Transducer Array Pairing for Low-Electrosensation Electric Field Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alternating electric fields used for medical treatments can cause electrosensation, such as vibratory sensations or muscle contractions, which may discourage patients from continuing their treatment due to interactions with nerve cells near transducer arrays.
Innovation Solution
Apply an AC signal between pairs of transducer arrays simultaneously, rather than individual arrays, to increase the active area and reduce current density, thereby minimizing electrosensation while maintaining treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If AC voltage is applied between individual transducer arrays, then treatment efficacy is maintained, but electrosensation occurs causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducer arrays into pairs, where each pair includes a first transducer array and a second transducer array. AC voltage is applied between the arrays within each pair simultaneously, merging the function of individual arrays into a coordinated pair operation. This configuration spreads the current density across multiple arrays, reducing electrosensation while maintaining the electric field strength needed for treatment efficacy.
2Productivity
If AC voltage is applied at lower frequencies, then treatment benefits are enhanced, but electrosensation increases causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies AC voltage between pairs of transducer arrays simultaneously at lower frequencies (e.g., 50-200 kHz). By coordinating multiple arrays in pairs and applying voltage across both arrays in a pair at once, the system achieves the desired lower frequency treatment benefits while distributing the current density to minimize electrosensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the AC voltage to lower ranges (50-200 kHz) to enhance treatment benefits such as increased blood-brain barrier permeability. Simultaneously, it modifies the application pattern by using paired arrays with simultaneous voltage application, which alters the current density distribution and reduces electrosensation despite the lower frequency.
3Productivity
If current density is increased to maintain treatment efficacy, then treatment effectiveness improves, but electrosensation occurs causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transducer arrays into coordinated pairs and applies AC voltage between both arrays in a pair simultaneously. This configuration distributes the total current across multiple electrode surfaces, maintaining the required current density for treatment effectiveness at the tumor site while reducing the current density at any single transducer array interface, thereby minimizing electrosensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each transducer array pair serve multiple functions: generating the necessary electric field strength for treatment effectiveness while simultaneously distributing current density to reduce electrosensation. The paired array configuration provides a universal solution that addresses both treatment efficacy and patient comfort requirements.
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
Reduces electrosensation by spreading current density below the threshold level, allowing for effective treatment with reduced discomfort, even at lower frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
applying an alternating voltage at a first frequency between a first set of one or more electrode elements positioned at a first side of the target region and a second set of one or more electrode elements positioned at a second side of the target region
Implementation Method 2
applying an alternating voltage at a first frequency between a first set of one or more electrode elements positioned at a first side of the target region and a second set of one or more electrode elements positioned at a second side of the target region, wherein the first side and the second side are on opposite sides of the target region
Implementation Method 3
Each transducer array includes a plurality (e.g., between 9 and 20) capacitively coupled electrode elements, each of which has an electrically conductive substrate with a dielectric layer disposed thereon
Data Source
AI summary
When treating a subject using alternating electric fields (e.g., using TTFields to treat a tumor, or using alternating electric fields to increase the permeability of the blood brain barrier), some subjects experience an unpleasant electrosensation effect. This electrosensation can be reduced or eliminated by increasing the area of the transducer arrays that is active during certain times in the treatment. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by applying an AC signal between two pairs of transducer arrays at certain times (as opposed to the prior art approach of applying an AC signal between two individual transducer arrays).