TTFields Electrode Configuration for Brain Field Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solutions for applying TTFields in glioblastoma treatment focus on maximizing field strength within the tumor but fail to ensure uniformity of the electric field in other regions of the brain.
Innovation Solution
The method involves affixing specific sets of electrode elements to the head and body, with precise orientations and positions determined through finite element simulations to achieve high uniformity of the electric field throughout the brain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If transducer arrays are arranged to maximize field strength within the tumor, then field strength in the tumor is improved, but uniformity of the electric field in other regions of the brain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The brain is divided into multiple regions (tumor region and other brain regions), and different field strength targets are set for each region. The transducer arrays are configured to deliver optimized field strengths to each segmented region simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between maximizing tumor field strength and maintaining uniformity in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality requirements are applied to different locations: high field strength is targeted at the tumor region while uniform field distribution is targeted at other brain regions. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize for both maximum tumor treatment and uniformity in healthy brain tissue.
2Productivity
If transducer arrays are placed to maximize field strength in the tumor, then treatment effectiveness in the tumor is improved, but treatment coverage in other brain regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array configuration is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it maximizes field strength in the tumor region for effective treatment while also providing adequate field coverage in other brain regions to prevent metastases. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and treatment coverage.
3Power
If conventional transducer array configurations are used, then field strength in the tumor is maximized, but heat generation increases and battery power is consumed faster
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes multiple parameters including transducer array positions, orientations, and operating frequencies to achieve the desired field strength distribution. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system maintains effective treatment field strength while minimizing energy loss to heat and optimizing battery power consumption.
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 significantly enhances the uniformity of the electric field in the brain, maximizing the treatment area and preventing metastases while minimizing heat generation and conserving battery power.
Implementation Method 1
TTFields are low intensity (e.g., 1-4 V/cm) alternating electric fields within the intermediate frequency range (e.g., 100-300 kHz), which may be used, for example, to treat tumors... The alternating electric fields are induced non-invasively by transducer arrays (i.e., arrays of capacitively coupled electrodes) placed directly on the patient's head (e.g., using the Novocure Optune® system), and applying AC voltages between the transducer arrays.
Implementation Method 2
The transducer arrays 11-14 are arranged in two pairs, and each transducer array is connected via a cable to an AC signal generator... arrays of capacitively coupled electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses configurations for arranging transducer arrays on a person's head to impose tumor treating fields (TTFields) in the brain at field strengths that are as uniform as possible throughout the entire brain. In some embodiments, L-shaped sets of electrodes are positioned near the right and left ears, each with a horizontal arm above the ear and a vertical arm behind the ear. Optionally, these embodiments may be combined with a second pair of electrodes positioned on top of the head and behind the neck. In other embodiments, one pair of electrodes is positioned above the right ear and on the left/rear portion of the neck; and a second pair of electrodes is positioned above the left ear and on the right/rear portion of the neck. These configurations improve the uniformity of the electric fields imposed throughout the brain, and are particularly useful for preventing and/or treating metastases.