Interstitial Hyperthermia Device with Dielectric Shielding for HDR-BT Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interstitial hyperthermia solutions are not optimal in terms of efficiency and do not allow for simultaneous High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR BT), which limits their clinical use due to challenges in temperature control and implant diameter.
Innovation Solution
An interstitial hyperthermia device with an electrode structure coupled to an electric power source for providing an alternating electric field, integrated with a hollow source guide for conducting a radiation source capsule. The device features a dielectric layer shielding the electrode structure from the patient's tissue, allowing for well-localized energy deposition and seamless integration with HDR-BT.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dielectric layer is added to shield the electrode structure from tissue, then temperature control and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a thin dielectric film (20-50 micrometers) as an insulating layer between the electrode structure and tissue. This thin film provides electrical isolation and temperature control while maintaining flexibility and minimal interference with the electromagnetic field distribution, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple materials with complementary properties: conductive materials for electrodes, dielectric materials for insulation and field control, and flexible substrate materials. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of electrical shielding, thermal management, and mechanical flexibility
2Use of energy by moving object
If the electrode structure is placed closer to the tissue, then heating efficiency is improved, but risk of overheating and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric layer serves as an intermediary between the electrode and tissue, enabling close proximity for efficient energy transfer while preventing direct contact that would cause overheating. The dielectric material's electrical properties allow controlled energy transmission to tissue while the electrode structure itself remains cooler
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the dielectric layer thickness (20-50 micrometers) to achieve the right balance between heating efficiency and temperature control. This precise parameter control allows maximum energy transfer to tissue while maintaining safe temperatures at the electrode-tissue interface
3Reliability
If a thick dielectric layer is used to shield electrodes, then safety and insulation are improved, but energy deposition efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin dielectric film (20-50 micrometers) rather than a thick layer. This thin film provides sufficient electrical insulation and safety while minimizing its impact on electromagnetic field penetration and energy deposition efficiency in the target tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric layer thickness is precisely controlled within 20-50 micrometers to optimize the balance between insulation performance and energy transmission. This parameter optimization ensures adequate safety margins while maintaining high heating efficiency in the treated tissue
4Reliability
If the device is designed for simultaneous HDR-BT integration, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and adaptation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hyperthermia electrode structure with the HDR-BT source guide into a single integrated device. The electrode structure is formed on the outer surface of the source guide, allowing simultaneous delivery of both thermal and radiation therapy through the same catheter, improving treatment effectiveness while using existing clinical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a radiation source guide for HDR-BT and an electrode structure for hyperthermia treatment. This multi-functionality allows the device to be integrated into existing HDR-BT workflows without requiring separate implantation procedures or additional specialized equipment
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 device achieves a higher thermal enhancement of the radiation dose and allows for online adaptable biological effective dose planning, providing optimal targeting with improved temperature homogeneity and deeper penetration in tissue.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode structure to be coupled to an electric power source for providing an alternating electric field for heating up a patient's tissue
Implementation Method 2
having a dielectric layer shielding the electrode structure from the patient's tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one aspect, an interstitial hyperthermia device has an electrode structure to be coupled to an electric power source for providing an alternating electric field for heating up a patients tissue. The device is provided with a hollow source guide for conducting a radiation source capsule to be moved by a guidewire. The hollow source guide has an inner wall for guiding the source capsule and an outer wall to be contacted with the patients tissue. The outer wall is provided with the electrode structure arranged on a circumference of the outer wall of the hollow source guide and having a dielectric layer shielding the electrode structure from the patients tissue.