TTFields Electrode Repositioning for Real-Time Tumor Change Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying tumor treating fields (TTFields) fail to account for real-time changes in the region of interest, such as changes in posture, physiological changes, and tumor location, leading to inefficiencies in treatment delivery and the need for resource-intensive computer simulations.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects changes in the region of interest during TTFields treatment by monitoring metrics like posture, vital signs, and electric field measurements, and adjusts transducer locations accordingly to optimize TTField application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transducer locations are fixed for TTFields treatment, then treatment delivery is simplified, but treatment accuracy deteriorates due to real-time changes in posture, physiology, and tumor location
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transducer locations based on real-time detected changes in the subject's body. The controller receives detection results indicating changes in posture, physiology, or tumor location, and automatically repositions transducers to maintain optimal treatment alignment, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where detection means continuously monitor the subject's body state, and the controller uses this feedback information to adjust transducer positions. This ensures treatment accuracy is maintained despite changes in posture or physiology, while automating the adjustment process to preserve operational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If computer simulations are used to account for real-time changes, then treatment accuracy is improved, but resource consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex computer simulations with direct physical detection using sensors and measurement devices. Detection means directly measure real-time changes in the subject's body, providing accurate treatment alignment information without requiring resource-intensive simulations, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining treatment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the subject's own body as the detection medium, measuring physiological and positional changes directly through non-invasive sensors. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external simulation computations, reducing resource consumption and system complexity while maintaining accurate treatment delivery.
3Measurement precision
If transducer locations are adjusted frequently to match real-time changes, then treatment accuracy is improved, but treatment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous detection and automatic adjustment of transducer locations throughout the treatment process. This continuous operation ensures treatment accuracy is maintained without interruption or time loss, as the automated system performs adjustments seamlessly without requiring treatment pauses or manual repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by transitioning from fixed transducer positions to dynamically adjustable positions based on detected body state changes. This parameter change enables accurate tracking of tumor location and posture changes in real-time, improving treatment precision without significant time penalty due to automation.
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
Improves the accuracy and efficiency of TTFields treatment by dynamically adapting to real-time changes in the region of interest, enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
TTFields are induced non-invasively into the region of interest by applying AC voltages between transducers placed on the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
detecting a change in the region of interest of the subject's body
Data Source
AI summary
A method of applying tumor treating fields to a region of interest of a subject's body corresponding to a tumor, the method including: alternately applying to the region of interest a first electric field between a first pair of locations of the subject's body and a second electric field between a second pair of locations of the subject's body; detecting a change in the region of interest of the subject's body; ceasing applying the first and second electric fields; selecting, based on the detected change, a third pair of locations of the subject's body and a fourth pair of locations of the subject's body, the third and fourth pairs of locations being different than the first and second pairs of locations; and alternately applying to the region of interest a third electric field between the third pair of locations and a fourth electric field between the fourth pair of locations.