Temperature Measurement in Arrays for Delivering TTFields

Abstract

TTFields therapy is a proven approach for treating tumors using electric fields. This application describes systems and methods for measuring the temperature at the electrode elements of the transducer arrays that are used to apply the TTFields to a subject. A distal circuit is positioned adjacent to each transducer array, and the distal circuit interfaces with temperature sensors in the transducer array to obtain temperature readings. Those temperature readings are transmitted to a central hub. In some embodiments, temperature measurements from all of the distal circuits occur simultaneously.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A subassembly for use together with an AC signal generator for imposing electric fields through a target region in a subject's body, the subassembly comprising:
 a plurality of capacitively coupled electrode elements configured for placement against the subject's body;   a substrate configured to hold the plurality of capacitively coupled electrode elements against the subject's body;   a plurality of temperature sensors positioned to sense temperatures at respective ones of the plurality of capacitively coupled electrode elements, each of the temperature sensors having a respective output; and   a first connector having a first terminal that is electrically connected to the plurality of capacitively coupled electrode elements and a plurality of second terminals, each of which is electrically connected to a respective output of the plurality of temperature sensors,   wherein the first connector is disposed on the substrate.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the temperature sensors comprises a thermistor.