Catheter Point Source Treatment Fiber Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapeutic illumination technologies lack effective methods for irradiating catheters and biological fluids within patients to prevent bacterial growth and infection, particularly in luminal pathways where traditional disinfection methods are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic illumination assembly comprising a catheter with a point source treatment fiber that includes a plurality of light emitting point sources positioned along its length, which irradiate the catheter and surrounding tissues to disinfect and prevent bacterial growth, using light emitting diodes or laser diodes that emit light within specific wavelengths to effectively sterilize the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disinfection methods are used on catheters, then the disinfection process is simple, but the effectiveness is inadequate for preventing bacterial growth in luminal pathways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the catheter structure with integrated light-emitting components (LEDs or laser diodes) positioned within the luminal pathway, merging the disinfection function directly into the catheter system to ensure effective irradiation of biological fluids and internal surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination assembly serves multiple functions: it provides therapeutic illumination, disinfects the catheter luminal pathway, and prevents bacterial growth in biological fluids simultaneously, making the system versatile for various catheter applications
2Area of stationary object
If light emitting point sources are positioned along the treatment length, then irradiation coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment fiber is segmented into multiple light-emitting point sources positioned at intervals along the treatment length, with each segment independently emitting light to ensure comprehensive coverage of the catheter luminal pathway and surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment fiber acts as an intermediary component that delivers light from external light sources to multiple positions along the catheter, using optical coupling to distribute illumination effectively throughout the luminal pathway
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 solution provides thorough disinfection of catheters and biological fluids, reducing bacterial contamination and infection risks by ensuring consistent irradiation along the catheter length, thereby enhancing patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
using light emitting diodes or laser diodes that emit light within specific wavelengths to effectively sterilize the area
Implementation Method 2
using light emitting diodes or laser diodes that emit light within specific wavelengths to effectively sterilize the area
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of light emitting point sources intermittently positioned along a treatment length of the point source treatment fiber such that the plurality of light emitting point sources irradiate the catheter when the plurality of light emitting point sources emit light
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic illumination assembly includes a catheter and a point source treatment fiber. The catheter comprises a catheter wall encircling a luminal fluid pathway. The point source treatment fiber is positioned within the luminal fluid pathway of the catheter. Further, the point source treatment fiber comprises a plurality of light emitting point sources intermittently positioned along a treatment length of the point source treatment fiber such that the plurality of light emitting point sources irradiate the catheter when the plurality of light emitting point sources emit light.