Omnidirectional Illumination Member for Uniform Bladder Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for conducting Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and other light therapies within body cavities are complex, prone to direct light saturation, and lack uniform detector input, making them difficult to use and less effective.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a lumen with aligned optical fibers and a moveable or fixed illumination member, which emits light omnidirectionally and is designed to detect only diffuse reflectance from the bladder wall, minimizing direct light stimulation and ensuring uniform detector input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing devices for conducting PDT and other light therapies within body cavities are used, then light therapy can be delivered, but the devices are complex, prone to direct light saturation, and lack uniform detector input, making them difficult to use and less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the detection function into multiple separate optical fibers positioned around the illumination member, each detecting light from a specific direction. This segmentation allows uniform detector input while simplifying the overall device structure and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having detectors that directly face the light source (which causes saturation), the optical fibers are positioned to detect diffuse reflectance from the tissue walls at angles away from direct illumination. This inverted detection geometry eliminates direct light saturation while maintaining detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If existing detection methods are used, then light therapy can be monitored, but direct light saturation occurs and uniform detector input is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers are positioned asymmetrically around the illumination member at specific angles, with each fiber detecting light from a different direction. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that no single detector receives excessive direct light while collectively achieving uniform detector input across all fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue wall acts as an intermediary between the light source and detectors. Light from the illumination member first interacts with the tissue, creating diffuse reflectance that is then detected by the optical fibers. This intermediary role of the tissue eliminates direct light saturation while providing uniform detection input.
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 provides a simple, robust, and effective means for delivering light therapy within body cavities, ensuring uniform light distribution and minimizing tissue damage, thereby improving treatment outcomes and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination member that is moveable or fixed in location relative to the detectors within the lumen along the longitudinal axis, wherein: the object has a cavity defined by an internal surface; the apparatus is configured to activate the illumination member to irradiate the internal surface with emitted light
Implementation Method 2
each optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers is a detector configured to receive redirected light from the internal surface and convey the redirected light in a proximal direction through the optical fiber for analysis
Implementation Method 3
designed to detect only diffuse reflectance from the bladder wall and to minimize direct light stimulation and potential saturation of the detectors by the emitter
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for irradiating inside an object is disclosed, including a lumen having a longitudinal axis; optical fibers within the lumen and aligned with the longitudinal axis; and an illumination member moveable or fixed within the lumen along the longitudinal axis. The apparatus can be used in a method for irradiating inside an object, including the steps of: providing an object having a cavity defined by an internal surface; inserting the lumen into the cavity; activating the illumination member to irradiate the internal surface with emitted light; receiving in each of the optical fibers light redirected from the internal surface; conveying the redirected light in a proximal direction through the plurality of optical fibers; and analyzing the redirected light conveyed through the plurality of optical fibers.