Fiber-optic Laser Apparatus for Bladder Tissue Ablation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber-optic medical treatment apparatuses for treating the urinary bladder are not efficient, safe, and reliable, and they often cause pain and discomfort to patients.

Innovation Solution

A fiber-optic medical treatment apparatus that includes a first treatment laser source and a fiber-optic device with a distal end configured to be advanced through a cystoscope into the urinary bladder. The apparatus emits treatment laser radiation at a wavelength between 750 nm and 950 nm, with a peripheral illumination intensity higher than the central illumination intensity, and delivers the laser radiation in short bursts to efficiently ablate tissue while minimizing discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If laser radiation is delivered through the fiber-optic device into the urinary bladder, then treatment efficiency is improved, but tissue damage to the bladder wall may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform illumination pattern where the peripheral region receives higher laser intensity than the central region. This is achieved through specific optical coupling arrangements that direct more energy to the edges of the treatment area, enabling effective ablation of bladder tumors while preserving the central bladder wall tissue and preventing perforation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the fiber-optic device is advanced through the cystoscope into the urinary tract, then treatment capability is improved, but patient discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment capabilityVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by delivering laser radiation in pulsed bursts rather than continuous exposure. This pulsed delivery method allows tissue ablation while providing intervals that reduce thermal accumulation and minimize patient pain and discomfort during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Area of stationary object

If laser radiation is emitted from a distance from the tissue, then treatment of larger tissue areas is improved, but energy attenuation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue treatment areaVSAvoidenergy attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a specific laser wavelength range (750-950 nm) that optimizes the balance between penetration depth and tissue absorption. This wavelength selection enables effective treatment of larger tissue areas from a distance while minimizing energy loss in the surrounding water medium, as this range corresponds to absorption minima for water but maxima for tissue chromophores.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus enables efficient, safe, and reliable treatment of bladder cancer with reduced pain and discomfort, allowing for uniform treatment of larger tissue areas and minimizing the risk of damaging the bladder wall.

Implementation Method 1

a first treatment laser source configured to output first treatment laser radiation for treatment of a medical condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

to optically couple the first treatment laser radiation into the fiber-optic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical coupling: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 3

the tissue to be treated has a relatively high absorption at this wavelength range. In particular lipids have a high absorption in the wavelength range between 900 nm and 950 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

Laser ablation and/or coagulation therapy for bladder cancer is carried out

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 5

to efficiently ablate tissue while minimizing discomfort

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAblation: Ablation

Implementation Method 6

with a peripheral illumination intensity higher than the central illumination intensity, and delivers the laser radiation in short bursts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-uniform illumination:

Data Source

PatentUS20250064518A1Fiber-optic medical treatment apparatus for treatment of a urinary track of a subject

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 OPTHERAS AS

AI summary

Various aspects disclosed herein relate to a fiber-optic medical treatment apparatus for treatment of a urinary tract, in particular of the urinary bladder, of a subject. An illustrative apparatus may include a first treatment laser source and a fiber-optic device including at least one optical fiber; wherein the fiber-optic device has a proximal end and a distal end configured to be advanced through a working channel of a cystoscope into the urinary tract of a subject, wherein the first treatment laser source is configured to output first treatment laser radiation for treatment of a medical condition of the urinary tract and to optically couple the first treatment laser radiation into the fiber-optic device, wherein the apparatus is configured to emit the first treatment laser radiation from the distal end towards tissue of the urinary tract, in particular of the urinary bladder, to be treated.