TTFields Electrode Thermal Feedback for Peak Current Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumor treating field (TTFields) therapies face challenges in optimizing peak current amplitude while preventing electrode overheating due to unpredictable and subject-specific heating factors.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically adjust the characteristics of alternating electric fields by applying multiple pulse sets, measuring thermal responses, and selecting parameters to maximize peak current amplitude while keeping electrode temperatures below a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the maximum AC voltage level is reduced to prevent overheating, then electrode temperature is controlled, but peak current amplitude and treatment efficacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum AC voltage level in real-time based on measured thermal responses from test pulses. The controller continuously monitors electrode temperature and adapts the voltage amplitude accordingly, transitioning from static voltage reduction to dynamic thermal-based control that optimizes both safety and efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where thermal responses to test pulses are measured, processed by the controller, and used to determine the maximum safe AC voltage level for treatment pulses. This closed-loop feedback ensures that peak current amplitude is maximized within safe thermal boundaries
2Productivity
If the number of AC signal cycles is increased to improve treatment efficacy, then tumor treatment effectiveness improves, but electrode heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic test pulses followed by treatment pulses, with the number and characteristics of cycles dynamically adjusted based on thermal feedback. This periodic measurement and treatment cycle allows the system to optimize treatment duration and intensity while preventing excessive heating through intermittent thermal assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including the number of AC signal cycles, pulse duration, and voltage amplitude based on measured thermal responses. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maximizes treatment efficacy within safe thermal limits for each individual patient
3Reliability
If subject-specific heating factors are accounted for through multiple measurements, then treatment safety improves, but system complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements using test pulses before delivering treatment pulses to determine the maximum safe AC voltage level. By conducting these assessments in advance, the system captures subject-specific heating factors without complicating the actual treatment delivery phase
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a limited number of test pulses with varying characteristics (more than one but not exhaustive) to sufficiently characterize thermal responses. This partial measurement approach balances the need for accurate safety assessment with minimizing measurement time and system complexity
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
Effectively maximizes treatment efficacy by optimizing electric field parameters based on real-time thermal measurements, preventing electrode overheating and ensuring consistent treatment delivery.
Implementation Method 1
determining first thermal responses to the plurality of first pulses at the at least one first electrode element and at the at least one second electrode element
Data Source
AI summary
Characteristics of alternating electric fields that will be applied to a target region in a subject's body can be selected by applying different sets of pulses between electrode elements positioned on opposite sides of the target region. Thermal responses to the different sets of pulses are determined. Based on these thermal responses, the system selects a set of characteristics for output pulses of alternating current that will (a) maximize peak current amplitude and (b) keep temperatures at the electrode elements below a threshold value.