Light-Guided Ophthalmic Radiation Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subretinal neovascularization associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other ophthalmic diseases requires an effective therapeutic radiation delivery method to prevent fluid, blood, and lipid leakage, which current technologies fail to address adequately, leading to severe vision loss.
Innovation Solution
An ophthalmic radiation device with a radioactive source holder and treatment wand configured as a light guide, allowing precise placement of a therapeutic dose of radiation near the eyeball, utilizing illumination ports for accurate positioning and minimizing light dissipation through ergonomic design and materials like polycarbonate or polysulfone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radioactive source holder and treatment wand are used for radiation delivery, then therapeutic radiation can be delivered to target tissue, but light dissipation occurs reducing positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment wand is constructed from light-transmissive materials such as polycarbonate or polysulfone that guide illumination light to the target tissue while minimizing light dissipation. This composite material approach allows the wand to simultaneously serve as both a radiation delivery vehicle and a light guide for positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Illumination ports are incorporated into the treatment wand to provide visual reference points that mediate between the radiation source and the target tissue, enabling precise positioning by allowing the practitioner to visually confirm accurate placement of the radioactive source holder
2Reliability
If current radiation delivery methods are used, then radiation treatment can be provided, but severe vision loss occurs due to inadequate prevention of fluid, blood, and lipid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation delivery system is segmented into distinct functional components including a radioactive source holder, treatment wand, and illumination ports, allowing precise targeting of subretinal neovascularization while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy retinal tissue through localized radiation delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment wand is designed to deliver radiation locally to the specific area of subretinal neovascularization, with illumination ports providing localized visual reference points only at the treatment site, enabling precise targeted therapy that spares surrounding healthy tissue from both radiation and procedural damage
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
Enables precise and effective delivery of therapeutic radiation to the target tissue, reducing light dissipation and enhancing treatment accuracy, thereby minimizing damage from subretinal neovascularization and preserving central vision.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the treatment wand is configured as a light guide for transmitting light from an illumination source to a series of illumination ports
Data Source
AI summary
An ophthalmic radiation device having a substantially light-transparent wand configured to emit light propagating through the wand light from a series of illumination ports at least partially circumscribing a radioactive source disposed in the holder, thereby providing a visual reference for identifying a position of the radioactive source. Embodiments are directed at effectively directing light from a light source through the body of the wand to illumination ports by using the wand body itself as the light guide. The illumination ports are used as reference points by a medical practitioner to facilitate placing the device into a correct treatment position.