Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices for Deep Tissue Light Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light-based therapeutic and diagnostic procedures are limited by the shallow penetration of light in turbid tissues like skin, leading to inadequate treatment of deep-seated conditions such as cancer and cosmetic issues, due to photon scattering and absorption, resulting in pain and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
Development of minimally invasive fiberoptic microneedle devices (FMDs) that physically penetrate tissue with extremely small, stabilized microneedles to deliver light directly to target areas, overcoming the turbid skin barrier and enhancing light penetration depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If light is delivered through the skin surface for photothermal therapy, then the treatment can be performed non-invasively, but the penetration depth is limited to a few millimeters due to scattering and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces microneedles as intermediary structures that physically penetrate the skin barrier to deliver optical fibers directly to target tissues. These microneedles serve as mediators between the external light source and deep tissue targets, bypassing the scattering and absorption limitations of surface-level light delivery while maintaining a minimally invasive approach
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the light delivery system into multiple discrete optical fibers, each housed within individual microneedles. This segmentation allows multiple light delivery channels to be inserted simultaneously through the skin surface, collectively achieving deep tissue penetration that would be impossible with a single surface-delivered beam
2Length of stationary object
If conventional laser-based therapies are used for deep tissue treatment, then the treatment can address deep-seated conditions, but the procedures are painful and cause collateral tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by delivering light energy through individually positioned optical fibers at the precise location of the target tissue. Each optical fiber can be independently controlled to deliver light only to the specific deep tissue target, avoiding the diffuse energy distribution and collateral damage characteristic of conventional surface laser therapies
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical penetration approach (laser ablation through skin) with a minimally invasive microneedle insertion method. The microneedles mechanically penetrate the skin barrier to deliver optical fibers, but this mechanical penetration occurs at a controlled, minimally invasive level compared to the thermal-mechanical damage of conventional laser therapies
3Length of stationary object
If optical fibers are used to penetrate skin tissue, then light delivery to deep targets is enabled, but the fibers are flexible and difficult to stabilize during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining rigid microneedle structures with flexible optical fibers. The microneedles are formed from rigid materials that provide mechanical stability and resistance to buckling during insertion, while the flexible optical fibers housed within maintain their flexibility for light transmission. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between fiber flexibility and stabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a nested structure where the flexible optical fiber is housed within the rigid microneedle. The optical fiber is positioned inside the microneedle lumen, with the microneedle providing an external stabilizing framework. This nesting arrangement allows the inner optical fiber to remain protected and stabilized by the outer rigid microneedle structure
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 FMDs allow for more precise and effective light-based treatments with reduced pain and collateral damage, improving the treatment of deep tissues and tumors, as well as enhancing diagnostic capabilities by enabling deeper light penetration and broader drug delivery in tissues.
Implementation Method 1
Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue and deliver light directly into the target area below the skin surface
Implementation Method 2
minimally-invasive Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging and therapeutics. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide minimally-invasive Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue and deliver light directly into the target area below the skin surface. Embodiments of the invention enable depth-selective and deep photothermal therapeutics and include methods of treating cancer, methods of re-shaping or removing adipose tissue, and methods of delivering drugs or co-delivering drugs and energy to selected tissue.