array may have a substantially similar surface area.

[0069] At least one electrode element 702 in the array of FIG. 7 has a curved edge 714 that touches a curved section of the outer periphery 706 along at least 5% of its length. As illustrated in FIG. 7, each electrode element in the array has a curved edge (e.g., 714) that touches a curved section of the outer periphery 706 along at least 5% of its length. At least 30%, more particularly at least 50%, of the total length of the outer periphery 706 in FIG. 7 touches one or more electrode elements 702 in the array.

[0070] FIG8 depicts a sensor 800 with an exemplary layout of electrode elements 802 coupled to each other and disposed on a substrate 804. The sensor 800 depicted in FIG8 has a PCB layer 805, which is similar to the PCB layer described with reference to FIG6. The layout of the electrode elements 802 is similar to that of FIG6, but the electrode elements 802 have different shapes and different configurations. In FIG8, the electrode element array of the sensor includes nine electrode elements 802A-802I, comprising eight peripheral electrode elements 802A-802H and one non-peripheral electrode 802I. As illustrated, at least one electrode element (e.g., 802I) in the array may be surrounded by one or more peripheral electrode elements of the array and thus does not touch the outer periphery 806.

[0071] In Figure 8, the outer periphery 806 is an arcuate protruding periphery that substantially depicts the electrode elements 802 of the array. The outer periphery 806 touches an edge of each peripheral electrode element 802A-802H. As depicted, at least a portion of a periphery of each peripheral electrode element (802A-802H) touches the outer periphery 806.

[0072] The peripheral electrode elements 802 depicted in FIG. 8 each have a substantially truncated wedge shape with rounded corners. One or more electrode elements 802 may include: a first edge 810 extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion of the array; a second edge 812 extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion of the array; and a rounded edge 814 connecting the first edge 810 to the second edge 812 at an end of the electrode element located radially away from the central portion of the array. In some embodiments, all peripheral electrode elements may have substantially similar shapes. In other embodiments, one or more of the peripheral electrode elements may have shapes substantially different from each other. The non-peripheral electrode element 802I depicted in FIG. 8 has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners and is disposed in the central portion of the array. Other numbers (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more) of non-peripheral electrode elements may be included in other embodiments. The non-peripheral electrode elements can take any desired shape, including but not limited to square, rectangular, hexagonal, or polygonal shapes; substantially square, rectangular, hexagonal, or polygonal shapes with one or more rounded corners; irregular shapes; or circular, elliptical, oval, or egg-shaped shapes. In some embodiments, there may be more than one non-peripheral electrode element. In some embodiments, all non-peripheral electrode elements may have substantially similar shapes. In other embodiments, one or more of the non-peripheral electrode elements may have shapes substantially different from each other.

[0073] FIG9 depicts a sensor 900 with an exemplary layout of electrode elements 902 coupled to each other and disposed on a substrate 904. The sensor 900 depicted in FIG9 has a PCB layer 905, which may include an electrical connector portion 922 to provide points for connecting wires to the sensor 900. The layout of the electrode elements 902 is similar to that of FIG6, but with different shapes / configurations of the electrode elements 902 and different shapes of the outer periphery 906. In FIG9, the electrode element array of the sensor includes eight electrode elements 902A-902H, all of which are peripheral electrode elements.

[0074] Figure 9 depicts an outer periphery 906, which is a substantially arcuate protruding periphery depicting the electrode elements 902 of the array. The outer periphery 906 is external to the array of electrode elements 902. As depicted, the outer periphery 906 may be a rectangle with rounded corners. In one example, the outer periphery 906 may be shaped such that at each arcuate corner of the outer periphery 906, each point along the portion of the arcuate corner is equidistant from a point within the outer periphery 906. The outer periphery 906 touches an edge of each electrode element 902A-902H in the array. As depicted, at least a portion of a periphery of each peripheral electrode element (902A-902H) touches the outer periphery 906. Figure 9 depicts each of the electrode elements 902 having a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0075] FIG. 10 depicts a sensor 1000 with an exemplary layout of electrode elements 1002 coupled to each other and disposed on a substrate 1004. The sensor 1000 depicted in FIG. 10 has a PCB layer 1005, which may include an electrical connector portion 1022 to provide points for connecting wires to the sensor 1000. The layout of the electrode elements 1002 is similar to that of FIG. 6, but wherein the electrode elements 1002 are located in different positions. In FIG. 10, the electrode element array of the sensor includes eight electrode elements 1002A-1002H, all of which are peripheral electrode elements. In some embodiments, all electrode elements may have substantially similar shapes. In other embodiments, one or more of the electrode elements may have shapes substantially different from each other.

