Endoscopic ire device and method for pancreatic cancer patients

Abstract

The present disclosure may include: an electrode unit including at least two pairs of needle-type electrodes which are inserted into a tumor mass of the pancreas; an energy supply unit which selectively applies a bipolar type current to the at least two pairs of electrodes; a communication unit which receives images of the tumor mass acquired through an acquisition device; and a processor which controls, on the basis of the images of the tumor mass, the energy supply unit to selectively apply, when the at least two pairs of electrodes reach a target depth of the tumor mass, a bipolar type current at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth.

Description

Endoscopic IRE device and method for pancreatic cancer patients

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an endoscopic IRE device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an endoscopic IRE device and method for treating pancreatic cancer patients.

[0002] Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the pancreas, and is the 8th most common cancer, with a 5-year survival rate of only 10%.

[0003] Pancreatic cancer is a cancer whose cause is unknown, but its incidence has been increasing by approximately 7-8% annually due to changes in dietary habits and an aging population.

[0004] Pancreatic cancer has few early symptoms, making it difficult to detect early. Although the best treatment is surgery, the possibility of surgery is low.

[0005] When diagnosed, approximately 80-90% of pancreatic cancer patients present with inoperable advanced or locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The existing standard treatment is limited to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The possibility of recurrence is higher than that of other cancers, and the 5-year survival rate after surgery is very low at 20%. The existing standard treatment method alone still shows a poor prognosis, so there is a high unmet need among patients and medical professionals for specific treatment options for pancreatic cancer.

[0006] With the current level of medical science, it is impossible to improve the disease-related mortality rate of pancreatic cancer through early detection and prevention, as is the case with other malignant tumors. In addition, approximately 90% of patients are not eligible for surgery at the time of diagnosis, making a complete cure impossible.

[0007] With these standard treatments, only about 10% of cases improve to a condition that makes surgery possible.

[0008] Conventional thermal treatments use heat energy generated by high frequency or laser, which can destroy not only cells but also surrounding sensitive tissues such as blood vessels and nerves, which can lead to serious side effects.

[0009] Additionally, the cancer tissue surrounding the blood vessel tissue survived due to heat sink in the blood vessel, which increased the possibility of cancer recurrence.

[0010] Therefore, research on very safe and effective medical devices for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer who cannot be surgically resected has been continuously conducted.

[0011] The purpose of the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure is to provide something that can induce the death of cancer cells while minimizing damage to sensitive tissues.

[0012] In addition, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure aim to provide a method for inhibiting metastasis and growth of cancer tissue and prolonging time before re-administering anticancer treatment.

[0013] In addition, the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure aim to provide a method for reducing the dosage of an anticancer agent by increasing the cell death rate.

[0014] The problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0015] An endoscopic IRE device for a pancreatic cancer patient according to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described technical problem may include: an electrode unit including at least two pairs of needle-type electrodes inserted into a tumor mass of a pancreas; an energy supply unit selectively applying a bipolar type current to the at least two pairs of electrodes; a communication unit receiving an image of a tumor mass acquired through an acquisition device; and a processor controlling the energy supply unit to selectively apply a bipolar type current to the at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth when the at least two pairs of electrodes have reached a target depth of the tumor mass based on the image of the tumor mass.

[0016] In addition, the electrode part may be characterized by including four electrodes arranged at equal intervals from each other.

[0017] In addition, based on the image of the tumor mass, the device may further include a moving unit that moves the electrode unit so that the at least two pairs of electrodes reach the target depth of the tumor mass.

[0018] In addition, the processor may be characterized in that it determines, based on the image of the tumor mass, the distance between the at least two pairs of electrodes, the target depth, the current intensity corresponding to the target depth, the necrosis range of the tumor mass according to the current intensity, and the necrosis shape.

[0019] In addition, the communication unit may be configured to continuously receive a real-time necrosis image of the tumor mass for a preset period; and the processor may further control the energy supply unit to selectively apply a bipolar type current to the at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity mapped to the preset real-time necrosis image based on the continuously received real-time necrosis image.

