Transducer Array Temperature Control for Tumor Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficacy of alternating electric fields in treating tumors can be reduced due to disparities in tissue types and geometries, and the heat generated by electrodes can cause patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The method involves causing cyclical application of electric fields via transducer arrays in opposite directions, with the ability to deactivate and activate electrodes based on temperature thresholds to adjust the angle and duration of the electric field application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alternating electric fields are applied continuously via transducer arrays, then treatment efficacy is maintained, but heat generation causes patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by cycling the application of alternating electric fields through multiple phases including field application, rest periods, and temperature monitoring intervals. The system alternates between activating transducer arrays to deliver therapeutic fields and deactivating them to allow tissue cooling, thereby maintaining treatment efficacy while preventing excessive heat accumulation that causes patient discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature at the tissue-transducer interface and adjusting field application parameters accordingly. When temperature thresholds are approached, the system reduces or pauses field delivery to prevent harmful overheating, while resuming treatment when temperatures return to safe levels, thus balancing therapeutic effectiveness with patient comfort
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric fields are applied to accommodate various tissue types and geometries, then treatment coverage is improved, but field intensity uniformity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electric field application adaptive and variable rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts field parameters including intensity, frequency, and spatial distribution based on real-time temperature feedback and tissue characteristics. Multiple transducer arrays can be independently controlled to deliver fields at different phases and intensities, enabling the system to adapt to diverse tissue geometries while maintaining adequate field uniformity through coordinated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the treatment into multiple independent transducer arrays that can be controlled separately. Each array or electrode group can be individually activated or deactivated based on local tissue properties and temperature conditions. This segmentation allows the system to tailor field application to specific anatomical regions and tissue types while maintaining overall treatment coverage and managing heat distribution across different areas
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
This approach enhances the intensity and uniformity of the electric field within the tumor region, reducing heat-related discomfort and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the alternating electric fields applied by transducer arrays may produce heat. The heat generated by electrodes of a transducer array may cause patient discomfort at a tissue-transducer interface
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for managing temperatures induces my alternating electric fields by selectively activating/deactivating electrodes of a pair of transducer arrays according to defined parameters.