Applying tumor treating fields (TTFields) via electrodes embedded into skull implants
US11654279B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/40
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Tumors inside a person's head (e.g., brain tumors) can be treated using tumor treating fields (TTFields) by positioning capacitively coupled electrodes on opposite sides of the tumor, and applying an AC voltage between the electrodes. Unlike the conventional approach (in which all of the electrodes are positioned on the person's scalp) at least one of the electrodes is implemented using an implanted apparatus. The implanted apparatus includes a rigid substrate shaped and dimensioned to replace a section of the person's skull. At least one electrically conductive plate is affixed to the inner side of the rigid substrate, and a dielectric layer is disposed on the inner side of the conductive plate or plates. An electrically conductive lead is used to apply an AC voltage to the conductive plate or plates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.