Whole-Body Hyperthermia System with Localized Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current whole-body hyperthermia methods are limited by discomfort, short treatment durations, and the challenge of maintaining uniform elevated temperatures, leading to potential selection of heat-resistant tumor cells and inefficient chemotherapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a controlled cabinet with isolation and heating, thermal means for rapid and stable temperature adjustment, and sensors to monitor and manage heat loss, allowing prolonged hyperthermia treatments while minimizing heat loss and preventing overheating of sensitive body parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If whole-body hyperthermia is applied for prolonged periods, then tumour cell death efficiency is improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating temperature requirements for different body regions. Sensitive organs (brain, heart, lungs, kidneys) are maintained at lower temperatures (36-38°C) while non-sensitive tissues are heated to higher temperatures (40-44°C). This spatial differentiation allows prolonged treatment duration by protecting vital organs from thermal damage while maintaining therapeutic hyperthermia in target tissues.
2Stability of the object's composition
If uniform elevated temperature is maintained throughout the body, then treatment efficacy is improved, but risk of functional damage to sensitive body parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality control by creating distinct temperature zones within the body. Temperature sensors monitor different body regions independently, and the control system adjusts heating elements to maintain uniform temperature in non-sensitive areas while protecting sensitive organs. This allows overall temperature stability without compromising organ function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature sensors and control systems as intermediaries between the heating elements and body tissues. These intermediaries continuously monitor temperature distribution and mediate the heating process by adjusting energy delivery to prevent overheating of sensitive organs while maintaining therapeutic temperatures in target areas.
3Use of energy by moving object
If heat loss from the body is not compensated, then energy consumption is reduced, but treatment temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring body temperature through sensors and adjusting heating element output accordingly. When heat loss is detected (temperature drop), the system automatically increases heating power to maintain target temperature. This closed-loop feedback ensures temperature stability while optimizing energy consumption by applying heat only when and where needed.
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 prolonged whole-body hyperthermia treatments with improved comfort and efficacy, reducing the risk of selecting heat-resistant tumor cells and enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness by maintaining uniform body temperatures for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermal means for raising the body temperature at a rate of at least 1° C./hour, and at least a second thermal means for further adjusting the body temperature to the target temperature Tb
Implementation Method 2
a cabinet with isolation and heating for maintaining an individual at an elevated temperature
Implementation Method 3
one or more sensors monitoring the temperature or heat flux of the individual
Data Source
AI summary
A whole-body hyperthermia system for raising the body temperature of the entire body of an individual to a predetermined target temperature and for stabilizing the body temperature at the target temperature comprises an apparatus means for raising the body temperature at a rate of at least 1° C./hour, and at least a second thermal means for further adjusting the body temperature to the target temperature Tb. The second thermal means comprises a fluid circuit, which is at least partially within the individual, and a fluid, heated by a heat exchanger to a set temperature is circulated through the fluid circuit.