TTFields Electrode Arrays With Individual Current and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TTFields therapy systems face challenges in maintaining effective electrical contact between electrode elements and the body, leading to increased resistance and reduced treatment efficacy due to factors like hydrogel drying or hair growth, which necessitate reducing current across all elements, thereby decreasing electric field strength.
Innovation Solution
The system employs individual conductors for each electrode element, allowing independent control of current through each element using a controller and switches, without increasing the number of cables significantly, and incorporates thermistors for temperature monitoring to adjust duty cycles and maintain safe skin temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual conductors for each electrode element are implemented, then current control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode array into individually addressable elements, with each element having its own conductor and switch. This segmentation allows independent current control for each electrode element, enabling precise management of current distribution while maintaining the ability to treat different body regions with different parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of current through each electrode element using individually controllable switches. This allows the system to adapt current distribution in real-time based on temperature feedback, patient response, and treatment requirements, transforming a static system into a dynamically adjustable one
2Object-affected harmful factors
If overall current is reduced to maintain skin temperature safety, then patient safety is improved, but treatment efficacy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different current levels to different electrode elements based on local temperature conditions. Elements in cooler regions can receive higher current for effective treatment, while elements in hotter regions receive reduced current to maintain safety. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing high current where safe and low current where necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors monitor skin temperature at each electrode location, and this information feeds back to the controller which adjusts current distribution accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures treatment efficacy is maintained in safe temperature zones while preventing overheating in vulnerable areas
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables with many conductors are used to access each electrode element, then current control flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated cable system. The cable incorporates both current delivery conductors and temperature sensor connections, allowing the system to provide individualized current control while maintaining a unified, manageable connection interface that simplifies patient application and system operation
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 maintains optimal current levels across all electrode elements, ensuring consistent electric field strength and treatment efficacy by individually managing current distribution, reducing the need for overall current reduction and enhancing patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the thermistors has a first terminal and a second terminal, and each of the thermistors is positioned to sense a temperature at a corresponding respective one of the electrode elements
Implementation Method 2
TTFields are delivered to patients via four transducer arrays that are placed on the patient's skin in close proximity to a tumor
Implementation Method 3
Each electrode element includes an electrically conductive substrate with a dielectric layer (more specifically, a layer of ceramic material with a high dielectric constant) disposed thereon
Data Source
AI summary
Tumor treating fields (TTFields) can be delivered to a subject's body at higher field strengths by switching off one or more electrode elements in a transducer array that are overheating. This may be accomplished by using thermistors that sense the temperature of each electrode element. Portions of the wiring of each transducer array is shared between the electrode elements and the thermistors by using a plurality of conductors, each of which electrically connects (a) a pin of a connector, (b) a respective electrode element, and (c) a respective thermistor. In some embodiments, all of the thermistors are wired in series. In other embodiments, all the thermistors share a common connection.