TTFields Transducer Layout via 2D Torso Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Segmenting medical images to determine transducer layouts for tumor treating fields (TTFields) is computationally demanding and time-consuming, particularly for regions like the torso, requiring significant resources and healthcare provider time.
Innovation Solution
Generate transducer layouts for TTFields by selecting a healthy model with similar characteristics to the subject, avoiding the need for segmentation, and calculating dosage based on electrical properties of healthy tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If medical image segmentation is performed to determine transducer layouts, then transducer placement accuracy is improved, but computational processing time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores transducer layouts for standardized torso sizes before actual treatment planning. Healthcare providers select from pre-computed layouts based on patient measurements, avoiding the need for time-consuming segmentation and real-time calculation during treatment setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified 2D representations (copies) of the torso with standardized anatomical features and pre-determined transducer placements. These 2D models serve as templates that can be quickly matched to patient anatomy without requiring complex 3D image segmentation and processing
2Manufacturing precision
If medical image segmentation is performed to determine transducer layouts, then transducer placement accuracy is improved, but healthcare provider time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Transducer layouts are pre-calculated and stored in a database before clinical use. Healthcare providers simply measure patient anatomy and select the appropriate pre-computed layout, eliminating the need to perform complex segmentation and calculation procedures during patient treatment setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simplified 2D anatomical models as disposable templates for each patient setup. These 2D representations are computationally inexpensive and can be quickly generated or selected, replacing the need for time-consuming processing of complex 3D medical images for each patient
3Measurement precision
If full 3D medical image processing is performed, then treatment precision is improved, but computational resources and processing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex 3D torso into simplified 2D cross-sectional representations with key anatomical landmarks. This 2D segmentation captures essential geometric information for transducer placement while dramatically reducing computational complexity compared to full 3D image processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential geometric features and anatomical landmarks needed for transducer placement from full 3D medical images. By taking out only the critical information (torso dimensions, key anatomical points) and discarding unnecessary detail, the system achieves sufficient treatment precision with much lower computational requirements
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 reduces computational processing and healthcare provider time while providing effective TTFields treatment, saving resources and improving treatment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
TTFields are low intensity alternating electric fields within the intermediate frequency range (for example, 50 kHz to 1 MHz)... TTFields are induced non-invasively into a region of interest by transducers placed on the patient's body and applying alternating current (AC) voltages between the transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining transducer locations for delivering tumor treating fields based on models of healthy subjects, comprising: receiving a plurality of external measurements of the subject, the plurality of external measurements not derived from a medical image of the subject; receiving a selection of a general location of an abnormality of the subject, the general location selected from a plurality of general locations of the subject; selecting a healthy model from a plurality of healthy models, the selected healthy model being representative of the subject, the selection based on the external measurements of the subject; selecting locations on the selected healthy model to place transducers to treat the abnormality of the subject using tumor treating fields, the selection based on the selected general location of the abnormality of the subject; and providing the selected locations to place transducers to treat the abnormality of the subject using tumor treating fields.