[0020] In addition, a method performed by an endoscopic IRE device for a pancreatic cancer patient according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include: receiving an image of a tumor mass acquired from an acquisition device through a communication unit of the endoscopic IRE device; determining, by a processor of the endoscopic IRE device, based on the image of the tumor mass, whether the at least two pairs of electrodes have reached a target depth of the tumor mass; and controlling, by the processor, an energy supply unit of the endoscopic IRE device so that, when the at least two pairs of electrodes have reached the target depth of the tumor mass, a bipolar type current is selectively applied to the at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth.

[0021] In addition, the electrode portion of the endoscopic IRE device may be characterized by including four electrodes arranged at equal intervals from each other.

[0022] In addition, based on the image of the tumor mass, the method may further include a step of moving the electrode unit by the processor controlling the transport unit of the endoscopic IRE device so that the at least two pairs of electrodes reach the target depth of the tumor mass.

[0023] In addition, the control step may be characterized in that the processor determines, based on the image of the tumor mass, the distance between the at least two pairs of electrodes, the target depth, the current intensity corresponding to the target depth, and the necrosis range and necrosis shape of the tumor mass according to the current intensity.

[0024] In addition, the method further includes a step of continuously receiving a real-time necrosis image of the tumor mass for a preset period of time through a communication unit of the endoscopic IRE device; and the control step may further include controlling the energy supply unit so that a bipolar type current is selectively applied to the at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity mapped to the preset real-time necrosis image based on the continuously received real-time necrosis image by the processor.

[0025] In addition, a computing device for performing a method of an endoscopic IRE device for a pancreatic cancer patient according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include a processor including one or more cores; and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, the processor receives an image of a tumor mass acquired through an acquisition device, determines based on the image of the tumor mass whether the at least two pairs of electrodes have reached a target depth of the tumor mass, and, when the at least two pairs of electrodes have reached the target depth of the tumor mass, controls an energy supply unit of the endoscopic IRE device so that a bipolar type current is selectively applied to the at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth.

[0026] In addition, the electrode portion of the endoscopic IRE device may be characterized by including four electrodes arranged at equal intervals from each other.

[0027] Additionally, the processor may be characterized in that, based on the image of the tumor mass, it controls the transport unit of the endoscopic IRE device to further move the electrode unit so that the at least two pairs of electrodes reach the target depth of the tumor mass.

[0028] In addition, the processor may be characterized in that it determines, based on the image of the tumor mass, the distance between the at least two pairs of electrodes, the target depth, the current intensity corresponding to the target depth, the necrosis range of the tumor mass according to the current intensity, and the necrosis shape.

[0029] In addition, the processor may further control the energy supply unit to continuously receive real-time necrosis images of the tumor mass for a preset period of time, and selectively apply a bipolar type current to at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity mapped to the preset real-time necrosis images based on the continuously received real-time necrosis images.

[0030] In addition, a computer-readable recording medium recording a computer program for executing a method for implementing the present disclosure may be further provided.

[0031] According to the aforementioned problem solving means of the present disclosure, damage to sensitive tissues is minimized and an effect of inducing death of cancer cells is provided.

[0032] In addition, the aforementioned problem-solving means of the present disclosure provides an effect of inhibiting metastasis and growth of cancer tissue and buying time before re-performing anticancer treatment.

[0033] In addition, the aforementioned problem-solving means of the present disclosure provides an effect of reducing the dosage of anticancer drugs by increasing the cell death rate.

[0034] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an IRE system for pancreatic cancer patients of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figures 2 and 3 are drawings showing the configuration of the endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients of Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of an endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figures 5 and 6 are drawings showing the operation process of the electrode part of Figure 3.

[0038] FIGS. 7 to 11 are drawings showing a process of removing a tumor mass in the pancreas using an endoscopic IRE device based on an image of the tumor mass acquired through the acquisition device of FIG. 1.

