RF Hyperthermia System with Segmented Electrodes for Precise Tumor Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperthermia treatments for cancer are limited by imprecise heating and temperature control, making it difficult to target specific tumor areas effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a radio frequency (RF) generator, a heating apparatus with pouches and RF electrodes, and a liquid reservoir, which uses RF signals to generate waves that heat a specific area between the pouches to a controlled temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If radio frequency waves are used to heat tissue in existing hyperthermia apparatuses, then cancer cells can be damaged and killed, but the heating area is imprecise and temperature cannot be properly controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment area into multiple discrete heating zones by positioning multiple RF electrode pairs at specific locations. Each electrode pair creates an independent heating region, allowing separate temperature control for each zone. This segmentation enables precise targeting of the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different heating characteristics to different regions by using multiple RF electrode pairs with independent power control. Each electrode pair can be adjusted to provide the optimal heating intensity for its specific location, creating locally optimized temperature distributions that match the tumor geometry and protect critical nearby structures.
2Reliability
If high temperatures are applied to kill cancer cells, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but damage to healthy tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different heating characteristics to different regions by using multiple RF electrode pairs with independent power control. Each electrode pair can be adjusted to provide the optimal heating intensity for its specific location, creating locally optimized temperature distributions that match the tumor geometry and protect critical nearby structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temperature sensors positioned within or near the treatment area to monitor actual temperature distributions in real-time. This feedback information is used to adjust the RF power delivery dynamically, ensuring that tumor regions reach therapeutic temperatures while preventing overheating of adjacent healthy tissues.
3Area of stationary object
If wave frequencies penetrate through the patient's body per se, then treatment coverage is extended, but the heating area becomes imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment area into multiple discrete heating zones by positioning multiple RF electrode pairs at specific locations. Each electrode pair creates an independent heating region, allowing separate temperature control for each zone. This segmentation enables precise targeting of the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane electrode configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple electrode pairs at different depths and positions. This spatial distribution allows the system to cover a larger tumor volume while maintaining precise lateral boundaries of each heating zone, effectively adding dimensional control to the treatment geometry.
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 allows for precise and controlled heating of tumors or malignant cells to temperatures between 38°C and 45°C, enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatment while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The RF signal generator is configured to be initiated by the RF power and generate an RF signal
Implementation Method 2
The different conductivity of healthy and unhealthy tissue produces different energy absorptions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system, which includes: a radio frequency (RF) generator including an RF power, an RF signal generator configured to be initiated by the RF power and generates an RF signal; a heating apparatus including a first pouch having a first inlet tube, a second pouch having a second inlet tube connected to the first pouch, a first RF electrode in the first pouch and a second RF electrode in the second pouch, wherein the first RF electrode and the second RF electrode are configured to receive the RF signal; and a liquid reservoir operatively connected to the first inlet tube of the first pouch. Also provided is a method for treating a cancer in a subject in need thereof by using the system.