3D Transducer Array Layout for TTFields Placement Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining optimal transducer array placement on a patient's body to maintain a target intensity of electrical fields for Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Generating a 3D model of the patient's body and using simulated electrical field distributions to determine transducer array layout maps that satisfy specific criteria, allowing for efficient and optimized placement of transducer arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transducer array placement is optimized manually to maintain target electrical field intensity, then treatment efficacy is improved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computational actions by generating 3D models of the patient's anatomy and pre-calculating multiple transducer array layout maps with different positioning configurations before actual treatment. This allows the optimal placement to be determined in advance through simulations, reducing the time required during actual treatment setup while ensuring treatment efficacy is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of the patient's anatomy through 3D modeling and simulates electrical field distributions in this digital replica. By working with copied anatomical data and virtual transducer arrays in the simulation environment, the system can evaluate multiple placement scenarios without affecting the actual patient, thereby optimizing placement efficiency and accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transducer array layout maps are generated to provide placement options, then placement flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex task of transducer array placement optimization into distinct components: 3D anatomical modeling, electrical field simulation, multiple layout map generation, and overlay analysis. By dividing the problem into these manageable segments, the system can provide comprehensive placement flexibility through multiple layout maps while keeping each individual computational module relatively simple and well-defined.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional transducer array placement views to three-dimensional anatomical modeling and spatial analysis. This dimensional enhancement allows for more comprehensive evaluation of placement options by considering depth, volume, and spatial relationships within the patient's anatomy, thereby improving placement flexibility without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If transducer array positions are adjusted to enhance electrical field intensity in target region, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through electrical field simulations that predict the outcome of different transducer array placements before actual treatment. By simulating field distributions and analyzing their effectiveness in targeting the tumor, the system provides feedback on which placements will be most effective, eliminating the need for trial-and-error adjustments and simplifying the optimization process while improving treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system systematically varies key parameters such as transducer array positions, orientations, and configurations in the simulation environment to identify optimal placements. By automating parameter exploration and evaluation through computational modeling, the system can efficiently navigate the complex parameter space to find effective placements without requiring manual experimentation, thereby improving treatment effectiveness while reducing process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for managing placement of transducer arrays on a subject/patient.