[0076] Figure 10 depicts an outer periphery 1006, which is an arcuate protrusion of an array of external electrode elements 1002. As depicted, the outer periphery 1006 extends to touch or adjacent to an edge of each electrode element 1002 in the array. For example, the outer periphery 1006 touches electrode elements 1002A, 1002D, 1002E, and 1002H. The outer periphery 1006 extends adjacent to an edge of each of electrode elements 1002B, 1002C, 1002F, and 1002G. As drawn in Figure 10, each electrode element 1002A-1002H in the array has an edge located at a distance less than that from the outer periphery 1006. For example, the distance 1024 from electrode element 1002B to the outer periphery 1006 may be less than 20% of the length of the periphery of electrode element 1002B. The electrode elements 1002C, 1002F, and 1002G may similarly be spaced from the outer perimeter 1006 by a distance less than this amount. Other electrode elements 1002A, 1002D, 1002E, and 1002H touch the outer perimeter 1006, and therefore their edges do not distance from the outer perimeter 1006. For each of the embodiments of the array disclosed herein, there is an embodiment in which each electrode element in the array has an edge located at a distance from the outer perimeter surrounding the array that is less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 10%, or less than 5%, or less than 2%, or less than 1% of the perimeter of the electrode element. For example, a distance from the outer perimeter surrounding the array that is 1% to 30%, or 1% to 20%, or 1% to 10%, or 1% to 5%, or 5% to 30%, or 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% of the perimeter of the electrode element.

[0077] In one example, the electrode elements 1002A-1002H in the array may be substantially equidistant from each other around the array. For example, in FIG10, each pair of adjacent electrode elements (e.g., 1002A and 1002H) in the array may have a substantially equal distance between them (e.g., 1008), as described above in relation to distance 408 in FIG4.

[0078] Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C illustrate a specific absorption rate (SAR) for an array of electrode elements with different outer peripheral shapes on the scalp. The SAR measures the energy absorbed by the biological tissue and provides an estimate of the temperature rise induced in the tissue. At a given location, the SAR is calculated as a ratio between dissipated power and mass density as provided in Equation (1): Equation (1) where σ is the conductivity of the tissue, E represents the magnitude of the induced electric field, ρ is the mass density (kg / m3), and T is the temperature (Kjeldahl temperature).

[0079] Figure 11A shows SAR under an array with an oval or elliptical outer perimeter, Figure 11B shows SAR under an array with a circular outer perimeter, and Figure 11C shows SAR under an array with a rectangular outer perimeter. The same maximum SAR value is shown for all three shapes because the SAR represents temperature, and the same maximum temperature is used to simulate the temperature criticality present in practical use. As illustrated in Figures 11A and 11B, the SAR under the elliptical and circular arrays is fairly consistent along the entire outer edge of the array. Similar results can be seen with arrays having a substantially oval or quasi-oval outer perimeter. A maximum SAR (corresponding to a maximum temperature) for the entire area of ​​the elliptical and circular arrays results in a higher current being transferred by the array. However, for the rectangular array, 'hot spots' only occur at the corners, while the central black (cooler) area is much larger, indicating that most of the charge is concentrated at the corners, resulting in a smaller active treatment area. The rising temperature at the corners limits the current transferred by the array.

[0080] Transforming a substantially rectangular array (e.g., a rectangular 3×3 array in FIG. 3C, or a rectangular array depicted in FIG. 11C) into a substantially circular, elliptical, oval, ovate, or elliptical array (e.g., FIG. 11A and 11B) can reduce or minimize the edge effect, thereby reducing or eliminating hot spots. By removing corners from the overall shape of the electrode element array, the revealed sensor provides a more uniform electric field intensity around the edges, which allows a stronger TTField to be sensed without overheating the subject's body.

[0081] Figure 12 depicts a graph 1200 for the average power loss 1202 (mW / cm3) of electrode arrays with different outer peripheral shapes (rectangular, circular, and elliptical) relative to the array surface area 1204 (mm2). The TTField power loss density represents the energy stored in the body by the TTField per unit time. For each electrode array shape, the relationship depicted in the graph 1200 is determined by simulating the average power loss 1202 through the brain from an array with three different surface areas 1204 (e.g., 4,160 mm2, 7,865 mm2, and 12,740 mm2). The simulated average power loss is proportional to the square of the magnitude of the electric field strength of the TTField output by the array, as provided in Equation (2): Power loss = 0.5σE² Equation (2) where σ is the conductivity of the tissue, and E represents the magnitude of the induced electric field. The results from the simulation are depicted in the graph 1200. Trend line 1206 represents the relationship between average power loss 1202 and array surface area 1204 for a rectangularly shaped array. Trend line 1208 represents the relationship between average power loss 1202 and array surface area 1204 for a circularly shaped array. Trend line 1210 represents the relationship between average power loss 1202 and array surface area 1204 for an elliptically shaped array. As depicted, the elliptically shaped array (1210) has the highest power loss 1202 for each surface area 1204, the rectangularly shaped array (1206) has the lowest power loss 1202 for each surface area 1204, and the circularly shaped array (1208) has a power loss 1202 between that of the elliptical and rectangular arrays. This means that at the same temperature, the elliptical array (1210) can sense a stronger TTField than the circular array (1208), and the circular array (1208) can sense a stronger TTField than the rectangular array (1206). The rectangular array (1206) provides the lowest efficiency because the current / heat concentration (hot spots) occurs at its four corners due to the edge effect.

