Implantable Leads for Localized Electric Field Therapy

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional alternating electric field (AEF) therapy for treating brain tumors, such as glioblastoma, faces challenges including treatment-related toxicity, tissue heating, and the inability to deliver localized treatment effectively due to external electrode limitations, which hinder precise targeting of remaining cancer cells post-tumor resection.

Innovation Solution

Implantable medical devices with multiple leads and electrodes are used to deliver modulated electric fields directly to the tumor site, allowing for precise control of electric field strength and direction, reducing tissue damage and enabling prolonged treatment without impacting daily activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If external electrodes are used to deliver AEF therapy, then treatment coverage area is increased, but treatment precision and localization capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the treatment area into multiple discrete electrode contacts arranged in arrays on implantable leads. These leads are positioned around the resection cavity to provide localized treatment while maintaining coverage of the target area through segmented electrode placement rather than a single external electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by using implantable leads with electrode contacts that can be positioned specifically around the resection cavity. This allows the electric field to be concentrated precisely where needed (at the tumor bed) while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, achieving both localization and targeted treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional chemotherapy and radiation are used, then tumor treatment effectiveness is improved, but treatment-related toxicity and tissue damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of uncontrolled electric field exposure into a benefit by using implantable leads to deliver the electric field directly to the tumor bed. This localized delivery method maintains the therapeutic effectiveness of AEF therapy while eliminating the widespread toxicity associated with conventional chemotherapy and radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The implantable leads act as intermediaries between the electric field source and the target tissue. These leads enable precise delivery of the electric field to the resection cavity while protecting surrounding healthy tissue from exposure, thereby reducing treatment-related toxicity while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If external electrodes are used for AEF therapy, then treatment delivery is simplified, but treatment duration is limited due to tissue heating constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by delivering electric field therapy in alternating cycles through multiple electrode contacts. The IMD alternates between different electrode pairs, allowing tissue to cool between active treatment phases while maintaining overall treatment effectiveness over extended periods without causing excessive heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by using an implantable medical device that can dynamically control and alternate electric field delivery between multiple electrode contacts. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to manage thermal load while maintaining treatment effectiveness, enabling prolonged treatment duration compared to static external electrode systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach effectively inhibits cancer cell division and initiates apoptosis at the targeted site, reducing recurrence risks while minimizing side effects and improving treatment precision and duration.

Implementation Method 1

Alternating electric field (AEF) therapy, is a type of electric field therapy which uses low-intensity electrical fields to treat brain tumors; glioblastoma in particular. AEF uses an alternating electric field to disrupt cell division in cancer cells, thereby inhibiting cellular replication and initiating apoptosis (cell death).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAlternating electric field therapy: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20230330426A1Implantation techniques for electric field therapy

Publication Date: 2023.10.19

AI summary

Devices, systems, and techniques are disclosed for delivering electric field therapy to tissue of a subject. In one example, a technique includes removing a tumor from tissue to create a resection cavity, implanting a plurality of leads into the tissue adjacent to the resection cavity, and affixing the plurality of leads at least one of the tissue or bone. The example technique also includes tunneling proximal ends of the leads to an implantation pocket and coupling the proximal ends of the leads to an implantable medical device configured to be placed within the implantation pocket, wherein the implantable medical is configured to deliver electric field therapy via the plurality of implantable leads disposed adjacent to the resection cavity.