Hyperthermia RF Antenna Steering via Real-Time Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hyperthermia systems have limited control over the correspondence between planned and actual treatments, and they do not adequately consider patient tolerability or allow for real-time adjustments, especially in treating sensitive areas like the head and neck region.
Innovation Solution
A hyperthermia apparatus with an RF power unit, adjustable RF antennas, sensors for real-time feedback, and a communication environment that incorporates patient input to steer the focused three-dimensional RF field, enabling continuous control and improving patient comfort by allowing breathing and verbal communication during treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hyperthermia system with fixed RF antenna settings is used, then the treatment planning is simple, but the control over RF energy deposition is limited and cannot adapt to real-time temperature deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts RF power delivery by modifying phase and power amplitude settings based on real-time temperature feedback from the target region, transitioning from fixed static settings to adaptive dynamic control that responds to actual treatment conditions
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is implemented where temperature measurements from the target region are continuously monitored and used to automatically adjust RF antenna settings, enabling the system to correct temperature profile deviations and maintain precise thermal control
2Area of stationary object
If the RF applicator fully covers the patient's head and neck region, then complete treatment coverage is achieved, but the patient cannot breathe or communicate verbally
Solution Approach 1:
The water bolus is divided into multiple separate portions rather than a single continuous covering, creating gaps that allow the patient to breathe and communicate while still providing sufficient RF energy delivery coverage for effective treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The water bolus coverage is selectively applied to specific regions where RF energy delivery is most needed, rather than uniformly covering the entire head and neck area, allowing local adaptation that balances treatment effectiveness with patient comfort
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 system provides enhanced control over RF energy deposition, improves patient comfort by allowing real-time adjustments based on feedback, and effectively treats sensitive areas like the head and neck region by using a suitably shaped applicator and sensor data integration.
Implementation Method 1
one or more RF antenna's connected to the RF power unit for generating a focused three-dimensional RF field
Implementation Method 2
a non-invasive thermometry sensor. The thermometry sensor is connected to the controller via a temperature monitor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hyperthermia system for treating a patient, comprising an RF power unit, one or more RF antenna's connected to the RF power unit for generating a focused three-dimensional RF field, a controller for adjusting the RF power source and/or the one or more RF antenna's for steering the focused three-dimensional RF field; a sensor for sensing a parameter representative of the focused three-dimensional RF field; a communication environment for inputting data from the said sensor and/or additional information provided by the patient, said communication environment being capable of generating trigger signals to the controller for in use steering the focused three-dimensional RF filed in real time. The invention further relates to a method for generation a focused three-dimensional RF field.