Spinal TTFields Electrode Layout for Therapeutic Field Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering TTFields to treat spinal anatomy fail to achieve therapeutic field intensities above 1 V/cm due to the resistive bone structure of the spine shunting current away from the spinal cord, resulting in insufficient treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
Position transducer arrays on the patient's back with one array above and one below the spinal anatomy, or on the head and back, to induce higher electric fields within the spinal cord and surrounding cerebrospinal fluid, using capacitively coupled electrode elements and alternating voltages between 100 kHz and 300 kHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transducer arrays are positioned on the patient's body using conventional layouts (front/back or right/left of thorax/abdomen), then the treatment setup is simple and easy to implement, but the electric field intensity in the spinal cord remains below therapeutic levels (below 1 V/cm) due to current shunting by the resistive bone structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional positioning (front/back or right/left of thorax/abdomen) to a three-dimensional configuration by placing transducer arrays on the patient's back in a superior-inferior orientation (above and below the spinal anatomy). This dimensional change allows the electric field to be directed through the spinal cord more effectively, overcoming the current shunting problem caused by the resistive bone structure and achieving therapeutic field intensities above 1 V/cm
2Reliability
If transducer arrays are repositioned to achieve therapeutic field intensities above 1 V/cm in the spinal cord, then treatment efficacy is improved, but the positioning complexity and device configuration become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the electric field delivery specifically at the spinal anatomy location rather than distributing it broadly across the thorax/abdomen. By positioning transducer arrays locally above and below the spinal cord in a superior-inferior orientation, the electric field is focused precisely where needed to achieve therapeutic intensities above 1 V/cm, while the rest of the body receives minimal field exposure
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
Achieves therapeutic field intensities above 1 V/cm in the spinal cord and surrounding cerebrospinal fluid, effectively treating tumors and suppressing autoimmune responses in previously untreated regions.
Implementation Method 1
using capacitively coupled electrode elements
Implementation Method 2
induce higher electric fields within the spinal cord and surrounding cerebrospinal fluid
Implementation Method 3
applying AC voltages between the transducer arrays
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses an improved approach for delivering alternating electric fields (e.g., TTFields) at a therapeutically effective strength to a target region of the spinal anatomy. In some embodiments, first and second sets of electrode elements are positioned with their centroids adjacent to upper and lower portions of the person's spine, respectively. In other embodiments, a first set of electrode elements is positioned with its centroid on an upper surface of the person's head, and a second set of electrode elements is positioned with its centroid adjacent to the person's spine (e.g., below the L3 vertebrae). Applying an AC voltage between the first and second sets of electrode elements generates a generally vertical field in the target region at levels that are not achievable using other layouts for positioning the electrode elements on the subject's body. These configurations are particularly useful for preventing and/or treating metastases.