Fluid-Scattering Membrane for Uniform Tissue Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-based tissue therapy devices face challenges in achieving uniform illumination within irregularly shaped body cavities, as deformation of flexible membranes used to deliver light can lead to nonuniform light fluence, which is critical for effective treatments like preventing capsular contracture after surgery.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-impermeable, flexible membrane apparatus that expands to fill body cavities, incorporating a light emitter and a scattering fluid to ensure uniform light distribution, along with optional features like a cooling chamber and photoactive substances to prevent capsular contracture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible membrane is used to deliver light into body cavities, then the device can be introduced and expanded to fill irregular cavities, but the membrane deformation leads to nonuniform light fluence distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scattering medium as an intermediary between the light source and the tissue surface. This scattering medium diffuses the light rays, creating more uniform illumination across the tissue surface even when the membrane is deformed. The scattering medium acts as a mediator that decouples the light source from direct contact with the irregular tissue surface, allowing the membrane to conform to cavities while maintaining uniform light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by introducing materials with specific scattering and absorbing properties. By controlling the optical density, scattering coefficient, and absorption coefficient of the materials used in the membrane and scattering medium, the system achieves uniform light fluence distribution despite geometric deformations of the membrane.
2Illumination intensity
If light intensity is increased to improve treatment effectiveness, then therapeutic effect is enhanced, but tissue damage from excessive heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes photoactive substances that undergo chemical changes when exposed to light of specific wavelengths and intensities. These substances are designed to activate at controlled thresholds, allowing effective tissue treatment while preventing excessive heating and damage. The parameter control involves selecting specific wavelength ranges and intensity thresholds that trigger therapeutic effects without causing harmful thermal accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful high-intensity light that could cause heating into beneficial controlled photochemical reactions. By using photoactive substances, the system transforms excessive light energy into specific photochemical transformations that achieve therapeutic effects without the harmful thermal side effects that would occur with direct high-intensity light exposure.
3Illumination intensity
If uniform light distribution is achieved through scattering media, then illumination uniformity is improved, but light absorption by the medium reduces overall light intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the optical parameters of the scattering medium, specifically controlling the balance between scattering coefficient and absorption coefficient. By selecting materials and concentrations that maximize scattering while minimizing absorption, the system achieves uniform light distribution with minimal energy loss. The optical density is carefully tuned to ensure sufficient light transmission while maintaining uniformity.
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 provides substantially uniform illumination to the tissue surface, reducing the risk of capsular contracture and other undesirable healing effects by maintaining consistent light intensity and preventing tissue damage from excessive heating.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid can be selected to scatter light emitted by the light emitter, such that the light intensity or fluence irradiating the interior surface of the membrane and the proximal tissue surface is substantially uniform.
Implementation Method 2
A photoactive substance provided on an outer surface of the membrane, such that the substance is introduced onto or into the tissue surface when the membrane is expanded within the cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus including: a fluid-impermeable membrane configured to contain a fluid and be placed in the cavity; a light emitter provided within the membrane; and a fluid provided within the membrane, wherein the fluid scatters light emitted by the light emitter such that the intensity of the light is substantially uniform over the inner surface of the cavity proximal to the membrane.