[0082] Table 1 below shows the differential power loss (in percentage) between the arrays with different shapes for each surface area. Table 1. Differential Power Loss Between Arrays with Different Shapes Surface area (mm²) 2 ) Differential power loss from rectangular to circular shapes Differential power loss from rectangular to elliptical shapes Differential power loss from circular to elliptical shapes 4,160 21.2% 28.7% 6.2% 7,856 30.7% 48.8% 13.9% 12,740 58.6% 80.6% 13.9%

[0083] As shown in Table 1, when the sensor is small (e.g., smaller array surface area), the differences between the rectangular, circular, and elliptical array shapes are very insignificant compared to when the sensor is large (e.g., larger array surface area). At any surface area, but particularly at the maximum surface area (12,740 mm²), the maximum difference in power loss occurs between the rectangular and elliptical array shapes.

[0084] The simulation results show that increasing the surface area of ​​an array with the same shape may be a less efficient way to increase the TTField intensity than simply changing the array shape for the same sensor surface area. Graph 1200 shows a vertical line 1212 representing the surface area of ​​a first standard array “INE” (“insulated nine electrodes”), and another vertical line 1214 representing the surface area of ​​a second standard array (“superarray”). Increasing the surface area of ​​a rectangular array (1206) from the INE surface area size (1212) to the superarray surface area size (1214) can provide a gain of up to 20% in power loss, as shown in Graph 1200. However, simply changing from a rectangular array (1206) to an elliptical array (1210) at the same INE size (1212) can provide a gain of up to 50% in power loss. Similarly, at an area of ​​7,865 mm² (~INE size), changing the shape of the array from a rectangle to an ellipse increases the average power loss in the brain by 36%, which exceeds the increase of the rectangular area from 7,865 mm² to 12,740 mm² (~hyperarray size).

[0085] This invention includes other items, such as the following.

[0086] Item 1: A sensor device for delivering a tumor therapeutic field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: an array of electrically coupled electrode elements, the array including all electrode elements present on the sensor device, the array being configured to be positioned over the body of the subject, wherein one side of the array faces the body of the subject; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, a portion of the array substantially depicting the outer periphery of the electrode elements of the array has an arcuate convex shape; some of the electrode elements in the array are peripheral electrode elements that define the outer periphery of the array, the peripheral electrode elements substantially surrounding any other electrode elements of the array; wherein for each peripheral electrode element, at least a portion of the length of the periphery of the peripheral electrode element touches the outer periphery of the array.

[0087] Item 2: The sensor device of Item 1, wherein the outer periphery does not have any corners. Item 3: The sensor device of Item 1, wherein the outer periphery is substantially circular, elliptical, oval, ovate, or elliptical. Item 4: The sensor device of Item 1, wherein a portion of the outer periphery is shaped such that each point along the portion of the outer periphery is equidistant from a point within the outer periphery. Item 5: The sensor device of Item 1, wherein at least one of the electrode elements in the array has a triangular shape, a substantially triangular shape with rounded corners, a truncated triangular shape, a substantially truncated triangular shape with rounded corners, a wedge shape, a substantially wedge shape with rounded corners, a truncated wedge shape, or a substantially truncated wedge shape with rounded corners. Item 6: A sensor device of Item 1, wherein at least one of the electrode elements in the array comprises: a first edge extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion of the array; a second edge extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion of the array; and an arcuate edge connecting the first edge to the second edge at an end of the electrode element located radially away from the central portion of the array. Item 7: A sensor device of Item 1, wherein each electrode element in the array is a peripheral electrode element that touches the outer periphery. Item 8: A sensor device of Item 1, wherein at least one electrode element in the array is surrounded by one or more peripheral electrode elements of the array and does not touch the outer periphery. Item 9: A sensor device of Item 1, wherein for each of the peripheral electrode elements, at least 10% of the length of the periphery of the peripheral electrode element touches the outer periphery. Item 10: A sensor device of Item 1, wherein the electrode elements of the array are capacitively coupled. Item 11: A sensor device of Item 1, wherein the electrode elements of the array are not capacitively coupled. Item 12: A sensor device as described in Item 1, wherein the electrode element comprises a ceramic dielectric layer. Item 13: A sensor device as described in Item 1, wherein the electrode element comprises a polymer film.