[0039] Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals denote the same components. This disclosure does not describe all elements of the embodiments, and any content that is common in the technical field to which this disclosure pertains or that overlaps between embodiments is omitted. The terms "part, module, element, block" used in the specification may be implemented in software or hardware, and depending on the embodiments, multiple "parts, modules, elements, blocks" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part, module, element, block" may include multiple components.

[0040] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only direct connection but also indirect connection, and indirect connection includes connection via a wireless communication network.

[0041] Additionally, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0042] Throughout the specification, when we say that an element is "on" another element, this includes not only cases where the element is in contact with the other element, but also cases where another element exists between the two elements.

[0043] The terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not limited by the aforementioned terms.

[0044] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] The identification codes for each step are used for convenience of explanation and do not describe the order of each step. Each step may be performed in a different order than specified unless the context clearly indicates a specific order.

[0046] The operating principle and embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0047] The control unit of the endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients according to the present disclosure herein includes various devices capable of performing computational processing and providing results to the user. For example, the control unit of the endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients according to the present disclosure may include a computer, a server, and a portable terminal, or may be in the form of any one of them.

[0048] Here, the computer may include, for example, a notebook, desktop, laptop, tablet PC, slate PC, etc. equipped with a web browser.

[0049] A server is something that processes information by communicating with external devices, and may include an application server, a computing server, a database server, a file server, a mail server, a proxy server, and a web server.

[0050] A portable terminal is, for example, a wireless communication device that ensures portability and mobility, and may include all kinds of handheld-based wireless communication devices such as PCS (Personal Communication System), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)-2000, W-CDMA (W-Code Division Multiple Access), WiBro (Wireless Broadband Internet) terminals, smart phones, etc., and wearable devices such as watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted devices (HMD).

[0051] The IRE system for a pancreatic cancer patient according to the present disclosure receives an image of a tumor mass acquired through an acquisition device, determines based on the image of the tumor mass whether at least two pairs of electrodes have reached a target depth of the tumor mass, and if at least two pairs of electrodes have reached the target depth of the tumor mass, controls an energy supply unit so that a bipolar type current is selectively applied to at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth.

[0052] This IRE system for pancreatic cancer patients can minimize damage to sensitive tissues and induce cancer cell death. Furthermore, it inhibits the metastasis and growth of cancer tissue, prolonging the time required for re-treatment. Furthermore, by increasing the rate of cell death, the IRE system for pancreatic cancer patients can reduce the dosage of anticancer drugs.

[0053] Below, we will take a closer look at the IRE system for pancreatic cancer patients.

[0054] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an IRE system for pancreatic cancer patients of the present disclosure. Figs. 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients of Fig. 1.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an IRE system (1000) for a pancreatic cancer patient may include an acquisition device (10) and an endoscopic IRE device (100) for a pancreatic cancer patient.

[0056] The acquisition device (10) can acquire an image of a tumor mass in the pancreas. For example, the acquisition device (10) may be an endoscope, but is not limited thereto and may be any device capable of acquiring an image of a tumor mass in the pancreas.

[0057] An endoscopic IRE device (100) for pancreatic cancer patients may be a device for pancreatic cancer patients based on irreversible electroporation (hereinafter referred to as IRE). Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a technique that uses an electrode that delivers a high voltage of up to 3 kV into a tumor to create multiple holes in the cell membrane, thereby damaging the homeostasis maintenance mechanism of the cell and causing cell necrosis. At this time, the endoscopic IRE device (100) for pancreatic cancer patients may include an input unit (110), an electrode unit (120), an energy supply unit (130), a transport unit (140), and a control unit (150).

[0058] The input unit (110) is for receiving target depth information of a tumor mass and energy irradiation condition information from a user. When the target depth information of a tumor mass and the energy irradiation condition information are input, the control unit (150) can control the operation of the present device to correspond to the input target depth information of the tumor mass and the energy irradiation condition information. Here, the target depth information of the tumor mass may be a target depth value of the tumor mass, a target depth value penetrating the tumor mass, or a target depth value adjacent to the tumor mass. In addition, the energy irradiation condition information may be a condition of a current intensity corresponding to the size and position of the tumor mass and the target depth, etc.

