Reducing electrosensation whilst treating a subject using alternating electric fields
AssigneeNovocure GmbH
InventorKristen W. Carlson
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Abstract
When treating a subject using alternating electric fields (e.g., using TTFields to treat a tumor), some subjects experience an electrosensation effect when the alternating electric field switches direction. This application describes a variety of approaches for reducing or eliminating this electrosensation. More specifically, during the course of treatment using alternating electric fields, additional electrical signals that reduce the subject's sensation are applied during each of a plurality of time intervals, and these additional electrical signals interact with the relevant nerve cells to reduce the sensations.
Claims18
A method of treating a target region of a subject's body with an alternating electric field, the method comprising:
- applying an alternating electric field to the target region during a course of treatment, wherein the alternating electric field has a frequency between 50 kHz and 500 kHz;
- and
- applying an electrical signal to the subject's body during each of a plurality of time intervals during the course of the treatment, wherein the electrical signal is configured to ameliorate a sensation experienced by the subject that is caused by the applying of the alternating electric field.
An apparatus for treating a target region of a subject's body with an alternating electric field, the apparatus comprising:
- an AC voltage generator having a first AC output that operates at a frequency between 50-500 kHz;
- and
- a signal generator configured to generate a first electrical signal during each of a plurality of first times during a course of treatment, wherein the first electrical signal is configured to ameliorate a sensation experienced by the subject that is caused by applying a first alternating electric field to the subject's body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.