[0088] Item 14: A sensor device for delivering a tumor therapeutic field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: a plurality of electrode elements electrically coupled to each other and forming an array in a plane of the sensor device; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane: an outer periphery of the array is defined by a shape-fitting convex shape surrounding the plurality of electrode elements; and at least 30% of the length of the outer periphery contacts one or more of the plurality of electrode elements.

[0089] Item 15: A sensor device as described in Item 14, wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane, at least 50% of the length of the outer periphery touches one or more of the plurality of electrode elements. Item 16: A sensor device as described in Item 14, wherein the outer periphery depicts one or more curved edges of the one or more electrode elements touching the outer periphery. Item 17: A sensor device as described in Item 14, wherein for each of the one or more electrode elements touching the outer periphery, at least 10% of the length of a periphery of the electrode element touches the outer periphery. Item 18: A sensor device as described in Item 14, wherein the outer periphery has a substantially circular, elliptical, oval, ovate, or elliptical shape.

[0090] Item 19: A sensor device for delivering a tumor therapeutic field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: an array of electrically coupled electrode elements, the array including all electrode elements present on the sensor device, the array being configured to be positioned over the body of the subject, wherein one side of the array faces the body of the subject; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side of the array: the outer periphery of an electrode element extrinsic to the array has a substantially circular, elliptical, oval, egg-like, or elliptical shape; and at least one electrode element in the array of electrode elements has a curved edge that touches a curved segment of the outer periphery for at least 5% of the length of the outer periphery.

[0091] Item 20: A sensor device as described in Item 19, wherein at least 50% of the total number of electrode elements in the electrode element array has a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery for at least 5% of its length along the outer periphery. Item 21: A sensor device as described in Item 19, wherein at least six electrode elements in the electrode element array have a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery for at least 5% of its length along the outer periphery. Item 22: A sensor device as described in Item 19, wherein each electrode element in the electrode element array has a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery for at least 5% of its length along the outer periphery.

[0092] Item 23: A sensor device for delivering a tumor treatment field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: an array of electrically coupled electrode elements configured to be positioned over the body of the subject, wherein one side of the array faces the body of the subject; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side of the array, an external contact extends to touch or adjacent to an edge of each electrode element in the array, which is disposed over the body of the subject.

[0093] Item 24: A sensor device as described in Item 23, wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the array, each electrode element in the array has an edge located at a distance less than 20% of the periphery of the outer periphery of the array. Item 25: A sensor device as described in Item 23, wherein the electrode elements of the array are substantially equidistant from each other around the array.

[0094] Item 26: A sensor device for delivering a tumor treatment field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: an array of electrically coupled electrode elements configured to be positioned over the body of the subject, wherein one side of the array faces the body of the subject; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side of the array, the outer periphery of an electrode element of the array externally disposed over the body of the subject has an arcuate convex shape, and wherein each electrode element in the array has an edge touching the periphery, or has an edge at a distance less than 20% of the periphery of the electrode element from the outer periphery of the array externally disposed thereon.

[0095] Item 27: A sensor device as described in Item 26, wherein the electrode elements of the array are substantially equidistant from each other around the array.

[0096] Item 28: A sensor device of any one of items 1-27, wherein the electrode element array comprises at least six electrode elements. Item 29: A sensor device of any one of items 1-27, wherein each electrode element has substantially the same surface area. Item 30: A sensor device of any one of items 1-27, wherein the outer perimeter is substantially rectangular with rounded corners.

[0097] Although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, many modifications, alterations, and variations of the said embodiments are possible without departing from the scope and range of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Thus, it is desired that the invention is not limited to the said embodiments, but has the broadest scope defined by the language of the following claims and their equivalents. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0008] [Figure 1] depicts an example of a sensor located on the head of a subject.

[0009] [Figure 2] depicts an example of a sensor located on the torso of a subject.

[0010] [Figure 3A] and [Figure 3B] are cross-sectional views depicting examples of the structure of various sensors.

[0011] [Figure 3C] depicts a thermal image of a conventional rectangular electrode array with ceramic disks arranged in 3x3 columns and rows aligned with each other.

