TWM662097U - Electrode patches for electric field therapy of tumors - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors, the electrode patch includes a conductive layer as a substrate layer; one or more electrode needles arranged on one side of the conductive layer to form an electrode needle array; and/or a gel layer arranged at the base of the electrode needles; an insulating layer arranged on the other side of the conductive layer; and an electrical connection device arranged on the same side of the insulating layer and electrically connected to the electrode needles. The present invention uses an electrode patch with a specific structure and an electric field of a specific frequency to interfere with the mitosis process of cancer cells, effectively preventing the growth of tumors.

Description

Electrode patches for electric field therapy of tumors

The invention relates to the technical field of medical equipment, and more specifically, to an electrode patch used for electric field therapy of tumors. The electrode patch uses electric fields to interfere with the division process of cancer cells, thereby effectively preventing the growth of tumors.

Existing tumor treatment methods mainly include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, these methods are often accompanied by serious side effects and have limited efficacy on certain types of tumors. With the advancement of technology, new tumor treatment technologies continue to emerge in order to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.

Among them, electric field therapy technology has gradually attracted widespread attention due to its non-invasive and targeted characteristics. Electric field therapy interferes with the mitosis process of cancer cells by applying a specific electric field to achieve the purpose of inhibiting tumor growth. This technology has potential application value for tumors that cannot be effectively treated by traditional methods. Electric field therapy devices are usually composed of multiple electrodes, which are arranged in a specific geometric structure to ensure that the electric field can be evenly distributed in the target tumor area. The design and arrangement of the electrodes directly affect the treatment effect, so in-depth research and optimization are needed in the electrode structure and material selection.

However, existing electric field therapy devices have certain limitations in structural design. For example, the way the electrodes are fixed to the substrate layer, the choice of electrode materials, and the arrangement of the electrode array will affect the distribution effect of the electric field and the comfort of the treatment. Optimizing these structural designs can improve the treatment effect and reduce the discomfort of the patient.

In addition, the electrode materials and insulating layer materials used in existing technologies also have room for improvement in performance. For example, the selection of conductive layer materials needs to take into account both conductivity and biocompatibility; while the insulating layer materials need to have good insulating properties and flexibility to adapt to the curves of the human body and ensure safety and comfort during long-term use. Therefore, the development of new materials and structural designs is the key to improving the efficacy of electric field therapy technology.

Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved tumor electric field treatment device that can overcome the limitations of the existing technology and provide a more effective electric field treatment effect. The purpose of this new device is to improve the uniformity of the electric field distribution in the tumor area and increase the interference effect of the electric field on cancer cells by optimizing the electrode structure design, improving the material selection and improving the overall performance of the device, thereby effectively inhibiting the growth of the tumor. In addition, the new device is also committed to improving the comfort during the treatment process, reducing the patient's discomfort, and ensuring safety during long-term use. Through these improvements, the new device can provide a more advanced and practical tumor electric field treatment device, bringing better treatment options and effects to patients.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors. The electrode patch is intended to overcome the limitations of the prior art and provide a more effective electric field therapy effect.

To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention proposes an embodiment of an electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors, which includes: A conductive layer, serving as a substrate layer; One or more electrode needles, arranged on one side of the conductive layer, forming an electrode needle array; and/or A gel layer, arranged at the base of the electrode needles, when the gel layer contacts a biological tissue, such as a patient's skin, it can improve the stability and fixation of the electrode needles, and has a certain elasticity to reduce the tingling sensation felt by the patient; An insulating layer, arranged on the other side of the conductive layer; and An electrical connection device is disposed on the same side of the insulating layer and electrically connected to the electrode needle; Wherein, the electrode needle can directly contact the biological tissue, such as the patient's skin, to form a good current conduction path. When a current is applied to the electrode needle, the current can directly enter the biological tissue, such as the patient's skin or in vivo tissue, from the electrode needle. The current conduction path is shorter, which reduces resistance loss and improves conduction efficiency.

In one embodiment, the conductive layer of the electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors is made of a conductive polymer material, and the conductive polymer material is a conductive carbon film, polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPy) or conductive polyurethane.

In one embodiment, the gel layer of the electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors is hydrogel, silicone gel, polyacrylic gel or polyurethane gel, preferably silicone gel, and the gel layer can also be replaced by a plastic layer or a rubber layer. When the gel layer contacts the biological tissue, such as the patient's skin, it can not only improve the stability and fixation of the electrode needle, but also has a certain elasticity, which can reduce the tingling sensation felt by the patient. In addition, the provision of the gel layer can also increase the area of the electrode needle in contact with the biological tissue, for example, increasing the area in contact with the patient's skin, thereby improving the current coupling efficiency, reducing resistance loss, and enhancing the treatment effect.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer of the electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors is a non-woven fabric insulating layer, a polyester film insulating layer, a polyester film insulating layer, a polyimide film insulating layer, a silicone insulating layer, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) insulating layer, a plastic insulating layer or a rubber insulating layer.

In one embodiment, the electrical connection device of the electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors is a metal electrode clip, a plug-in connector, a snap-on connector or a magnetic connector.

