TTFields Transducer Placement Using Resistivity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining transducer locations for tumor treating fields (TTFields) are time- and resource-intensive and fail to account for physiological changes in the subject's body, leading to directional variations over time.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses actual current and voltage measurements of TTFields induced between transducers on the subject's body to calculate resistivity and select optimal transducer locations, incorporating real-time physiological changes and adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional transducer placement methods are used, then transducer locations can be determined, but the process is time- and resource-intensive and does not account for physiological changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring actual current and voltage values from TTFields induced between transducers on the subject's body, calculating resistivity based on these measurements, and using the resistivity information to determine optimal transducer locations. This feedback loop enables real-time adaptation to physiological changes while streamlining the location determination process
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically measuring electrical properties (current, voltage, resistivity) of the subject's body and using this self-acquired data to optimize transducer placement. This eliminates the need for external, time-consuming characterization procedures while maintaining high accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transducer placement methods are used, then transducer locations can be determined, but physiological changes and directional variations over time are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors physiological changes through real-time measurement of current and voltage values during TTField application. By calculating resistivity based on these feedback measurements, the system adapts transducer location recommendations to account for physiological changes and directional variations, achieving high adaptability through a relatively simple measurement approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from fixed, pre-determined transducer locations to dynamic location selection based on measured electrical parameters (current, voltage, resistivity). By monitoring changes in these parameters over time, the system adapts to physiological changes without requiring complex imaging or characterization equipment
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 accounting for physiological changes and optimizing transducer placement based on real-time measurements.
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
obtaining, for each pair of locations, a voltage measurement and a current measurement for an electric field induced between the first transducer and the second transducer; calculating, for each pair of locations, a resistivity based on the voltage measurement and the current measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of determining locations of transducers on a subject's body for applying tumor treating fields, the method including: selecting a plurality of pairs of locations on the subject's body, each pair of locations having a first location to locate a first transducer and a second location to locate a second transducer; obtaining, for each pair of locations, a voltage measurement and a current measurement for an electric field induced between the first transducer and the second transducer, the induced electric field passing through a tumor of the subject's body; calculating, for each pair of locations, a resistivity based on the voltage measurement and the current measurement; and selecting and outputting one or more recommended pairs of locations based on the calculated resistivities.