3D Phantom for TTField Measurement Using Conductive Solutions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack the ability to accurately measure the shape of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in patients, relying on computer simulations that cannot replicate real-world interactions with varying organ electrical impedance and conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A physical 3D phantom system is developed, comprising a container with a non-conductive matrix material and conductive particles to model biological components, along with a conductive solution, allowing for the creation of a realistic environment to measure TTField interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computer simulations are used to model TTField interactions, then theoretical field distribution can be estimated, but actual real-world field shape cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical phantom that is a copy of human anatomical structures with realistic electrical conductivity properties. The phantom includes multiple compartments filled with conductive solutions having different conductivities to simulate various organs and tissues. This physical copy allows direct measurement of TTField distribution, replacing reliance on computer simulations with actual empirical data.
2Ease of manufacture
If homogeneous conductive material is used in the phantom, then manufacturing is simplified, but electrical impedance variations of different organs cannot be modeled
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom is divided into multiple separate compartments or regions, each filled with conductive solution having a specific conductivity value that corresponds to different biological tissues. This segmentation allows each region to be independently configured with appropriate electrical properties while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using standard containers and filling procedures.
3Reliability
If conductive particles are dispersed in non-conductive matrix material, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but manufacturing precision and particle distribution uniformity become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using conductive particles dispersed in a non-conductive matrix, the patent changes the approach by using conductive solutions (liquids or gels) that inherently provide the desired electrical conductivity. This parameter change from solid composite material to fluid conductive medium eliminates particle distribution issues while maintaining the ability to achieve specific conductivity values by adjusting solution concentration or composition.
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
The phantom system enables the determination of actual TTField shape and distribution within a patient, improving the targeting of tumors by accounting for individual organ electrical properties, enhancing the effectiveness of TTField therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the exterior wall is constructed of a non-conductive matrix material mixed with conductive particles to provide the exterior wall with an electrical impedance, resistance, resistivity, or conductivity to model electrical impedance, resistance, resistivity, or conductivity of a first biological component
Implementation Method 2
The conductive solution is within the cavity. The conductive solution is at least one of a fluid solution, a suspension, and a gel and configured to model electrical impedance, resistance, resistivity, or conductivity of a second biological component
Implementation Method 3
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are low intensity (e.g., 1-3 V/cm) alternating electric fields within the intermediate frequency range (50 kHz to 1 MHz) that target solid tumors by disrupting mitosis
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for constructing a 3D phantom with epoxy utilizing conductive particles is herein disclosed. The phantom, comprising: a container for housing a fluid, the container having at least one exterior wall comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a cavity, the exterior wall constructed of a non-conductive matrix material mixed with conductive particles to provide the exterior wall with an electrical impedance, resistance, resistivity, or conductivity to model electrical impedance, resistance, resistivity, or conductivity of a first biological component; and a conductive solution within the cavity, the conductive solution being at least one of a fluid solution, a suspension, and a gel and configured to model electrical impedance, resistance, resistivity, or conductivity of a second biological component.