In one embodiment, the electrode needle array of the electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors is a cross arrangement, a concentric circle arrangement, a square arrangement, a spiral arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, a triangle arrangement or a honeycomb arrangement.

In one embodiment, the frequency of the alternating voltage provided by the electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors through the electrode needle is between 50 kHz and 1 MHz, preferably a medium frequency electric field of 200 kHz.

In one embodiment, the electrode needle of the electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors is conical, cylindrical, square, triangular, elliptical or rhombus-shaped.

In one embodiment, the electrode needle of the electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors is made of stainless steel, titanium, platinum, gold, silver, nickel-chromium alloy, carbon fiber or graphite.

In order to more clearly describe the electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors proposed by the present invention, the following will be accompanied by drawings to explain in detail the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention provides an electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors, as shown in Figures 1 to 4B. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present electrode patch 10. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the electrode patch 10 of Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrode patch 10 includes: a conductive layer 11, serving as a substrate layer; one or more electrode needles 14, disposed on one side of the conductive layer 11 to form an electrode needle array; and/or a gel layer 13, disposed at the base of the electrode needles 14, the gel layer 13 can improve the stability and fixity of the electrode needles 14 when in contact with the skin of a patient, and has a certain elasticity to reduce the tingling sensation felt by the patient; an insulating layer 12, disposed on the other side of the conductive layer 11; and an electrical connection device 15, disposed on the same side of the insulating layer 12, and electrically connected to the electrode needles 14. When current is applied to the electrode needle 14, the current will directly enter the patient's body tissue through the electrode needle 14. The human body tissue has a certain resistance, and the current will generate an electric field in the tissue. This electric field can stimulate nerve endings and produce corresponding physiological reactions. The provision of the gel layer 13 can also increase the contact area between the electrode needle 14 and the patient's skin, thereby improving the coupling efficiency of the current. In addition, the elastic gel layer 13 can reduce mechanical stimulation during use and improve the comfort of the patient.

In addition, the conductive layer 11 can be made of a conductive polymer material, such as a conductive carbon film, polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPy) or conductive polyurethane. The gel layer 13 can be various biocompatible and/or conductive hydrogels or non-hydrogels, such as silicone gel, polyacrylic gel or polyurethane gel. The insulating layer 12 can be made of insulating materials such as non-woven fabrics, polyester films, polyimide films, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or rubber. The electrical connection device 15 can be a metal electrode clip, a plug-in or snap-on connector, or a magnetic connector with electromagnetic adsorption function.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4A-4B schematically show several forms of the electrode needle 14 in the novel electrode patch 10, and several possible arrangements of the electrode needle 14. As shown in Fig. 3, the electrode needle (14, 14') itself has a conical and cylindrical shape. In addition, the electrode needle can also have a cross-section of various geometric shapes such as square, triangle, ellipse or diamond (not shown) to meet different clinical needs. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the electrode needles 14 in the novel electrode patch 10 can be in a cross-shaped or concentric circle-shaped electrode needle array. In addition, the electrode needles 14 can also be arranged in different patterns such as square, spiral, rectangular, triangular or honeycomb to form different electrode needle arrays to meet different clinical needs and achieve the best treatment effect. In addition, the material of the electrode needles 14 can be selected from materials with good conductivity, biocompatibility and mechanical strength such as stainless steel, titanium, platinum, gold, silver, nickel-chromium alloy, carbon fiber or graphite.

The novel electrode patch 10 can output an AC electric field of a specific frequency (e.g., 50 kHz to 1 MHz, more commonly 100-500 kHz, preferably 200 kHz) and strength (e.g., 1-3 V/cm) into the patient's body through the electrode needles 14, and is used to inhibit the growth of various solid tumors (e.g., oral cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma, etc.). When in use, the electrode needle array is inserted or attached to the skin around or near the tumor site of the patient, the electrical connection device 15 is connected to a power supply device, and then the electrode needle array is energized to generate a local electric field, interfering with the mitosis process of tumor cells, resulting in apoptosis or growth inhibition. Among them, the gel layer 13 can increase the conductivity and stability of the needle body and the skin, reducing discomfort; the insulating layer 12 can prevent leakage and protect other parts of the tissue; the electrical connection device 15 is connected to the power supply device (external power source) to control the treatment parameters such as voltage, current and pulse frequency.

Compared with traditional cancer treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the electric field therapy for tumors applied by the new electrode patch 10 has the advantages of being minimally invasive, repeatable, and having few side effects. At the same time, the therapy acts directly on tumor cells through a physical mechanism, which can avoid problems such as drug tolerance. The new electrode patch 10 has a simple structure and is easy to operate. It can fit the skin tightly and locally apply a high-intensity electric field. Combined with the protective effect of the gel layer, it can further improve the effectiveness and safety of electric field therapy for tumors. This new type of electrode patch expands its scope of application by further optimizing the material, needle arrangement, and electrical parameter control of the electrode patch, thereby promoting the clinical popularization of electric field physical therapy for tumors.