[0059] The input unit (110) may include hardware-type physical keys (e.g., buttons, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc. located on at least one of the front, rear, and side of the device) and software-type touch keys. For example, the touch keys may be formed of virtual keys, soft keys, or visual keys displayed on a touchscreen-type display unit through software processing, or may be formed of touch keys placed on a part other than the touchscreen. Meanwhile, the virtual keys or visual keys may have various forms and be displayed on the touchscreen, and may be formed of, for example, graphics, text, icons, videos, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The electrode unit (120) may include at least one needle-type electrode (121) inserted into a tumor mass of the pancreas. At this time, the electrode unit (120) may include four electrodes arranged at equal intervals from each other. The energy supply unit (130) may selectively apply a bipolar type current to at least two pairs of electrodes (121).

[0061] The communication unit (135) can receive an image of a tumor mass acquired through the acquisition device (10). The communication unit (135) can include at least one of a wired communication module and a wireless communication module. The wired communication module can include various wired communication modules such as a Local Area Network (LAN) module, a Wide Area Network (WAN) module, or a Value Added Network (VAN) module, as well as various cable communication modules such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Digital Visual Interface (DVI), RS-232 (recommended standard 232), power line communication, or plain old telephone service (POTS). The wireless communication module may include a wireless communication module that supports various wireless communication methods such as GSM (global System for Mobile Communication), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system), TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, 5G, and 6G, in addition to a WiFi module and a Wireless Broadband module.

[0062] The transfer unit (140) can move the electrode unit (120) based on the image of the tumor mass so that at least one electrode (121) reaches the target depth of the tumor mass. The transfer unit (140) can move the electrode unit (120) in a preset diagonal direction or a preset vertical direction.

[0063] The control unit (150) may be implemented with a memory (151) that stores data on an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the device or a program that reproduces the algorithm, and at least one processor (152) that performs the aforementioned operation using the data stored in the memory (151). Here, the memory (151) and the processor (152) may each be implemented as separate chips. In addition, the memory (151) and the processor (152) may also be implemented as a single chip.

[0064] The memory (151) can store data supporting various functions of the device, programs for the operation of the control unit, input / output data, and a plurality of application programs (or applications) run on the device, data for the operation of the device, and commands. At least some of these application programs can be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.

[0065] The memory (151) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, an SSD (Solid State Disk type), an SDD (Silicon Disk Drive type), a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. In addition, the memory (151) may be a database that is separate from the device but is connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0066] The memory (151) can store data related to the endoscopic IRE device (100) for pancreatic cancer patients, and the processor (152) can control operations related to the endoscopic IRE device (100) for pancreatic cancer patients.

[0067] The processor (152) can control the energy supply unit (130) to selectively apply a bipolar type current to at least two pairs of electrodes (121) at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth when at least two pairs of electrodes (121) have reached the target depth of the tumor mass based on the image of the tumor mass. At this time, the processor (152) can also determine, based on the image of the tumor mass, the distance between at least two pairs of electrodes, the target depth, the current intensity corresponding to the target depth, and the necrosis range and necrosis shape of the tumor mass according to the current intensity.

[0068] The communication unit (135) according to the present disclosure can continuously receive real-time necrosis images of a tumor mass for a preset period. At this time, the processor (152) can further control the energy supply unit (130) to selectively apply a bipolar type current to at least two pairs of electrodes (121) at a current intensity mapped to the preset real-time necrosis images based on the continuously received real-time necrosis images.

[0069] Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of an endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients of the present disclosure. Figs. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the operation process of the electrode unit of Fig. 3.

[0070] FIGS. 7 to 11 are drawings showing a process of removing a tumor mass from the pancreas using an endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients, based on an image of the tumor mass acquired through the acquisition device of FIG. 1.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 11, the method of the endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients may include a receiving step (S310), a moving step (S320), a judgment step (S330), and a control step (S340).

