PEEK Spinal Implants for Tumor Treating Field Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tumor treating field (TTFields) systems face challenges in delivering sufficient electric field dosages to spinal tumors due to the conductive nature of titanium implants, which divert the fields away from the target area, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The use of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) as a non-conductive material for implants in conjunction with specific transducer layouts and configurations, such as those described for thoracic-high lumbar, cervical-high thoracic, and lower lumbar-sacral regions, helps maintain higher TTFields dosages within the target area by minimizing field diversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If titanium implants are used in the spinal area, then mechanical strength and structural support are improved, but electric field delivery to spinal tumors is worsened due to field diversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter of the implant material from conductive (titanium) to non-conductive (PEEK), thereby eliminating field diversion while maintaining mechanical support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a non-conductive implant material as an intermediary that allows electric fields to pass through to the tumor without being diverted, while still providing the necessary mechanical support structure
2Ease of operation
If conventional transducer layouts are used, then ease of application is improved, but field intensity at spinal tumors is worsened due to anatomical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transducers at specific locations on the back of the subject that are optimized for delivering fields to spinal tumors, creating localized high-intensity fields at the target site rather than uniform distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent delivers electric fields through the back of the subject in a direction perpendicular to the spinal column, utilizing a different dimensional approach to reach tumors that conventional anterior approaches cannot effectively treat
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 ensures increased field intensity and consistent dosages of TTFields to spinal tumors, improving treatment efficacy by maintaining the electric field within the desired region, particularly when compared to using titanium implants.
Implementation Method 1
a first transducer adapted to be located at a first location of the subject's body; a second transducer adapted to be located at a second location of the subject's body... capable of providing first and second voltages respectively to the first and second transducers... to induce a first alternating electric field and a second alternating electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A method of applying tumor treating fields to a subject includes: locating a plurality of transducers on the subject, the plurality of transducers being located to focus electric fields around a spinal area of the subject; and alternately inducing a first electric field for a first set of the transducers and a second electric field for a second set of the transducers.