Alternating Magnetic Field Therapy System for Tumor Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tumor treatment methods, such as surgery, face challenges in accessing and completely removing tumors, especially those in difficult-to-reach locations, and may lead to regrowth due to remnants left behind.
Innovation Solution
The use of alternating magnetic field (AMF) therapy, where ferromagnetic nanoparticles are injected into tumors and heated using an AMF generated by an AMF system, causing tumor cell damage or death, with the system controlling temperature through an AC signal and ferromagnetic core to ensure effective treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgery is used to remove tumors, then tumor removal is achieved, but tumors in difficult-to-reach locations cannot be completely removed and may regrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical approach with a magnetic field-based thermal therapy system. Ferromagnetic nanoparticles are injected into the tumor and heated using an alternating magnetic field, causing thermal damage to tumor cells without requiring physical access or mechanical removal. This substitution allows treatment of tumors in previously inaccessible locations while ensuring complete treatment through controlled heating of the entire tumor volume.
2Reliability
If ferromagnetic nanoparticles are heated using AMF, then tumor cells are damaged or killed, but uncontrolled heating may damage surrounding healthy tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the heating effect specifically within the tumor region through targeted injection of ferromagnetic nanoparticles into the tumor tissue. The alternating magnetic field is applied locally to the tumor site, and the nanoparticles serve as localized heat sources only where needed. This ensures that thermal energy is deposited preferentially in the tumor while surrounding healthy tissue remains unaffected, as it lacks the magnetic nanoparticles required to convert magnetic field energy into heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature monitoring and control mechanisms to maintain the tumor temperature within a therapeutic range that kills cancer cells while preventing excessive heating that could damage healthy tissue. The alternating magnetic field parameters can be adjusted based on temperature feedback to optimize the balance between tumor destruction and protection of surrounding tissues.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for targeted and controlled heating of tumors, potentially eliminating cancer cells without the need for surgery, reducing the risk of regrowth by ensuring thorough treatment.
Implementation Method 1
small iron particles can be injected into a tumor and heated using an alternating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
ferromagnetic nanoparticles are injected into tumors and heated using an AMF generated by an AMF system
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of systems and methods for providing alternating magnetic field therapy are provided. One example method includes the steps of positioning a target proximate to a first end of an alternating magnetic field (AMF) head, the AMF head comprising an electrical coil and a ferromagnetic core, the electrical coil having a substantially circular cross-section that is substantially centered on a first axis, the AMF head having the first end corresponding to a first end of the coil and a second end corresponding to a second end of the coil; generating and transmitting an alternating current (AC) signal to the AMF head; determining a temperature of the target based on a sensor signal from a temperature sensor; in response to determining the temperature, modifying the AC signal based on a difference between the temperature and a predetermined target temperature.