In summary, this novel electrode patch with a novel multi-layer structure is used as a key device for electric field therapy of tumors. Through the synergistic effect of its conductive layer, electrode needle array, gel layer, etc., it can efficiently, safely, and flexibly output specific electric fields to patients, inhibit the growth of various solid tumors, and improve the prognosis of cancer patients. Therefore, it has broad application prospects. In addition, with the development of technologies such as nanomaterials, flexible electronics, and precision medicine, this new electrode patch can be continuously upgraded and optimized, and combined with conventional therapies such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, it will eventually become an important component of cancer treatment.

Furthermore, FIG5 schematically shows a block diagram of the system structure and working principle of the electrode patch 10 for electric field therapy of tumors. As shown in the figure, the system is mainly composed of the electrode patch 10, the power supply device 20 and the biological tissue to be treated 30. The electrical connection device 15 is electrically connected to the electrode needle 14 and is connected to the external power supply device 20, and the power supply device 20 provides the required AC electric field to the electrode patch 10.

When in use, the electrode needle 14 of the electrode patch 10 is inserted into or attached to the biological tissue 30, such as the skin around or near the tumor site of the patient. The power supply device 20 provides an AC electric field to the electrode patch 10 through the electrical connection device 15. The frequency of the AC electric field is between 50 kHz and 1 MHz, preferably 200 kHz. The strength of the AC electric field is 1-3 V/cm, which is used to inhibit the growth of solid tumors (such as oral cancer, breast cancer, glioblastoma, etc.).

Electric field therapy interferes with the mitosis process of tumor cells, leading to apoptosis or growth inhibition of tumor cells. In addition, the new electrode patch 10 can further include a conductive layer, which can be made of a conductive polymer material, such as a conductive carbon film; a gel layer, which can increase the conductivity and stability of the electrode needle 14 and the biological tissue 30, reducing discomfort; and an insulating layer, which can prevent leakage and protect other parts of the tissue. This electric field therapy method has the advantages of being non-invasive, highly targeted and having few side effects. Compared with traditional surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the electrode patch 10 provided by the present invention can effectively improve the safety and efficacy of tumor treatment.

The above description has completely and clearly described the electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors of the present invention. It must be emphasized that the above detailed description is a specific description of the feasible implementation example of the present invention, but the implementation example is not used to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent implementation or modification that does not deviate from the technical spirit of the present invention should be included in the patent scope of this case.

10: Electrode patch 11: Conductive layer 12: Insulating layer 13: Gel layer 14: Electrode needle 14’: Electrode needle 15: Electrical connection device 20: Power supply equipment 30: Biological tissue

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a novel electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the novel electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors, that is, an exploded view of each component in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the geometric shape of the novel electrode needle; Figures 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of the arrangement of the novel electrode needle array; and Figure 5 is a block diagram of the novel electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors.

10: Electrode patch

11: Conductive layer

12: Insulation layer

13: Gel layer

14: Electrode needle

15: Electrical connection device

Claims (10)

An electrode patch for electric field therapy of tumors, comprising:         a conductive layer as a substrate layer; one or more electrode needles, arranged on one side of the conductive layer to form an electrode needle array; and/or a gel layer, arranged on the base of the electrode needles, the gel layer can improve the stability and fixation of the electrode needles when in contact with a biological tissue; an insulating layer, arranged on the other side of the conductive layer; and an electrical connection device, arranged on the same side of the insulating layer and electrically connected to the electrode needles; Among them, the electrode needle can directly contact the biological tissue to form a good current conduction path. When the current is applied to the electrode needle, the resistance loss can be reduced and the conduction efficiency can be improved. An electrode patch as described in claim 1, wherein the conductive layer is made of a conductive polymer material, and the conductive polymer material is a conductive carbon film, polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPy) or conductive polyurethane. The electrode patch as described in claim 1, wherein the gel layer is hydrogel, silicone gel, polyacrylic gel or polyurethane gel. The electrode patch as described in claim 1, wherein the insulating layer is a non-woven fabric insulating layer, a polyester film insulating layer, a polyester film insulating layer, a polyimide film insulating layer, a silicone insulating layer, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) insulating layer, a plastic insulating layer or a rubber insulating layer. An electrode patch as described in claim 1, wherein the electrical connection device is a metal electrode clip, a plug-in connector, a snap-on connector or a magnetic connector. An electrode patch as described in claim 1, wherein the electrode needle array is a cross arrangement, a concentric circle arrangement, a square arrangement, a spiral arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, a triangular arrangement or a honeycomb arrangement. An electrode patch as described in claim 1, wherein the frequency of the alternating voltage provided by the electrode patch through the electrode needle is between 50 kHz and 1 MHz. An electrode patch as described in claim 1, wherein the alternating voltage provided by the electrode patch through the electrode needle has a medium frequency electric field with a frequency of 200 kHz. An electrode patch as described in claim 1, wherein the electrode needle is conical, cylindrical, square, triangular, elliptical or rhombus-shaped. The electrode patch as described in claim 1, wherein the electrode needle is made of stainless steel, titanium, platinum, gold, silver, nickel-chromium alloy, carbon fiber or graphite.

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