Semi-Liquid Hydrogel Electrode Array for Long-Wear TTFields Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical grade hydrogels used in Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) systems cause dermatologic adverse events due to prolonged skin contact, acidity, and increased resistivity, leading to reduced treatment effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A semi-liquid hydrogel with a viscosity of 8440 to 20000 milli pascals per second is used between the electrodes and the skin, providing improved skin adhesion, conductivity, and breathability, reducing adverse events and maintaining treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional medical grade hydrogels are used for prolonged skin contact (2-4 days), then good electrical contact and skin adhesion are achieved, but dermatologic adverse events occur due to acidity and skin maceration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the hydrogel from acidic (conventional) to neutral or slightly alkaline (pH 6.5-8.5), and modifies the viscosity parameter to 8440-20000 mPa·s. These parameter changes allow the gel to maintain good electrical contact and skin adhesion for 2-4 days while preventing skin maceration and reducing dermatologic adverse events, as the optimized viscosity provides adequate breathability and the neutral pH eliminates chemical irritation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional hydrogels are used for extended wear, then skin adhesion is maintained, but resistivity increases reducing treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter to 8440-20000 mPa·s and adjusts the composition (water, conductive salts, thickening agents) to maintain stable electrical conductivity throughout the 2-4 day wear period. The specific viscosity range prevents excessive swelling and degradation that would increase resistivity, while the conductive salt content ensures adequate ion conduction is maintained throughout extended wear.
3Duration of action of moving object
If hydrogel remains in continuous contact with skin for multiple days, then treatment continuity is achieved, but skin breathability is reduced causing lesions and infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the viscosity parameter to 8440-20000 mPa·s, which is higher than conventional gels, providing a balanced structure that allows adequate gas exchange and moisture vapor transmission while maintaining continuous skin contact for 2-4 days. This optimized viscosity prevents excessive water retention against the skin, reducing maceration and creating a less favorable environment for bacterial growth and infection.
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 semi-liquid hydrogel enhances skin adhesion and conductivity, minimizing dermatologic adverse events and maintaining the effectiveness of TTFields treatment by reducing resistivity and swelling.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-liquid hydrogel having a viscosity of between 8440 and 20000 milli pascals per second, wherein the semi-liquid hydrogel is disposed between a surface of the at least one electrode and a patient's skin
Implementation Method 2
providing improved skin adhesion, conductivity, and breathability
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly, a system, and a method of use for an electrode array having a semi-liquid conductive gel are herein disclosed. The assembly comprises at least one electrode; and a semi-liquid hydrogel having a viscosity of between about 8440 and 20000 milli pascals per second, wherein the semi-liquid hydrogel is disposed between a surface of the at least one electrode and a patient's skin.