Feedback-Controlled High-Voltage Pulser for nsPEF Pulse Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) generators lack control over electrical characteristics, such as duration, amplitude, and temperature, which is essential for safe and effective cancer treatment, particularly for internal tumors.
Innovation Solution
A feedback-controlled nsPEF generator system that adjusts supply voltage, pulse width, frequency, and duty cycle based on measured parameters like current, voltage, and temperature, utilizing a power supply and pulse generator with a controller to generate controllable high-voltage short-duration pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage pulses are generated for nsPEF treatment, then the ability to induce apoptosis in cancerous tumors is improved, but control over electrical characteristics (duration, amplitude, temperature) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor electrical characteristics (voltage, current, temperature) and automatically adjust pulse parameters to maintain precise control. Sensors detect actual values and feed this information back to control circuits, which modify subsequent pulses to achieve desired outcomes while preventing harmful effects like excessive heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed-parameter pulse generation to dynamic, adjustable pulse delivery. The controller can real-time modify pulse duration, amplitude, and frequency based on tissue response and thermal conditions, enabling adaptive treatment that optimizes apoptosis induction while protecting healthy tissue.
2Reliability
If high peak voltages are used for nsPEF treatment, then the effectiveness of cancer cell apoptosis is improved, but the risk of affecting normal cells and causing thermal damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed delivery rather than continuous high voltage application. By delivering brief, periodic pulses with controlled duty cycles, the system accumulates therapeutic effect on cancer cells while allowing thermal dissipation between pulses, preventing damage to normal cells and avoiding excessive heating.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors and electrical characteristic monitors provide real-time feedback to prevent harmful effects. When temperature approaches dangerous levels or electrical parameters deviate from safe ranges, the control system automatically adjusts or terminates pulse delivery, ensuring normal cells are protected while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
3Reliability
If multiple periodic pulses are delivered at high frequency, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption and thermal load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes pulse frequency and duty cycle to balance therapeutic effect with energy consumption. By using periodic pulses with appropriate intervals, the system achieves cumulative treatment effect while allowing thermal dissipation, reducing overall energy consumption and thermal load compared to continuous high-frequency delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts pulse parameters (frequency, duration, amplitude) based on treatment progress and thermal conditions. This optimization reduces unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining treatment effectiveness, and prevents excessive thermal accumulation that would occur with fixed high-frequency delivery.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sub-microsecond pulsed electric field generator is disclosed. The field generator includes a controller, which generates a power supply control signal and generates a pulse generator control signal, and a power supply, which receives the power supply control signal and generates one or more power voltages based on the received power supply control signal. The field generator also includes a pulse generator which receives the power voltages and the pulse generator control signal, and generates one or more pulses based on the power voltages and based on the pulse generator control signal. The controller receives feedback signals representing a value of a characteristic of or a result of the pulses and generates at least one of the power supply control signal and the pulse generator control signal based on the received feedback signals.