Transducer Selection for Alternating Electric Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining transducer layouts for delivering tumor treating fields (TTFields) are computationally intensive, requiring extensive simulations for each layout considered.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method computationally determines transducer layouts based on high-level criteria such as the proximity of a region of interest (ROI) to the exterior surface of the subject and the size of the ROI, allowing for the selection of transducers of different sizes for optimal current delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computationally intensive algorithms are used to determine current flow and calculate predicted energy for each transducer layout, then treatment precision and energy delivery accuracy are improved, but computational time and processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computational work by pre-calculating and storing electromagnetic field characteristics for various transducer configurations. This allows rapid selection of optimal layouts without performing intensive simulations during actual treatment planning, thus reducing real-time computational requirements while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simplified geometric models and pre-computed field distributions as copies of the complex electromagnetic simulation results. These copies enable quick assessment of transducer layouts without re-running full electromagnetic simulations, significantly reducing computational time while preserving essential accuracy information.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple transducer layouts are evaluated using detailed electromagnetic simulations, then the optimal transducer placement is determined with high accuracy, but the complexity of the planning process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex transducer placement optimization problem is segmented into simpler sub-problems by evaluating individual transducer contributions and using modular field characteristic calculations. This allows the system to build up optimal layouts from simpler components rather than evaluating entire complex configurations at once, reducing overall planning complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for evaluation from full electromagnetic field solutions to simplified geometric and pre-computed field characteristics. This parameter transformation maintains sufficient precision for optimal placement while dramatically reducing the complexity of calculations required during the planning process.
3Measurement precision
If computationally intensive algorithms are applied to each transducer layout, then accurate current flow determination is achieved, but the ease of operation and workflow efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By performing intensive computational work in advance during system setup or pre-planning phases, the system makes the actual treatment planning workflow much simpler and faster. The preliminary calculations provide ready-to-use field characteristics that eliminate the need for operators to perform complex simulations during clinical workflows, significantly improving ease of operation.
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 reduces the computational burden and enables more efficient selection of transducer layouts, potentially improving the precision and effectiveness of TTFields delivery while enhancing patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
TTFields are induced non-invasively into a region of interest by electrode assemblies (also known as electrode arrays, transducer arrays, or simply 'transducers') placed on the patient's body and applying alternating current (AC) voltages between the transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for selecting transducers for delivering alternating electric fields to a subject, the method comprising: obtaining a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the subject; determining a location of a region of interest (ROI) in the three-dimensional model; determining first and second potential surfaces of the three-dimensional model for placement of first and second transducers on the subject based on the ROI; and selecting a first pair of transducers from a plurality of transducers to deliver alternating electric fields to the ROI at selected locations on the three-dimensional model based on the location of the ROI in the three-dimensional model and the potential surfaces of the three-dimensional model, wherein the plurality of transducers comprises a small transducer and a large transducer having an area larger than an area of the small transducer.