Electromagnetic Phantom Verification of Tumor Treating Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cancer treatment systems using electric fields face inaccuracies in electric field distribution and intensity due to errors in electrode positioning, modeling, and numerical analysis, necessitating a method to verify and ensure the quality of the treatment.
Innovation Solution
A quality assurance apparatus that includes an electric field generator, measurement unit, data collection unit, analysis unit, and verification unit to measure, calculate, and verify the electric field distribution and intensity using an electromagnetic phantom with similar human body material properties, allowing for real-time adjustments to treatment plans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a treatment planning system calculates electric field distribution using finite element method, then treatment planning can be performed, but errors accumulate from electrode positioning, modeling, and numerical analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy (electromagnetic phantom) that replicates human body tissue properties to verify the calculated electric field distribution. The phantom contains measurement electrodes that directly measure the actual electric field, providing a physical verification copy against which the numerical model can be compared and validated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the actual electric field distribution in the electromagnetic phantom using measurement electrodes, comparing it with the calculated distribution from the treatment planning system, and using this comparison to verify and improve the accuracy of treatment plans before actual patient treatment.
2Productivity
If electrode array position is adjusted to optimize tumor treatment, then treatment effectiveness improves, but positioning errors cause electric field distribution inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification by measuring the electric field distribution in the electromagnetic phantom before actual patient treatment. This allows identification and correction of positioning errors in the electrode array configuration before they affect the actual treatment, ensuring optimal electrode placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic phantom serves as an intermediary between the treatment planning calculation and actual patient treatment. It allows verification of electrode positioning accuracy and electric field distribution without directly involving the patient, acting as a safe intermediate testing medium.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimal electric field is transmitted to normal tissue to prevent side effects, then patient safety improves, but verification of actual field intensity becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic phantom provides a physical copy of human body tissue properties that allows direct measurement of electric field intensity at various locations. This enables verification that the electric field intensity to normal tissue remains minimal and safe, while sufficient tumor treatment is achieved.
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
Ensures accurate electric field distribution and intensity verification, preventing potential side effects and enhancing treatment effectiveness by identifying and correcting errors before treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement unit configured to measure any one of a voltage, a current, and an electric field inside the electromagnetic phantom
Implementation Method 2
an electric field generator configured to transmit an electric field to an inside of an electromagnetic phantom through an electrode array attached to the electromagnetic phantom
Data Source
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AI summary
A quality assurance apparatus for a cancer treatment system with an electric field, comprising: an electric field generator configured to transmit an electric field to an inside of an electromagnetic phantom through an electrode array attached to the electromagnetic phantom; a measurement unit configured to measure any one of a voltage, a current, and an electric field inside the electromagnetic phantom; a data collection unit configured to collect a value measured by the measurement unit and convert the measured value into a digital value; an analysis unit configured to calculate and monitor a distribution and intensity of the electric field inside the electromagnetic phantom through the value transmitted from the data collection unit; and a verification unit configured to verify the electric field monitored by the analysis unit.