Light Applicator With LED And Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light applicators for photodynamic therapy (PDT) are complex, expensive, and have limited penetration depth due to the use of thin, pliable laser fibre optics that do not provide isotropic illumination.
Innovation Solution
A minimal-invasive light applicator with a rigid, semi-flexible, or flexible insertion section featuring a miniaturized LED at the distal end, which generates therapy light in situ, and a thick electrical lead for efficient heat dissipation, allowing for isotropic spatial illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thin laser fibre optic is used for light delivery, then the insertion section can be made minimal-invasive, but the light coupling is highly distal rather than isotropic and penetration depth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical fibre-based light delivery system with a rigid insertion section that houses an LED light source. This substitution enables isotropic light emission from the distal end while maintaining minimal-invasive insertion capabilities through the rigid structure's ability to be guided through tissue channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional light delivery (through the length of a flexible fibre) to three-dimensional isotropic illumination (spherically from the distal end). The rigid insertion section with its LED source at the tip enables light to radiate in all directions, providing uniform illumination throughout the targeted tissue volume.
2Ease of operation
If a thin laser fibre optic is used, then the applicator can be flexible and easily guided, but the fibre must be led through a rigid channel guide and cannot be pushed far out without bending
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion section is divided into functional segments: a proximal flexible portion for easy guidance through body channels, and a distal rigid portion for piercing and light delivery. This segmentation allows the proximal end to be flexible and easily manipulated while the distal end maintains rigidity for deep penetration without bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters (rigidity and flexibility) along the length of the insertion section. The proximal portion is designed to be flexible for easy insertion through body channels, while the distal portion transitions to being rigid to maintain its shape during piercing and light delivery, enabling greater penetration depth.
3Illumination intensity
If a rigid insertion section with LED is used, then isotropic illumination is achieved, but heat dissipation becomes a critical issue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal insulation material as an intermediary layer between the LED light source and the surrounding tissue. This thermal insulation layer selectively manages heat by preventing excessive heat transfer to adjacent tissues while allowing the LED to operate at high power for effective photodynamic therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation properties are localized to specific regions around the LED source. The insulation is concentrated where heat generation is highest (around the LED) and decreases radially outward, providing targeted thermal management that protects surrounding tissue from heat damage while maintaining LED performance.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal insulation is provided around the LED, then tissue damage is prevented, but the LED may overheat without sufficient heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal insulation parameters along the longitudinal axis of the insertion section. The thermal insulation is strongest in the distal region around the LED source and progressively decreases toward the proximal end. This gradient allows effective heat blocking near the LED while maintaining heat dissipation pathways proximally, preventing LED overheating.
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 light applicator provides effective, economical, and isotropic illumination for interstitial and percutaneous PDT, with improved penetration depth and reduced tissue damage, enabling the use as a disposable article for single use.
Implementation Method 1
at its distal end comprises an LED
Implementation Method 2
the light applicator in the insertion section is thermally insulated in the radial direction in a manner such that the radial thermal insulation decreases proximally
Implementation Method 3
the light applicator in the insertion section is thermally insulated in the radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A light applicator (5) for examining and/or treating an organic body includes a minimal-invasive, rigid, semi-flexible or flexible insertion section (11) which extends along a longitudinal direction (L) and at its distal end includes an LED (19). The light applicator (5) includes a first electrical lead (61a) for the supply of electricity to the LED (19). The lead extends in the insertion section (11) in the longitudinal direction (L) and there has a cross-sectional area of at least 70% of the cross-sectional area of the light applicator (5). The light applicator (5) in the insertion section (11) is thermally insulated in the radial direction in a manner such that the radial thermal insulation reduces proximally.