3D Treatment Volume Estimation via Electrical Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for delivering electrical treatment energy, such as electroporation-based therapies, face challenges in accurately predicting the treatment volume and safely positioning electrodes due to human error and the complexity of real-time visualization of treatment regions, especially when treating aberrant masses with non-uniform conductivity changes during electroporation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize current measurements through electrodes to determine the extent of electroporation and predict the treatment volume by employing a treatment planning module capable of generating 3-dimensional treatment volumes based on tissue-specific conductivity functions and electric field thresholds, using numerical models and statistical analysis to account for electrode configurations and pulse parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used for delivering electrical treatment energy, then the treatment can be administered, but accurate prediction of treatment volume is difficult due to human error and complexity of real-time visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visualization methods with an automated computer-based system that uses electrical impedance measurements to calculate and display treatment volume predictions, eliminating human error and reducing the complexity of real-time visualization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical impedance as an intermediary parameter that correlates with treatment volume, allowing indirect but accurate measurement of the treated tissue volume without requiring direct visualization of the entire treatment region
2Reliability
If electrode positioning is performed manually, then the procedure can be completed, but safety is compromised due to human error in positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through electrical impedance measurements during electrode positioning and treatment delivery, allowing the system to detect and alert operators to positioning errors or unsafe conditions, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary electrical impedance measurements before full treatment delivery to verify correct electrode positioning and predict treatment volume, preventing unsafe treatment administration while guiding proper electrode placement
3Manufacturing precision
If electrical treatment energy is delivered without accurate treatment volume prediction, then the treatment can proceed, but precision of electrical energy delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary electrical impedance measurements and treatment volume calculations before delivering the full electrical treatment energy, enabling precise treatment planning and delivery without significantly delaying the overall treatment process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual estimation methods with automated computer-based calculations of treatment volume based on electrical impedance measurements, significantly improving the precision of electrical energy delivery while maintaining treatment efficiency
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
Enables accurate and efficient prediction of treatment volumes and safe pulse protocols for electroporation-based therapies, reducing human error and improving the precision of electrical energy delivery in medical treatments by correlating current measurements with electric field distributions and tissue conductivity changes.
Implementation Method 1
Electroporation-based therapies (EBTs) are clinical procedures that utilize pulsed electric fields to induce nanoscale defects in cell membranes
Implementation Method 2
utilize current measurements through electrodes to determine the extent of electroporation and predict the treatment volume
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for a system for estimating a 3-dimensional treatment volume for a device that applies treatment energy through a plurality of electrodes defining a treatment area, the system comprising a memory, a display device, a processor coupled to the memory and the display device, and a treatment planning module stored in the memory and executable by the processor. In one embodiment, the treatment planning module is adapted to generate an estimated first 3-dimensional treatment volume for display in the display device based on the ratio of a maximum conductivity of the treatment area to a baseline conductivity of the treatment area. The invention also provides for a method for estimating 3-dimensional treatment volume, the steps of which are executable through the processor. In embodiments, the system and method are based on a numerical model which may be implemented in computer readable code which is executable through a processor.