Conformable Grid Electrode Placement for Brain Tumor Electric Field Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for glioblastoma, such as Tumor-Treating Fields (TTF) via alternating electric fields, have limitations in delivering therapeutic electric fields directly to brain tumors, necessitating an improved method for strategic lead placement and therapeutic delivery within the brain.
Innovation Solution
A system with processing circuitry and a conformable grid of modular electrodes for implantation in the brain, using finite element modeling to determine optimal electrode placement and spacing for effective alternating electric field therapy, allowing for precise delivery of electric fields to tumor regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cutaneous transducer arrays are applied to the scalp for TTF delivery, then AEF therapy can be delivered to brain tumors, but the therapeutic electric field cannot be delivered directly to the tumor region with sufficient intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The brain is divided into multiple regions of interest (ROIs) with distinct anatomical boundaries, and electrode contacts are segmented and selectively activated based on tumor location. This allows targeted AEF delivery to specific tumor regions while avoiding healthy brain tissue, thereby improving therapeutic effectiveness without requiring complex whole-brain electrode arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrode contacts are selectively activated based on the specific tumor location and patient anatomy. The system applies AEF therapy locally to the tumor region rather than uniformly across the entire brain, optimizing therapeutic effect while reducing complexity of the overall delivery system.
2Measurement precision
If electrode contacts are selectively activated based on brain region, then AEF delivery is optimized for specific tumor locations, but the system complexity increases due to multiple electrode configurations
Solution Approach 1:
Brain regions are pre-segmented into multiple ROIs with defined anatomical boundaries before patient treatment. Electrode contact activation patterns are pre-determined based on tumor location within these predefined regions, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations during treatment and simplifying the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which electrode contacts to activate based on the patient's specific tumor location and anatomy. This dynamic adaptation allows precise targeting of different tumor regions using a single versatile electrode array, avoiding the need for multiple fixed configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple brain regions are segmented for targeted therapy, then AEF delivery is optimized for specific tumor locations, but the planning and implementation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Brain segmentation into ROIs and determination of optimal electrode contact activation patterns are performed in advance during treatment planning. This preliminary preparation allows for precise electrode spacing and configuration to be established before the actual AEF therapy delivery, reducing time loss during treatment implementation.
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 approach enables more targeted and effective inhibition of tumor cell division, potentially enhancing progression-free and overall survival rates for glioblastoma patients by improving the delivery of alternating electric fields directly to brain tumors.
Implementation Method 1
delivering alternating electric fields (AEF) to a patient's brain
Implementation Method 2
model brain tissue to define inter-contact and intra-contact distances along the conformable grid and each of the plurality of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments for system and method for cerebral implantation strategy for delivery of alternating electric field therapy are described. For example, a system may include processing circuitry configured for operative communication with a conformable grid comprising a plurality of modular grid elements having a plurality of electrodes configured for implantation in a cerebrum, and wherein the processing circuitry is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to model brain tissue to define inter-contact and intra-contact distances along the conformable grid and each of the plurality of electrodes; determine the spacing between the plurality of modular grid elements of the conformable grid. A user interface may display a visual representation of the cerebrum including identification of a sub-region of the cerebrum and display a representation of the spacing between the plurality of modular grid elements of the conformable grid and a depth of each electrode of the plurality of electrodes.