[0072] The receiving step may receive an image of a pancreatic tumor mass acquired from an acquisition device (10) through a communication unit (135) (S310). For example, the acquisition device (10) may be an endoscope, but is not limited thereto and may be any device capable of acquiring an image of a pancreatic tumor mass. At this time, the user may input target depth information and energy irradiation condition information within the tumor mass using the input unit (110). Here, the target depth information within the tumor mass may be a target depth value within the tumor mass, a target depth value penetrating the tumor mass, or a target depth value adjacent to the tumor mass. In addition, the energy irradiation condition information may be a condition of a current intensity corresponding to the size and position of the tumor mass and the target depth, etc.

[0073] The moving step can control the transfer unit (140) to move the electrode unit (120) based on the image of the tumor mass through the processor (152) so that at least two pairs of electrodes (121) reach the target depth of the tumor mass (S320). Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrode unit (120) may include a first cover (122), a second cover (123), and an electrode connection unit (124). At this time, the electrode connection unit (124) may be provided to be detachable from the second cover (123), and four electrodes (121a to 121d) that are equally spaced from each other may be provided to be length-adjustable in the internal space of the first cover (122) and the second cover (123). For example, the four electrodes (121a to 121d, 121) that are equally spaced from each other may protrude from the first cover (122).

[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 11, the user can check the image (IM) of the tumor mass (S) acquired through the ultrasound endoscope (11) and penetrate the protruding electrode (121) into the body of the pancreatic cancer patient to reach the target depth of the tumor mass (S) in the pancreas (C). In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the user can check the image of the tumor mass (S1, S2) acquired through the ultrasound endoscope (11) and penetrate the protruding electrode (121) into the body of the pancreatic cancer patient to reach the target depth of the tumor mass (S1, S2) in the pancreas (C). At this time, at least one of the protruding electrodes (121a to 121d, 121) may penetrate the tumor mass (S, S1, S2).

[0075] In addition, the processor (152) may control the transport unit (140) based on the image of the tumor mass (S, S1, S2) acquired through the ultrasound endoscope (11) so that the protruding electrode (121) penetrates into the body of the pancreatic cancer patient and reaches the target depth of the tumor mass (S, S1, S2) in the pancreas (C). At this time, at least one of the protruding electrodes (121a to 121d, 121) may penetrate the tumor mass (S, S1, S2).

[0076] Here, the electrode unit (120) may include needle-type electrodes (121a, 121d) inserted into the tumor masses (S, S1, S2) of the pancreas. In addition, the electrode unit (120) may include at least two other pairs of needle-type electrodes (121b, 121c) adjacent to the tumor masses (S, S1, S2) of the pancreas. That is, among the plurality of needle-type electrodes (121), in the electrode unit (120), a plurality of electrodes (121a) having a (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121d) having a (-) polarity may be arranged in one group, and a plurality of electrodes (121b) having a (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121c) having a (-) polarity may be arranged in another group. At this time, the transfer unit (140) may move the electrode unit (120) in a preset diagonal direction or a preset vertical direction.

[0077] The judgment step can determine, through the processor (152), whether at least two pairs of electrodes (121) have reached the target depth of the tumor mass (S, S1, S2) based on the image of the tumor mass (S, S1, S2) (S330).

[0078] The control step can control the energy supply unit (130) to selectively apply a bipolar type current to at least two pairs of electrodes (121) at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth when at least two pairs of electrodes (121) have reached the target depth of the tumor mass, based on the image of the tumor mass (S, S1, S2) through the processor (152) (S340).

[0079] Here, the energy supply unit (130) can selectively apply a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121). At this time, the energy supply unit (130) can include a switching circuit for selectively applying a bipolar type current.

[0080]

[0081] Meanwhile, the present disclosure may vary the applied voltage, electrode size, spacing between electrodes, current intensity, ablation shape and area depending on the size and location of the tumor. In addition, the present disclosure may determine, based on the image of the tumor mass (S, S1, S2), the spacing between at least two pairs of electrodes (121), the target depth, the current intensity corresponding to the target depth, and the necrosis range and necrosis shape of the tumor mass (S, S1, S2) depending on the current intensity.