[0012] [Figure 4] depicts an exemplary layout of an array of electrode elements on a sensor device.

[0013] [Fig. 5] Depicts an electrode element of the array in Fig. 4.

[0014] [Figure 6] depicts another exemplary layout of an array of electrode elements on a sensor device.

[0015] [Figure 7] depicts another exemplary layout of an array of electrode elements on a sensor device.

[0016] [Figure 8] depicts another exemplary layout of an array of electrode elements on a sensor device.

[0017] [Figure 9] depicts another exemplary layout of an array of electrode elements on a sensor device.

[0018] [Figure 10] depicts another exemplary layout of an array of electrode elements on a sensor device.

[0019] [Fig. 11A] to [Fig. 11C] depict examples of electric field strength from an array of electrode elements with different shapes.

[0020] [Figure 12] A graph depicting the average power loss for the array surface area of ​​electrode arrays with different outer peripheral shapes.

[0021] Various embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same element symbols represent similar elements.

Claims

1. A sensor device for delivering a tumor treatment field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: An array of electrode elements electrically coupled to each other, the array comprising all electrode elements present on the sensor device, the array being configured to be positioned over the body of the subject, wherein one side of the array faces the body of the subject; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array, the array substantially depicts an arcuate convex shape of the outer periphery of the electrode elements of the array; some of the electrode elements in the array are peripheral electrode elements that define the outer periphery of the array, the peripheral electrode elements substantially surrounding any other electrode elements of the array; wherein for each peripheral electrode element, at least a portion of the length of the periphery of the peripheral electrode element touches the outer periphery of the array.

2. The sensor device as requested in item 1, wherein the outer periphery does not have any corners.

3. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the outer periphery is substantially circular, elliptical, oval, ovate, or elliptical.

4. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the portion of the outer periphery is shaped such that each point along the portion of the outer periphery is equidistant from a point within the outer periphery.

5. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the electrode elements in the array has a triangular shape, a substantially triangular shape with rounded corners, a truncated triangular shape, a substantially truncated triangular shape with rounded corners, a wedge shape, a substantially wedge shape with rounded corners, a truncated wedge shape, or a substantially truncated wedge shape with rounded corners.

6. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the electrode elements in the array comprises: The first edge extends in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion of the array; A second edge extending in a radially outward direction relative to the central portion of the array; and an arcuate edge connecting the first edge to the second edge at one end of the electrode element located radially away from the central portion of the array.

7. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein each electrode element in the array is a peripheral electrode element that contacts the outer periphery.

8. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein at least one electrode element in the array is surrounded by one or more peripheral electrode elements of the array and does not touch the outer periphery.

9. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein for each of the peripheral electrode elements, at least 10% of the length of the periphery of the peripheral electrode element touches the outer periphery.

10. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the electrode elements of the array are capacitively coupled.

11. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the electrode elements of the array are not capacitively coupled.

12. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the electrode element comprises a ceramic dielectric layer.

13. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the electrode element comprises a polymer film.

14. A sensor device for delivering a tumor treatment field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: A plurality of electrode elements electrically coupled to each other and forming an array in the plane of the sensor device; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane: the outer periphery of the array is defined by a shape-fitting convex shape surrounding the plurality of electrode elements; and at least 30% of the length of the outer periphery touches one or more of the plurality of electrode elements.

15. The sensor device of claim 14, wherein the outer periphery describes one or more curved edges of the one or more electrode elements that touch the outer periphery.

16. The sensor device of claim 14, wherein for each of the one or more electrode elements that touches the outer periphery, at least 10% of the length of the periphery of the electrode element touches the outer periphery.

17. The sensor device of claim 14, wherein the outer periphery has a substantially circular, elliptical, oval, ovate, or elliptical shape.

18. A sensor device for delivering a tumor treatment field to the body of a subject, the sensor device comprising: An array of electrode elements electrically coupled to each other, the array comprising all electrode elements present on the sensor device, the array being configured to be positioned over the body of the subject, wherein one side of the array faces the body of the subject; wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the face of the array: the outer periphery of the electrode elements extrinsing the array has a substantially circular, elliptical, oval, egg-like, or elliptical shape; and at least one electrode element in the array of electrode elements has a curved edge that touches a curved section of the outer periphery for at least 5% of the length along the outer periphery.

19. The sensor device of claim 18, wherein at least 50% of the total number of the electrode elements in the array have the curved edge, which touches the curved section of the outer periphery for at least 5% of its length along the outer periphery.

20. The sensor device of claim 18, wherein each of the electrode elements in the array has the curved edge that touches the curved section of the outer periphery for at least 5% of the length along the outer periphery.

Images