Laser Therapy Diffusing Tip with Gradient Scattering Medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light diffusing tips for surgical and therapeutic procedures face challenges in achieving uniform light distribution and controlling heat retention, leading to potential tissue damage and incomplete tumor treatment due to uneven illumination and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
A diffusing tip design comprising three mediums with different refracting characteristics, including a filling, a coating, and an insert, which scatter and deflect light to achieve uniform illumination profiles and reduce heat retention, allowing for controlled light diffusion and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If scattering particles are embedded throughout the diffusing tip to change light direction and distribution, then light can be scattered through the diffusing tip, but most light is scattered immediately adjacent the light emitting section resulting in uneven distribution of light along the length and width of the diffusing tip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the concentration of scattering particles along the length of the diffusing tip. The concentration is highest at the proximal end and decreases toward the distal end, creating different scattering properties in different sections. This gradient distribution ensures that light is scattered more strongly near the light source and less strongly toward the distal end, achieving uniform light distribution along the tip.
2Illumination intensity
If a mirror or reflective element is placed at the distal end of the diffusing tip to reflect light back for further diffusion, then light diffusion is improved, but light cannot exit the distal end and the reflective element absorbs energy creating a hot spot that may char or vaporize adjacent tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the harmful reflective element (mirror) from the distal end of the diffusing tip. Instead of reflecting light back which creates heat accumulation and potential tissue damage, the design allows light to exit naturally through the distal end. The uniform scattering particle concentration gradient achieves sufficient light diffusion without the need for a reflective element, thereby eliminating the hot spot problem.
3Illumination intensity
If continuously increasing concentration of scattering particles is used to increase light scattering power in direction parallel to central axis, then light scattering is improved, but heat retention increases in the outer layers of the diffusing tip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a decreasing concentration gradient of scattering particles from proximal to distal end, rather than an increasing gradient. This reversal allows the proximal end (where light enters) to have high scattering power, while the distal end has lower scattering power and thus lower heat retention, solving both light distribution and thermal management issues.
4Illumination intensity
If discontinuous sections of scattering medium with increased scattering power are used along the length of the tip, then uniform scattering power is attempted, but there are no smooth transitions between scattering mediums and sections may have uneven interface angles preventing uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by continuously varying the concentration of scattering particles along the length of the diffusing tip, creating a smooth gradient transition rather than discontinuous sections. This continuous parameter change eliminates abrupt interfaces and ensures uniform light distribution without manufacturing challenges associated with joining discrete sections.
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 design provides a substantially uniform light distribution and reduced heat retention, enabling effective tissue treatment with minimized risk of tissue damage and ensuring complete tumor destruction while maintaining high optical energy radiation values.
Implementation Method 1
light scattering particles embedded in a base material
Implementation Method 2
The insert is preferably a transparent material, such as glass, and the outer surface of the insert may have micro-abrasions that diffuse light
Implementation Method 3
the apparatus is preferably designed to act as its own heat sink, wherein heat retained by light scattering particles is dissipated by sections of glass and sections having lower concentrations of light scattering particles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides devices and methods of manufacture related to transmitting light to a target site for diffusion Techniques are provided which allow accurate control of the illumination profile with a diffuser tip design which is easily producible, relatively inexpensive, and provides variations to obtain desired illumination profiles. This is achieved by using at least two light scattering mediums having a shape defined by an insert. The dimensions, light scattering properties, and number of such light scattering mediums may be selected individually or collectively to selectively control the illumination profile. In addition, the insert allows for other beneficial design features, such as a reduced heat retention, easily controlled and refined light scattering medium interfaces, and a smaller cross-sectional diameter than is typically achievable with other techniques. The resulting light transmission and diffusion apparatus is operable with a high efficiency, highly predictable illumination profile, and ease of use.