Implantable Electrode with Shared Wiring for Radiotherapy Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrodes for medical applications during radiotherapy are complex and costly due to their bulky design, which complicates the integration of dose measurement and patient verification functions.
Innovation Solution
An implantable electrode with a simplified structure that combines a positioning device, a dose measuring unit, and an identification unit, connected via a shielded multi-wire cable with only two pairs of electrical connections, allowing for position tracking, dose measurement, and patient verification, while also monitoring ambient temperature without a separate sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate sensors and units are used for positioning, dose measurement, and identification, then measurement and tracking functions are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the identification tag, dose measuring unit, and positioning antenna into a single integrated electrode structure. The identification unit and dose measuring unit share common electrical connections and housing, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing structural complexity while maintaining all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: positioning tracking via antenna, dose measurement via integrated sensor, and patient verification via identification tag. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed compared to using separate specialized devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate electrical connections are used for positioning, dose measurement, and identification, then all functions can be controlled, but the number of connections and cable complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identification unit and dose measuring unit are electrically connected through shared wiring, reducing the total number of electrical connections required. The antenna element uses a dipole configuration that can be driven with a single RF connection, further simplifying the cable requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A single RF connection serves multiple purposes by powering and controlling both the antenna for positioning and the identification tag for patient verification. This multi-functional use of electrical connections reduces cable complexity while maintaining full functional control.
3Reliability
If a bulky design with multiple components is used, then all measurement and tracking functions are included, but manufacturing cost and ease of manufacture decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The identification tag, dose measuring unit, and antenna are manufactured as a single integrated component rather than assembling multiple separate parts. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces assembly steps, and lowers production costs while ensuring reliable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode uses a flexible printed circuit board to integrate the identification tag, dose sensor, and antenna elements in a thin, conformable structure that can be easily manufactured using standard flexible PCB fabrication processes, reducing both complexity and manufacturing cost.
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
This design simplifies manufacturing, reduces the number of electrical connections needed, and enables efficient tracking and verification processes, resulting in a more cost-effective and less bulky solution for radiotherapy applications.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning device for tracking variations of a position of the electrode relative to a radiation source. The positioning device is an antenna element connected to the externally arranged control unit
Implementation Method 2
a combined dose measuring unit and identification unit connected between a first pair of electrical connections... in a first mode in which administered dose from the radiation source may be detected in the dose measuring unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode configured to be fixable relative to a target area within a body, the electrode comprises: a positioning device for tracking variations of a position of the electrode relative to a radiation source, a dose measuring unit to detect administered dose in the target area from the radiation source, and an identification unit. The identification unit and the dose measuring unit are configured to be connectable to an externally arranged control unit via a first pair of electrical connections. The identification unit comprises: an electronic identification tag, and a switch configured to alternate between a first mode in which administered dose from the radiation source may be detected in the dose measuring unit, and a second mode in which the identification tag may be read by the externally arranged control unit.