Electroporation Parameter Estimation for Implantable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices, particularly implantable ones, face challenges in optimizing electroporation signal levels to effectively target cells without damaging surrounding tissues, due to variability in electrode placement and interaction with body anatomy.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize data on the position and orientation of implantable devices relative to the body to estimate electrical interactions with target and non-target cells, generating specific electrical parameter values for electroporation while minimizing damage to non-target cells, using a combination of electrode data and anatomical models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high electroporation signal levels are applied to effectively target cells, then electroporation efficacy is improved, but surrounding tissues may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectroporation efficacyVSAvoiddamage to surrounding tissues

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different electroporation signal parameters to different spatial regions by adjusting electrode activation patterns and signal characteristics based on the implanted device's position and orientation, allowing high signal levels at the target site while maintaining low signal levels in surrounding tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs pre-treatment electroporation signals before delivering the main therapeutic signal, allowing optimization of the electrical field distribution and identification of safe signal levels that achieve effective transfection without tissue damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If electroporation signal parameters are standardized, then device manufacturing is simplified, but variability in electrode placement reduces treatment effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts electroporation signal parameters based on real-time feedback from the implanted device's position and orientation data, allowing standardized devices to achieve customized treatment效果 through adaptive parameter modification rather than requiring customized hardware for each patient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from position and orientation sensors in the implanted device to continuously monitor and adjust electroporation signal parameters, ensuring treatment effectiveness despite variations in electrode placement while maintaining standardized device manufacturing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If complex electroporation parameter optimization is performed, then treatment precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an external computing system that acts as an intermediary between the standardized implantable device and the electroporation signal generation, performing complex parameter optimization calculations externally while keeping the implanted device relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for precise electroporation of target cells while avoiding damage to surrounding tissues, enhancing the efficacy and safety of medical procedures by optimizing electrode placement and signal parameters in real-time.

Implementation Method 1

The device includes a plurality of electrodes configured to apply electroporation to first cells of the body portion while not damaging second cells of the body portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroporation:

Data Source

PatentUS20230398349A1Estimation of electroporation parameter levels

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 COCHLEAR LIMITED

AI summary

A method includes receiving information regarding a position and/or an orientation of an implantable device relative to a body portion of a recipient during and/or after implantation of at least a portion of the device on and/or into the body portion. The device includes a plurality of electrodes configured to apply electroporation to first cells of the body portion while not damaging second cells of the body portion. The method includes estimating, in response at least in part to the information, first interactions of the electrodes with respect to the first cells. The method further includes estimating, in response at least in part to the information, second interactions of the electrodes with respect to the second cells. The method further includes generating, in response at least in part to the estimated first interactions and the estimated second interactions, values of electrical parameters configured to be provided to the plurality of electrodes to electroporate to the first cells while not damaging the second cells.