[0082] For example, the electrode unit (120) can set the interval between the plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, the interval between the plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity, the interval between the plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, and the interval between the plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity based on the image of the tumor mass (S, S1, S2).

[0083] For another example, the electrode unit (120) can set target depths based on the image of the tumor mass (S, S1, S2), such as the interval between the plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, the interval between the plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity, the interval between the plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, and the interval between the plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity. At this time, the processor (152) can determine the respective current intensities corresponding to each target depth, the necrosis range and the necrosis shape of the tumor mass (S, S1, S2) according to each current intensities, in order to accurately determine the area of ​​the tumor mass (S, S1, S2) to be necrotic.

[0084] Therefore, the endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients of the present disclosure can reduce the side effects of existing thermal minimally invasive procedures and the risk of cancer recurrence because it significantly reduces damage to blood vessels, nerves, and tissues, and heat sink effects compared to existing thermal procedures. In addition, the reason that blood vessels and bile duct structures within the IRE treatment range can be preserved is because the surrounding supporting connective tissue matrix is ​​not subject to the heating effect caused by the IRE treatment. Due to these characteristics, it can be a very safe and effective device for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer who cannot be surgically resected. In other words, the endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients of the present disclosure is effective in removing tumors adjacent to sensitive tissues such as blood vessels because heat generation is minimized compared to thermal treatments such as existing radiofrequency ablation.

[0085] Meanwhile, the control step may further control the energy supply unit (130) to selectively apply a bipolar type current to at least two pairs of electrodes (121) at a current intensity mapped to a preset real-time necrosis image based on a real-time necrosis image of a tumor mass (S, S1, S2) continuously received from the communication unit (135) for a preset period of time via the processor (152). For example, the energy supply unit (130) may selectively apply a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity, a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, and a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity, while gradually lowering the current intensity mapped to a preset real-time necrosis image.

[0086] For another example, the energy supply unit (130) may alternately apply a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity, a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, and a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity, while gradually decreasing the current intensity mapped to a preset real-time necrosis image.

[0087] As another example, the energy supply unit (130) may sequentially apply a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity, a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, and a bipolar type current to a plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and a plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity, while gradually lowering the current intensity mapped to a preset real-time necrosis image.

[0088] At this time, the processor (152) can control to have a preset rest period between the time points of applying the bipolar type current to the plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, the bipolar type current to the plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity, the bipolar type current to the plurality of electrodes (121b) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121d) of (-) polarity, and the bipolar type current to the plurality of electrodes (121a) of (+) polarity and the plurality of electrodes (121c) of (-) polarity. Here, the rest period is a period in which the bipolar type current is not applied for a preset time, and the present disclosure can prevent the occurrence of a burn of the pancreas in advance by having the rest period, while maximizing the optimal energy irradiation rate of the bipolar type.

[0089] Meanwhile, a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium, when executed on one or more processors, can perform the following operations for performing a method of an endoscopic IRE device for a pancreatic cancer patient.

[0090] At this time, the computer program stored in the computer-readable storage medium can perform an operation of receiving an image of a tumor mass acquired through an acquisition device, and can perform an operation of determining, through a control unit of the endoscopic IRE device, based on the image of the tumor mass, whether at least two pairs of electrodes have reached the target depth of the tumor mass. In addition, the computer program stored in the computer-readable storage medium can also perform an operation of controlling, through the control unit, an energy supply unit of the endoscopic IRE device so that, when at least two pairs of electrodes have reached the target depth of the tumor mass, a bipolar type current is selectively applied to at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth.

[0091] Here, the electrode portion of the endoscopic IRE device may include four electrodes arranged at equal intervals from each other.

[0092] In addition, the computer program stored in the computer-readable storage medium may further perform an operation of moving the electrode unit through a control unit that controls the transport unit of the endoscopic IRE device based on an image of the tumor mass so that at least two pairs of electrodes reach the target depth of the tumor mass. At this time, the control operation may determine, through the control unit, the distance between the at least two pairs of electrodes, the target depth, the current intensity corresponding to the target depth, and the necrosis range and necrosis shape of the tumor mass according to the current intensity based on the image of the tumor mass.

