Self-contained Irradiation Device for Prolonged Low-fluence PDT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photodynamic therapy (PDT) methods for treating cervical cancer and other conditions affecting the female reproductive tract are time-consuming, inconvenient for patients, and have limited clinical efficacy, requiring multiple visits to a medical facility and prolonged waiting times between photosensitizer application and illumination.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained irradiation device with an LED lamp system and power source for insertion into the body orifice, allowing independent operation and prolonged low-fluence rate illumination, reducing patient discomfort and improving treatment efficacy by enabling continuous photodynamic therapy during daily activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional PDT methods are used with external light sources, then treatment can be provided in a clinical setting, but patients must return repeatedly and wait prolonged periods between photosensitizer application and illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, power supply, and control circuitry into an integrated handheld device that can be inserted into the body orifice. This merging of components enables the device to operate independently without requiring external power sources or light delivery systems, allowing patients to receive continuous treatment during daily activities and eliminating the need for repeated clinical visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-contained with an internal power source that provides autonomous operation. The device can be inserted by a healthcare provider and then operates independently, allowing patients to self-manage treatment during their daily routines without requiring continuous clinical supervision or repeated hospital visits.
2Loss of time
If high fluence rate illumination is used for shorter duration, then treatment time is reduced, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a control circuit that enables dynamic adjustment of the LED illumination parameters, including fluence rate and treatment duration. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize treatment parameters based on patient tolerance and treatment requirements, providing lower fluence rates over extended periods to minimize discomfort while achieving therapeutic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing flexible adjustment of illumination intensity and duration. The device can deliver light at varying fluence rates, enabling treatment protocols that use lower intensities over longer periods rather than high intensities for short durations, thereby reducing patient discomfort while maintaining treatment efficacy.
3Reliability
If multiple visits to medical facility are required for PDT treatment, then treatment can be monitored and adjusted, but patient inconvenience and treatment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables preliminary application of the photosensitizer followed by insertion of the self-contained illumination device. This preliminary action allows the treatment to begin immediately after insertion, eliminating the need for patients to return for subsequent illumination steps. The device remains in place to provide continuous or intermittent illumination over the required treatment period, ensuring treatment monitoring can be done during the initial insertion.
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 enhances treatment efficacy and comfort by allowing prolonged, low-fluence rate illumination over several hours, reducing patient discomfort and improving treatment outcomes for cervical cancer and other conditions, while minimizing disruption to the patient's routine.
Implementation Method 1
a lamp system comprising at least one LED
Implementation Method 2
When illuminated at a suitable wavelength the photosensitizer or 'PDT drug' reacts with tissue oxygen to form oxygen radicals that interact with cellular organelles including the mitochondria and cell membranes. These interactions cause cell necrosis or apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Data Source
AI summary
An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body for providing photodynamic therapy or diagnosis comprises: a housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 adapted to be fully inserted and secured in the orifice, the housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 enclosing an LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72 and a power source 41, 68, 78, for powering the LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72, wherein the device is independently operational while located within the orifice.