Dynamic Electric Field Planning for Multi-Electrode Tumor Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intratumoral modulation therapy (IMT) systems using a single bioelectrode are inadequate for covering large tumors due to limited spatial coverage and potential 'cold spots', necessitating the optimization of electrode placement and parameters to ensure comprehensive electric field distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining the optimal number, placement, and stimulation parameters of multiple electrodes to achieve prescribed electric field coverage across target tissue volumes, using imaging and computational modeling to minimize 'cold spots' and maximize treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single bioelectrode is used for IMT, then the device complexity is minimized, but the electric field coverage is insufficient and creates cold spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment into multiple electrode units that can be independently controlled. Each electrode delivers a portion of the total electric field, and by segmenting the system into multiple controllable units, the patent achieves comprehensive coverage while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design and automated placement optimization.
2Reliability
If multiple electrodes are placed to cover large tumors, then the electric field coverage is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of placement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary computational modeling and optimization to determine the exact number, placement, and configuration of electrodes needed before the actual treatment. By pre-calculating the optimal electrode arrangement based on tumor geometry and electrical properties, the system minimizes the number of electrodes required while ensuring complete coverage, thus reducing device complexity upfront.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from treatment planning simulations and real-time monitoring to optimize electrode placement and parameters. By continuously evaluating the electric field distribution and adjusting electrode positions or activation patterns, the system achieves comprehensive coverage with the minimum necessary electrodes, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple electrodes are used with static field orientation, then the coverage is improved, but cold spots still occur due to field cancellation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic electric field orientation where electrodes deliver time-varying signals with different phases. This dynamic approach prevents static field cancellation by continuously rotating or shifting the field orientation in time, ensuring uniform energy distribution throughout the tumor volume and eliminating cold spots through temporal modulation rather than spatial adjustment alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic alternating current signals with specific frequency relationships between electrodes. By applying periodic signals with controlled phase differences, the electric fields from multiple electrodes constructively interfere throughout the tumor volume over time, eliminating cold spots that would occur with static or non-synchronized fields.
4Productivity
If electrode parameters are optimized for maximum tumor coverage, then the treatment efficacy is improved, but the impact on surrounding normal tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different electrical parameters to different regions by controlling individual electrode outputs independently. By tailoring the amplitude, frequency, and phase of each electrode's signal based on local tumor characteristics and proximity to normal tissue, the system maximizes tumor cell killing in the target zone while minimizing exposure and damage to surrounding healthy structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrode zones, allowing selective activation and parameter adjustment for each region. This segmentation enables the system to concentrate energy where needed in the tumor while reducing or shutting off electrodes near sensitive normal tissue, thereby achieving high tumor efficacy with reduced collateral damage.
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
The method and system enable comprehensive electric field coverage of tumors, reducing viability of tumor cells by up to 80% while minimizing impact on surrounding normal tissue, as demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo models.
Implementation Method 1
determine an electric field that results in a prescribed electric field coverage of the target tissue site
Implementation Method 2
obtaining an image of the target tissue site
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and non-transitory computer readable storage media of electric field treatment planning of a target tissue. A method of electric field treatment planning of a target tissue site includes: (a) obtaining an image of the target tissue site, (b) determining volume and one or more electric properties of the target tissue site, (c) using the volume and the one or more electric properties to: (i) determine a number of electrodes to treat the target tissue site with electric fields, each electrode having one or more contacts, (ii) determine a placement of the number of electrodes within the target tissue site, and (iii) relative to one of the contacts in one of the number of electrodes at the placement determined in (ii), determine an electric field that results in a prescribed electric field coverage of the target tissue site.