[0093] In addition, the computer program stored in the computer-readable storage medium can further perform an operation of continuously receiving real-time necrosis images of a tumor mass for a preset period of time through a communication unit of an endoscopic IRE device. At this time, the control operation can further control an energy supply unit through the control unit so that, based on the continuously received real-time necrosis images, a bipolar type current is selectively applied to at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity mapped to the preset real-time necrosis images.

[0094] Meanwhile, the computing device includes a processor including one or more cores, and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor, and when the instructions are executed by the processor, the processor receives an image of a tumor mass acquired through an acquisition device, determines based on the image of the tumor mass whether at least two pairs of electrodes have reached a target depth of the tumor mass, and if at least two pairs of electrodes have reached the target depth of the tumor mass, the energy supply unit of the endoscopic IRE device can be controlled so as to selectively apply a bipolar type current to the at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth. At this time, the electrode unit of the endoscopic IRE device may include four electrodes arranged at equal intervals from each other.

[0095] Here, the processor may further move the electrode unit by controlling the transport unit of the endoscopic IRE device based on the image of the tumor mass so that at least two pairs of electrodes reach the target depth of the tumor mass.

[0096] Additionally, the processor may determine, based on the image of the tumor mass, the spacing between at least two pairs of electrodes, the target depth, the current intensity corresponding to the target depth, the extent of necrosis of the tumor mass according to the current intensity, and the shape of the necrosis.

[0097] In addition, the processor can further control the energy supply unit so that it continuously receives real-time necrosis images of the tumor mass for a preset period of time, and selectively applies a bipolar type current to at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity mapped to the preset real-time necrosis images based on the continuously received real-time necrosis images.

[0098] The present disclosure relates to an endoscopic IRE device that uses a bipolar electrode having at least two pairs of needle-type electrodes that are easily inserted into the pancreas, for solid cancers such as locally advanced pancreatic cancer with a large number of sensitive tissues such as blood vessels distributed around the cancer, thereby minimizing damage to sensitive tissues and inducing the death of cancer cells.

[0099] The present disclosure provides a method of using an endoscopic IRE device for patients who have difficulty continuing anticancer treatment, thereby inhibiting the metastasis and growth of cancer tissue and saving time before re-administering anticancer treatment.

[0100] The present disclosure utilizes electroporation via an endoscopic IRE device to open pores in the cell membrane, thereby increasing the efficiency of administering an anticancer agent into the cell, thereby enhancing the rate of cell death, and thus reducing the dosage of the anticancer agent. Specifically, the present disclosure utilizes the high voltage of the endoscopic IRE device to induce micro-perforations in the cell membrane of tumor cells, thereby achieving expected tumor cell killing effects. Furthermore, the patient's recovery is accelerated, enabling additional anticancer agent administration. In particular, the endoscopic IRE device of the present disclosure has the potential to maximize the anticancer effect by inducing immune activation in the killed cells, making it highly useful for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

[0101] At least one component may be added or deleted to correspond to the performance of the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be altered to correspond to the performance or structure of the system.

[0102] Although FIG. 4 describes the execution of multiple steps sequentially, this is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, and a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present embodiment pertains can modify and apply various modifications and variations by changing the order described in FIG. 4 and executing the steps or executing one or more steps among the multiple steps in parallel within a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment, and therefore FIG. 4 is not limited to a chronological order.

[0103] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0104] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0105] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. An electrode unit including at least two pairs of needle-type electrodes inserted into a tumor mass of the pancreas; An energy supply unit selectively applying a bipolar type current to at least two pairs of electrodes; A communication unit that receives an image of a tumor mass acquired through an acquisition device; and An endoscopic IRE device for a pancreatic cancer patient, comprising a processor that controls the energy supply unit to selectively apply a bipolar type current to the at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth when the at least two pairs of electrodes have reached the target depth of the tumor mass based on the image of the tumor mass.

2. In paragraph 1, An endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients, characterized in that the electrode unit includes four electrodes arranged at equal intervals from each other.

