Optical Applicator Feature Optimizer for Photodynamic Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photodynamic therapy (PDT) methods lack the ability to provide a known amount of light dosage uniformly and efficiently to an entire tumor surface, requiring lengthy wait times and inadequate targeting of cancerous tissue while minimizing healthy tissue exposure.
Innovation Solution
A configurable optical light delivery system that includes a light source, detector, computer processor, and controller, allowing for precise control of light parameters such as wavelength, fluence rate, and duty cycle based on user input and real-time monitoring to optimize drug-light intervals and irradiance patterns for targeted PDT applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical fiber is used to administer light for a particular photosensitizer, then the light delivery is simple, but the ability to provide known amount of light dosage to entire tumor surface is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light delivery system into multiple independent optical fibers arranged in an array, where each fiber can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to cover entire tumor surfaces while maintaining precise control over light dosage distribution, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts light parameters including wavelength, fluence rate, and duty cycle for each optical fiber based on real-time detection signals and treatment requirements. This parameter control enables precise light dosage delivery to entire tumor surfaces while maintaining system manageability.
2Reliability
If multiple light instruments are used to match required irradiance levels for different photosensitizers, then the light therapy effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single multi-functional light delivery system capable of delivering multiple wavelengths and fluence rates through programmable control. The system can match required irradiance levels for different photosensitizers without requiring separate specialized instruments, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic, real-time adjustment of light parameters based on detected tissue characteristics and treatment requirements. This dynamic control allows one instrument to perform the functions of multiple fixed instruments, adapting to different photosensitizers and treatment scenarios as needed.
3Ease of operation
If lengthy wait times are observed for photosensitizer activation, then the treatment protocol is simplified, but the treatment time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time detection of light absorption characteristics and tissue response, using this feedback to dynamically adjust treatment timing and parameters. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for lengthy fixed wait times while maintaining protocol simplicity, as the system automatically optimizes activation timing based on actual tissue conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of tissue and photosensitizer distribution through detection before initiating treatment. This preliminary action enables immediate optimization of treatment timing, eliminating unnecessary wait times while keeping the overall protocol simple and straightforward.
4Area of stationary object
If light is delivered to entire tumor surface, then treatment coverage is improved, but the exposure of healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements spatially selective light delivery where each optical fiber in the array can be independently controlled to target specific regions. The system uses detection signals to identify and treat only cancerous tissue areas, delivering light with appropriate fluence rates to tumor surfaces while avoiding healthy tissue exposure, thus achieving local quality treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the light delivery into multiple independently controllable optical fibers arranged in a spatial array, the system can precisely target entire tumor surfaces while excluding healthy tissue. Each fiber acts as an independent control element, enabling fine-grained spatial selectivity that covers tumors without exposing healthy areas.
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 efficient delivery of light therapy to cancerous tissue, reducing exposure to healthy tissue and enhancing immune therapy success by allowing for shorter drug-light intervals and optimized fluence rates, thereby improving treatment efficacy and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to receive light from the light source and to output a detection signal
Implementation Method 2
Some prior art light therapies can be combined with prior administration of light sensitive medicine (i.e., photosensitizer) that absorbs the therapeutic light and interacts with surrounding tissue constituents (e.g., oxygen) to generate reactive species that can destroy the target tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A photodynamic therapy (PDT) apparatus and method are disclosed. The PDT apparatus can include a flexible optical applicator that includes a plurality of light emitting devices for producing an irradiance pattern of therapy light to a target area of a patient. The PDT system includes an optical light controller that includes a computer processor. The method disclosed includes determining a treatment plan based on a plurality of therapy light parameters, photosensitizing drug selection, patient specific parameters, optimized light interval and other relevant parameters. The method further includes monitoring the application of the therapy light against the treatment plan and determining an updated treat plan in the event of a deviation from an initial treatment plan.