Endoscopic Catheter Light Delivery for Lesion Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for treating lesions left after removing growths, such as cysts or tumors, often face challenges with post-operative bleeding, perforation, and stricture formation, and existing treatments can be time and cost prohibitive while being inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using an endoscopic device with a catheter that includes an expandable device and a light source, applied through a working channel of an endoscope, to deliver light to a lesion after applying a photosensitizer, which helps in treating the lesion effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical procedures are used to remove growths, then the growths can be removed, but post-operative bleeding, perforation, and stricture formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies photodynamic therapy where a photosensitizer is first applied to the tissue, then activated by light to produce cytotoxic effects that destroy abnormal cells and promote tissue healing. This converts the potentially harmful light into a beneficial treatment mechanism that addresses post-operative complications without causing them
Solution Approach 2:
The photosensitizer acts as an intermediary substance between the light source and the tissue. It absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy that triggers the therapeutic effect, enabling precise treatment of the lesion while protecting surrounding healthy tissue from direct light exposure
2Reliability
If present treatment methods are used, then lesions can be treated, but the treatment is time and cost prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment process is segmented into distinct steps: applying the photosensitizer, positioning the catheter, activating with light, and allowing tissue healing. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, reducing overall treatment time while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The photosensitizer is applied to the tissue before the light activation step. This preliminary action prepares the tissue to respond specifically to the light, ensuring that when the light is applied, the effect is immediate and concentrated on the target lesion rather than requiring prolonged exposure or multiple treatment sessions
3Reliability
If present treatment methods are used, then lesions can be treated, but the treatment is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system allows light to be delivered precisely to the target lesion through the working channel of the endoscope. The photosensitizer is applied locally to the lesion area, and the light activation is confined to the specific region where the catheter tip contacts the tissue, ensuring high treatment precision and adequacy without affecting surrounding healthy tissue
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
This approach provides targeted and effective treatment of lesions, enhancing tissue strength and reducing the risk of complications like bleeding and stricture formation, as demonstrated by increased tensile strength in treated tissue samples.
Implementation Method 1
applying light to the photosensitizer using the light source to treat the lesion
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for performing a treatment of a lesion within a subject using an endoscopic device. The endoscopic device comprises an endoscope and a catheter. The endoscope is configured to be inserted into the subject and includes a working channel. The catheter is configured to pass through the working channel of the endoscope. The catheter further comprises a sheath, an expandable device, and a light source. The sheath has a lumen and the expandable device may include an inflatable balloon. The light source is configured to be controllable through the lumen of the sheath. The light source is configured to selectively apply light to the lesion within the subject when the endoscope is inserted into the subject.