Tumor Treating Fields Transducer Layouts From 3D Image Planning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumor treating field (TTFields) treatment planning lacks the capability to provide multiple layouts for transducer placement, which can enhance treatment efficacy and user comfort by considering dose distribution and tissue conductivity, and does not effectively utilize medical images for personalized treatment planning.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that uses medical images, such as MRI and CT scans, to create a 3D model of a subject's anatomy, segment abnormal tissues, define regions of interest, and generate multiple transducer layouts based on dose distributions, allowing users to select the most effective layouts for treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single layout transducer placement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment effectiveness and user comfort deteriorate due to lack of customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treatment planning process into multiple discrete layout options (first layout, second layout, etc.), each optimized for different aspects of treatment. This allows the system to provide customized transducer placements that target specific tumor regions while managing complexity through structured segmentation of treatment approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating layouts with different characteristics optimized for specific treatment needs. Each layout option provides different field strength distributions, target region coverage, and anatomical considerations, allowing selection of the most appropriate layout for the specific tumor location and patient anatomy
2Reliability
If multiple transducer layouts are generated based on dose distribution, then treatment effectiveness improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary computational analysis by pre-calculating multiple transducer layouts with their respective dose distributions before treatment delivery. This preliminary action includes computing field strengths, identifying target region coverage, and evaluating anatomical constraints for each layout option, enabling informed selection without real-time computational burden during treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex real-time mechanical adjustment mechanisms with computational methods. Instead of requiring physical repositioning and manual optimization of transducer placements, the system uses computer-based dose distribution calculations and field strength simulations to evaluate and compare multiple layout options, substituting computational complexity for mechanical complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If medical images are utilized for personalized treatment planning, then treatment precision improves, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by processing medical images to extract specific anatomical features and tissue properties relevant to each treatment site. The system analyzes local tissue conductivity, tumor boundaries, and organ locations from the medical images to customize transducer layouts for precise target region delivery while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts essential treatment-planning information from medical images, separating relevant anatomical and tissue data from the complete medical image dataset. This extraction process isolates key parameters such as tumor location, tissue conductivity values, and anatomical constraints needed for transducer layout optimization, reducing data processing requirements by focusing only on critical information
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 treatment effectiveness by providing customizable transducer layouts that enhance TTFields dose to tumors and areas at risk, while improving user comfort and treatment coverage, leveraging medical image data for personalized treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
TTFields are induced non-invasively into the region of interest by transducers placed on the patient's body and applying AC voltages between the transducers
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for generating a transducer layout for delivering tumor treating fields includes storing medical images of a subject, identifying one of the medical images as an anchor medical image, and registering computed tomography medical images with magnetic resonance imaging medical images. The method further includes segmenting abnormal tissue in the medical images from other tissue types and defining a region of interest (ROI) in the medical images. The method further includes creating a 3D model of the subject. The method further includes generating a plurality of transducer layouts for application of tumor treating fields to the subject, selecting at least two of the transducer layouts as recommended transducer layouts, presenting the recommended transducer layouts, receiving a user selection of at least one recommended transducer layout, and providing a report for the selected recommended transducer layout(s).