Electroporation Treatment Volume Estimation via Conductivity Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for delivering electrical treatment energy, such as electroporation-based therapies, face challenges in accurately predicting the treatment volume and safely positioning electrodes due to human error and the complexity of real-time visualization of treatment regions, especially when treating aberrant masses with non-uniform conductivity changes during electroporation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that monitor current delivery through electrodes to determine the extent of electroporation and predict the treatment volume using a numerical model accounting for tissue-specific conductivity and electric field thresholds, allowing for the estimation of a 3-dimensional treatment volume based on voltage-to-distance ratio, electrode spacing, and exposure length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to deliver electrical treatment energy, then the treatment can be administered, but accurate prediction of treatment volume is difficult due to non-uniform conductivity changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors changes in electrical conductivity parameters before, during, and after treatment to predict treatment volume. By measuring conductivity ratios (maximum conductivity divided by baseline conductivity) and correlating them with treatment outcomes, the system achieves accurate volume prediction without complex real-time visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from conductivity measurements to adjust and refine treatment volume predictions. Current delivery monitoring provides real-time feedback on electroporation extent, allowing the numerical model to update predictions dynamically without requiring complex visualization systems
2Reliability
If human operators manually position electrodes, then the procedure can be performed, but human error reduces safety and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the tissue itself to provide guidance information through its electrical conductivity properties. The numerical model processes conductivity measurements to automatically determine optimal electrode positioning and treatment parameters, eliminating reliance on human operator judgment while maintaining procedural simplicity
3Measurement precision
If numerical models account for tissue-specific conductivity, then treatment volume prediction improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The numerical model incorporates local quality by using tissue-specific conductivity values measured at the actual treatment site rather than generic averages. The system divides the treatment area into regions with different conductivity characteristics and processes each locally, improving accuracy while keeping computational requirements manageable through focused regional analysis
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
Enables accurate and efficient prediction of treatment volumes and safe pulse protocols for electroporation-based therapies by deriving baseline and maximum conductivity values, reducing human error and improving real-time visualization of treatment regions.
Implementation Method 1
Electroporation-based therapies (EBTs) are clinical procedures that utilize pulsed electric fields to induce nanoscale defects in cell membranes
Implementation Method 2
monitor current delivery through electrodes to determine the extent of electroporation and predict the treatment volume using a numerical model accounting for tissue-specific conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for a system for estimating a 3-dimensional treatment volume for a device that applies treatment energy through a plurality of electrodes defining a treatment area, the system comprising a memory, a display device, a processor coupled to the memory and the display device, and a treatment planning module stored in the memory and executable by the processor. In one embodiment, the treatment planning module is adapted to generate an estimated first 3-dimensional treatment volume for display in the display device based on the ratio of a maximum conductivity of the treatment area to a baseline conductivity of the treatment area. The invention also provides for a method for estimating 3-dimensional treatment volume, the steps of which are executable through the processor. In embodiments, the system and method are based on a numerical model which may be implemented in computer readable code which is executable through a processor.