Catheter Light Coupling Adapter for Photodynamic Therapy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for interactive interstitial photodynamic or photothermal therapy and diagnosis face challenges such as the need for multiple access points, costly sterilization of optical fibers, and inefficiencies in delivering agents to tissues, leading to increased risk of infection and bleeding.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a proximal end adapter for a catheter with a light guide and optical connector, allowing for easy connection and disconnection of optical fibers, and a supply mechanism for agents, which includes a sleeve for iontophoretic delivery, reducing the number of access points and improving sterility and agent delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibres are directly interstitially inserted into the tissue, then light transmission for therapy and diagnosis is achieved, but sterilization costs increase and optical qualities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the optical fiber into two separate parts: a reusable connector portion that remains outside the tissue and a disposable interstitial portion that is inserted into the tissue. This segmentation allows the connector to be sterilized and reused while the interstitial portion is discarded after single use, preventing optical quality deterioration from repeated sterilization cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The interstitial portion of the optical fiber is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is inserted into the tissue and then discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for repeated sterilization of the fiber itself, preserving optical qualities while maintaining sterility requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points are created for fiber insertion and agent delivery, then therapy and diagnosis functions are enabled, but risk of infection and bleeding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions through a single access point: it provides light transmission for both therapy and diagnosis, enables agent delivery through the catheter, and allows for fluid drainage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate access points for each function, reducing infection and bleeding risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the optical fiber, catheter for agent delivery, and drainage functionality into a single integrated adapter assembly that accesses the tissue through one puncture site. This merging of functions into a single access point minimizes trauma to the patient and reduces infection risk.
3Reliability
If optical fibres are sterilized between treatments, then sterility is maintained, but cost increases and optical qualities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber system is segmented into a reusable connector that requires sterilization and a disposable interstitial portion that is discarded after single use. This allows the expensive, optically sensitive connector to be protected from sterilization damage while maintaining sterility through the disposable portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The interstitial portion of the optical fiber is designed as a low-cost, single-use component that is discarded after one treatment. This eliminates the cumulative cost and optical quality deterioration associated with repeatedly sterilizing the entire fiber, while maintaining sterility requirements through proper disposal.
4Ease of operation
If additional syringes are used for drug delivery, then agent supply is enabled, but patient inconvenience and harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both light transmission capabilities and a catheter system for agent delivery through the same access point. This eliminates the need for additional syringe insertions, reducing patient harm and inconvenience while maintaining full therapeutic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the optical fiber for light delivery and the catheter for drug delivery into a single integrated adapter assembly that accesses the tissue through one puncture site. This combination allows simultaneous or sequential light therapy and agent delivery without requiring additional access points or repeated needle insertions.
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 enhances flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and user safety by minimizing access points, reducing the risk of infection, and enabling efficient delivery of therapeutic agents through iontophoresis, while maintaining effective light transmission for therapy and diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation conductor, such as a light guide in the form of an optical fibre, for transmitting light between said tissue and said apparatus
Implementation Method 2
an iontophoretic technique could be used for improved transportation into the relevant tissue. Here, an electric current is generated by means of electrodes arranged in a suitable arrangement and the agent is transported with the current in dependence of the ionic properties of the agent
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A system configured for photodynamic or photothermal therapy and photodynamic diagnosis of a tissue is 5 disclosed. The system comprises in combination an assembly of: a proximal end adapter for a catheter comprising an adapter body (32), having proximal and distal ends, defining an axial lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, a catheter mounting element at the distal end 10 of the adapter body (32) for sealingly mounting a catheter to the adapter body, and a hollow catheter (31), wherein the catheter mounting element connects a catheter body to the hollow catheter so that the hollow catheter extends from the distal end of the catheter body; a first light 15 guide (36) having proximal and distal ends, wherein said first light guide is sealingly contained in said axial lumen defining an axial optical path extending between the proximal and distal ends of the adapter body (32) towards said tissue (8) and into close proximity thereof or 20 interstitially into said tissue; an optical connector mounting element at the proximal end having mounted an optical connector (37) to the adapter body, and wherein said optical connector (37) is coupled o to a light source via a second light guide (38), such that light from said 25 light source is transmittable from said light source via said second light guide (38) and further via said optical connector (37) to said first light guide (36) via said proximal end adapter towards said tissue (8) through said catheter (31).