Curved Cupula PDT Device for Precise Light Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photodynamic therapy (PDT) systems face challenges in effectively delivering light to target areas while minimizing damage to healthy tissue, particularly in treating ocular conditions such as corneal and scleral infections, where precise wavelength delivery and tissue protection are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A portable PDT device with a cupula structured member having a radius of curvature, housing multiple light sources that emit wavelengths corresponding to the excitation peaks of photosensitizers, focusing light to a focal point to target infected tissues while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues, and a controller to manage light emission and ensure precise treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a portable PDT device with a cupula structured member and multiple light sources is used, then light can be focused to a focal point to target infected tissues, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cupula structured member is designed with a curved surface having a specific radius of curvature that focuses light from multiple sources to a single focal point on the cornea, enabling precise light delivery without complex optical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the light source into multiple discrete LED elements distributed across the cupula surface, each contributing to the focused light delivery while allowing independent control and simplified manufacturing
2Reliability
If multiple light sources emitting specific wavelengths are used to excite photosensitizers, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple LED light sources with different wavelengths (e.g., 375nm, 405nm, 450nm, 500nm, 630nm) that can be independently controlled to match the excitation peaks of different photosensitizers, enabling effective treatment while using standard LED manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The cupula structure serves multiple functions: it houses the light sources, provides the focusing geometry, and can be positioned at different distances from the cornea, reducing the need for separate optical components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If light is focused to a focal point to target infected tissues, then damage to healthy tissue is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved cupula surface with specific radius of curvature acts as a passive focusing element that concentrates light energy at the focal point on the cornea, minimizing scattering and reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue without requiring active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The cupula structure itself performs the focusing function through its geometric design, eliminating the need for additional lenses, mirrors, or active alignment mechanisms
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 enables targeted and controlled delivery of light to infected tissues, reducing antimicrobial resistance concerns and improving patient compliance by allowing office-based treatments with reduced risk to healthy tissues and minimal side effects.
Implementation Method 1
The cupula structured member having a radius of curvature... focusing light to a focal point to target infected tissues
Implementation Method 2
light sources that emit wavelengths corresponding to the excitation peaks of photosensitizers
Implementation Method 3
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of light to excite a photosensitizing chemical substance, which produces reactive molecular oxygen radicals to elicit cell death
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an improved photodynamic therapy device are provided. An example of the device includes an irradiation head having a first end and a surface at a second end, the surface having a radius of curvature. The device also includes a plurality of light sources disposed on the curved surface. The plurality of light sources are configured to emit light having at least one wavelength corresponding approximately to an excitation peak of at least one photosensitizer. The light emitted by the plurality of light sources is focused to a focal point based on the radius of curvature of the surface and a target surface (e.g., a corneal surface of an eye) may be positioned at the focal point for treatment.