Small Profile Light Therapy Probe with Balloon Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light therapy systems for photodynamic therapy (PDT) lack precise control over light dosimetry and efficient delivery mechanisms, particularly for targeting cancerous tumors and residual abnormal tissues post-surgery, which can impact treatment efficacy and safety.
Innovation Solution
An optical light delivery device with a probe assembly, inflatable balloon, cylindrical light diffuser, and detector fiber, controlled by a processor and pump system, which allows for customizable light dosing and monitoring, ensuring uniform light distribution and accurate delivery of therapy light to target tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional light delivery system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the light dosimetry control is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through detectors that monitor light delivery in real-time, allowing the system to adjust and maintain precise light dosimetry control by comparing actual delivery against prescribed parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary components such as diffusers and scattering media to uniformly distribute light across the treatment area, enabling precise dosimetry control through controlled light propagation and distribution
2Stability of the object's composition
If light is delivered directly to target tissue, then the treatment is simple, but the light distribution is non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using diffusers and scattering media at specific locations within the delivery system to create uniform light distribution across the treatment area, ensuring each region receives appropriate light intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms light delivery from direct point-source illumination to distributed multi-dimensional illumination by incorporating diffusers and scattering media that spread light across multiple spatial dimensions for uniform coverage
3Length of moving object
If the probe diameter is large, then the light delivery capacity is sufficient, but the probe cannot access confined treatment sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elements such as expandable balloons or adjustable diffusers that can be compact during insertion and expanded at the target site, allowing the probe to access confined sites with small diameter while providing sufficient light delivery capacity when expanded
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 system provides optimized and controllable light dosimetry for PDT, enhancing treatment efficacy by ensuring precise delivery of therapy light to cancerous tissues and residual abnormal tissues, improving outcomes in cancer treatment and immunotherapy responses.
Implementation Method 1
The balloon is configured to be inflated with a light scattering material and configured to transmit the therapy light to the target tissue
Implementation Method 2
a detector fiber positioned proximate the cylindrical light diffuser
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a PDT system may include a probe assembly having an elongated cylinder having a probe inner diameter and a probe outer diameter optical surface and a probe tip positioned on a distal end, a therapy window positioned proximal the probe tip, a door positioned inside of the elongated cylinder and configured to move between an open position to expose the therapy window and a closed position to seal the therapy window, a balloon positioned within the inner probe diameter, a cylindrical light diffuser position inside of the balloon, and a detector fiber positioned proximate the cylindrical light diffuser.