Endoscopic UVC Light Source With Bandpass Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating bacterial infections in internal tissues using antibiotics often result in adverse side effects and the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, while existing ultraviolet light devices lack control and safety to prevent cancerous cell growth.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic device utilizing a source of UVC light with a peak irradiance of 222 nm, integrated with an attenuating element such as a band pass filter or dopant to restrict transmission above 235 nm, allowing for localized and safe eradication of pathogens within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If broad ranging ultraviolet light (UVA, UVB, UVC) is used to eradicate bacterial infections, then the effectiveness against pathogens is improved, but the risk of altering DNA and causing cancerous cell growth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a bandpass filter to allow only specific wavelengths (220-230 nm) of UVC light to pass through to the tissue, while blocking other wavelengths. This creates a localized spectral quality that maintains pathogen eradication effectiveness while eliminating carcinogenic effects associated with broader UV spectra
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the ultraviolet light from broad-ranging UVA/UVB/UVC to a specific narrow band at 220-230 nm. This parameter change is achieved through the bandpass filter and allows the light to maintain antimicrobial effectiveness while removing DNA-damaging capabilities
2Reliability
If oral or intravenous antibiotics are used to eradicate localized bacteria, then the effectiveness against infections is improved, but adverse side effects and antibiotic resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antimicrobial action from systemic antibiotic administration and localizes it to the specific infected tissue site using endoscopic delivery of targeted UVC light. This extraction eliminates the need for systemic antibiotics and their associated side effects while maintaining localized effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the chemical mechanism of antibiotics with a physical mechanism (targeted UVC light irradiation). This substitution eliminates antibiotic resistance development and adverse side effects while maintaining infection eradication effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If existing ultraviolet light devices are used to irradiate infected internal tissue, then the ability to treat localized infections is improved, but the lack of control and safety mechanisms increases the risk of harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including a controller that regulates the UVC light source based on detected parameters, ensuring safe and effective treatment. The system monitors and adjusts light delivery to prevent harmful effects while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bandpass filter as an intermediary element between the UVC light source and the tissue. This intermediary selectively transmits only safe wavelengths (220-230 nm) while blocking harmful wavelengths, providing automatic spectral control and safety
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 device provides effective and safe treatment of bacterial and viral infections without the adverse effects of antibiotics, reducing the risk of cancerous cell growth and minimizing antibiotic resistance by delivering precise UVC light to infected areas.
Implementation Method 1
A source of UVC light providing a peak irradiation of about 222 nm is integrated with at least one of the probes
Implementation Method 2
An attenuating element attenuates irradiation above about 235 nm and is located in a path of UVC light generated by the source of UVC light
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic irradiation device for inactivating pathogens is disclosed. The device includes a control element and a probe that is directed by the control element. A source of UVC light providing a peak irradiation of about 222 nm is integrated with at least one of the probes and the control element. An attenuating element attenuates irradiation above about 235 nm is located in a path of UVC light generated by the source of UVC light. The attenuating element is integrated with at least one of said medical probe and said control element. In one embodiment, attenuating element takes the form of a band pass filter placed between the source of UVC light and biological tissue being irradiated by the UVC light. Alternatively, the attenuating element is a dopant disposed within a crystalline structure of a light emitting diode that restricts or attenuates transmission above about 235 nm.