Balloon Catheter Light Scattering for Bladder Tumor Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light treatment systems for the bladder are inadequate for effectively treating tumors in the lower part of the bladder due to difficulty in detection and incomplete treatment, as the rigid endoscope obstructs access and existing systems struggle to uniformly irradiate this area.
Innovation Solution
A light treatment system comprising a probe with an optical fiber and a dilatable balloon catheter that uses air bubbles in a liquid to scatter light, allowing for adjustable light distribution and improved irradiation of the lower bladder region by generating and controlling air bubbles within the balloon catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid endoscope is inserted into the bladder for observation and tumor removal, then the upper part of the bladder can be observed and treated, but the lower part of the bladder cannot be effectively accessed or treated due to obstruction by the endoscope
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment system divides the bladder into different treatment zones by using multiple light sources positioned at different locations within the balloon, allowing simultaneous treatment of upper and lower regions without obstruction from a single rigid endoscope
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point rigid endoscope approach to a distributed multi-point light source arrangement within an expandable balloon, adding spatial dimensions for light emission from multiple angles and locations simultaneously
2Illumination intensity
If treatment light is emitted forward from a light emitter in the balloon, then the upper part of the bladder can be irradiated, but the lower part of the bladder receives insufficient light due to poor light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the balloon are equipped with different light source configurations and scattering medium distributions, creating locally optimized light fields for treating specific bladder regions with appropriate intensity and distribution characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts light distribution by controlling the expansion state of the balloon and the distribution of scattering medium, allowing adaptation of light patterns to match the anatomical geometry and treatment requirements of different bladder regions
3Illumination intensity
If a scattering medium including fat emulsion is used in the balloon, then light can be scattered to reach lower parts of the bladder, but the light distribution remains non-uniform and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms to monitor light distribution patterns and adjust scattering medium properties or light source parameters in real-time, enabling precise control of light penetration and distribution throughout the bladder
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite scattering media combining multiple materials with different optical properties, allowing fine-tuning of scattering characteristics to achieve uniform light distribution while maintaining the ability to reach deep and lower bladder regions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables precise and uniform light irradiation of the bladder, facilitating effective treatment of tumors in the lower bladder region by adjusting air bubble size and concentration to optimize light distribution, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber configured to propagate light
Implementation Method 2
The treatment light is thereby scattered and not only the upper part of the bladder, but also the lower part of the bladder is able to be irradiated with the treatment light
Data Source
AI summary
A light treatment system includes: a probe configured to be inserted into a body cavity, the probe including an optical fiber configured to propagate light, and a light emitter that is provided at a distal end of the optical fiber, the emitter being configured to emit the light; a balloon catheter into which the probe is inserted, the balloon catheter including a distal end portion that is to be inserted into the body cavity and that is to be dilated by being supplied with a liquid including air bubbles; and an air bubble generator configured to generate the air bubbles to be included in the liquid and change a property of the air bubbles.