3. In paragraph 2, An endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients, further comprising a transport unit for moving the electrode unit so that the at least two pairs of electrodes reach the target depth of the tumor mass based on the image of the tumor mass.

4. In paragraph 3, The above processor, An endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients, characterized in that, based on an image of the tumor mass, the distance between at least two pairs of electrodes, the target depth, the current intensity corresponding to the target depth, and the necrosis range and necrosis shape of the tumor mass according to the current intensity are determined.

5. In paragraph 4, The above communication department, Continuously receiving real-time necrosis images of the above tumor mass for a preset cycle; The above processor, An endoscopic IRE device for pancreatic cancer patients, characterized in that the energy supply unit is further controlled to selectively apply a bipolar type current to at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity mapped to a preset real-time necrosis image based on the continuously received real-time necrosis image.

6. A method performed by an endoscopic IRE device for a patient with pancreatic cancer, A step of receiving an image of a tumor mass acquired from an acquisition device through a communication unit of the above endoscopic IRE device; A step of determining, by a processor of the endoscopic IRE device, based on an image of the tumor mass, whether the at least two pairs of electrodes have reached the target depth of the tumor mass; and A method comprising: a step of controlling an energy supply unit of the endoscopic IRE device so that, when the at least two pairs of electrodes reach the target depth of the tumor mass, a bipolar type current is selectively applied to the at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth; 7. In paragraph 6, A method characterized in that the electrode portion of the above endoscopic IRE device includes four electrodes arranged at equal intervals from each other.

8. In paragraph 7, A method further comprising: a step of moving the electrode unit by the processor controlling the transport unit of the endoscopic IRE device based on the image of the tumor mass, so that the at least two pairs of electrodes reach the target depth of the tumor mass; 9. In paragraph 8, The above control step is, A method characterized in that, based on an image of the tumor mass, the distance between the at least two pairs of electrodes, the target depth, the current intensity corresponding to the target depth, and the necrosis range and necrosis shape of the tumor mass according to the current intensity are determined by the processor.

10. In paragraph 9, A step of continuously receiving a real-time necrosis image of the tumor mass for a preset cycle through a communication unit of the endoscopic IRE device; further comprising; The above control step is, A method characterized in that the energy supply unit is further controlled so that a bipolar type current is selectively applied to at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity mapped to a preset real-time necrosis image based on the continuously received real-time necrosis image by the processor.

11. A computing device for performing a method of an endoscopic IRE device for a pancreatic cancer patient, a processor comprising one or more cores; and A memory that stores instructions executable by the processor, When the above instructions are executed by the processor, The above processor, Receive an image of a tumor mass acquired through an acquisition device, Based on the image of the tumor mass, it is determined whether at least two pairs of electrodes have reached the target depth of the tumor mass, A computing device characterized in that the energy supply unit of the endoscopic IRE device is controlled so that, when the at least two pairs of electrodes reach the target depth of the tumor mass, a bipolar type current is selectively applied to the at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity corresponding to the reached target depth.

12. In paragraph 11, A computing device, characterized in that the electrode section of the above endoscopic IRE device includes four electrodes arranged at equal intervals from each other.

13. In paragraph 12, The above processor, A computing device characterized in that, based on the image of the tumor mass, the transport unit of the endoscopic IRE device is controlled to further move the electrode unit so that the at least two pairs of electrodes reach the target depth of the tumor mass.

14. In paragraph 13, The above processor, A computing device characterized in that, based on the image of the tumor mass, the distance between the at least two pairs of electrodes, the target depth, the current intensity corresponding to the target depth, and the necrosis range and necrosis shape of the tumor mass according to the current intensity are determined.

15. In paragraph 14, The above processor, Continuously receiving real-time necrosis images of the above tumor mass for a preset cycle, A computing device characterized in that the energy supply unit is further controlled so that a bipolar type current is selectively applied to at least two pairs of electrodes at a current intensity mapped to a preset real-time necrosis image based on the continuously received real-time necrosis image.

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