Advanced Implantable TTFields Delivery System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An innovative system for delivering Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) using implantable transducer arrays with enhanced performance, safety, and patient comfort.
Background and Problem Solved
The original Optune system for delivering TTFields has limitations, including high power consumption, frequent battery replacements, and potential overheating of electrode elements. The new inventive concept addresses these issues by introducing reduced power consumption, cooling systems, and modular designs, ensuring improved treatment efficacy and patient comfort.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced implantable TTFields delivery system comprises multiple implantable transducer arrays, each configured to operate at reduced power consumption, minimizing electrical resistance and overheating risks. The arrays are designed with a cooling system to prevent overheating of electrode elements, ensuring safe and efficient treatment. The system also features modular components, allowing for easy replacement or upgrade of individual parts, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Additionally, the arrays can adjust their frequency and amplitude in real-time based on feedback from sensors monitoring the tumor's response to the treatment, optimizing treatment efficacy.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce several innovative features not present in the original patent, including reduced power consumption, cooling systems, modular designs, and real-time frequency and amplitude adjustment. These advancements provide a significant improvement over the original Optune system, addressing its inherent limitations and enhancing treatment outcomes.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different materials or designs for the implantable transducer arrays, incorporating additional sensors or feedback mechanisms, or developing specialized arrays for specific types of tumors or treatment regimens.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced implantable TTFields delivery system has significant commercial potential in the oncology market, offering improved treatment outcomes, increased patient comfort, and reduced maintenance costs. The system could be marketed as a premium alternative to existing TTFields delivery systems, targeting hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Biomedical engineering, specifically medical device design for tumor treatment using electromagnetic fields, requiring advanced knowledge of electrical engineering, medical device design, and oncological treatment technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with graduate-level training in electrical engineering, medical device design, and experience with implantable medical technologies, familiar with thermal management and signal processing in medical devices
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's TTFields delivery system. The proposed modifications address known limitations in implantable medical device design, such as power consumption, thermal management, and adaptive treatment delivery. These enhancements would be considered routine optimization techniques within the capabilities of a skilled practitioner in the field of medical device engineering.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,782 |
|---|---|
| Title | Delivering tumor treating fields (TTFields) using implantable transducer arrays |
| Assignee(s) | Novocure GmbH |