TTFields Transducer Placement Using Tissue Resistivity Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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
1Reliability
If conventional transducer placement methods are used, then treatment can be applied, but the method is time- and resource-intensive and fails to account for physiological changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures actual current and voltage of induced TTFields in real-time, calculates resistivity based on these measurements, and uses this feedback to dynamically determine optimal transducer locations. This closed-loop approach ensures accurate placement while adapting to physiological changes, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the subject's own physiological electrical properties (measured current and voltage of induced fields) to automatically determine transducer locations without requiring external time-consuming assessments or adjustments. The subject's body effectively serves itself as the measurement medium, reducing external resource requirements and time investment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transducer placement methods are used, then treatment can be applied, but it fails to account for physiological changes leading to directional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual current and voltage measurements of induced TTFields and adjusts transducer locations based on calculated resistivity values. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to physiological changes in real-time, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for transducer placement from fixed anatomical landmarks to dynamically calculated resistivity values derived from actual electrical measurements. This parameter transformation enables adaptation to physiological changes while the automated calculation process keeps the system complexity manageable.
3Measurement precision
If real-time measurements are taken to determine transducer locations, then accuracy improves, but measurement and calculation resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses simple voltage and current measurements of naturally induced TTFields as feedback signals to determine transducer locations. By utilizing already-present electrical fields and straightforward measurements rather than complex imaging or mapping systems, the achievement of high measurement precision is accomplished with relatively simple measurement and calculation 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
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
AC voltage is applied between the first pair of transducers for a first interval of time to generate an electric field with field lines generally running in the front-back direction
Implementation Method 2
TTFields are induced non-invasively into the region of interest by applying AC voltages between transducers placed on the patient's body
Implementation Method 3
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.