Integrated Optical Applicator with Scattering Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photodynamic therapy (PDT) systems face limitations in delivering a uniform illumination pattern due to insufficient light diffusion, leading to inefficiencies in treating target tissue areas, and the addition of separate diffusion layers increases system complexity and positioning errors.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical light delivery device with a flexible matrix encapsulating source emitting devices and detector fibers, utilizing light scattering materials with a high scattering coefficient to produce a uniform irradiance pattern, and a method for manufacturing this device by positioning cylindrical light diffusers and detector fibers within a mold assembly and curing a curable matrix material to fix them in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate diffusion layer is added to scatter light, then light diffusion is improved, but device complexity increases and positioning errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and diffusion layer into a single integrated applicator head. The diffusion layer is positioned directly against the light-emitting surface of the applicator, merging two previously separate components (light source and diffusion layer) into one unified device. This eliminates the need for separate positioning of a standalone diffusion layer while maintaining effective light scattering across the treatment area.
2Illumination intensity
If a separate diffusion layer is added to scatter light, then light diffusion is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the diffusion layer directly onto the applicator head surface, the patent eliminates the separate positioning step that previously caused alignment errors. The diffusion layer becomes an inherent part of the applicator assembly, ensuring consistent and accurate positioning during treatment without requiring additional alignment procedures.
3Device complexity
If light is emitted without sufficient diffusion, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a diffusion layer with specific optical properties to the local area where light is emitted from the applicator. This diffusion layer has a scattering coefficient designed to achieve uniform light distribution across the treatment field. By modifying only the local interface between the light source and tissue (rather than redesigning the entire system), the patent achieves improved illumination uniformity while maintaining overall system simplicity.
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 solution enables a highly uniform and controllable irradiance pattern across the target tissue area, improving the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy by ensuring consistent light delivery and reducing the complexity of the treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible matrix configured to scatter a light emitted from at least one of the plurality of source emitting devices
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic light delivery apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a light source and an integrated optical applicator. The integrated optical applicator includes a plurality of light emitting devices and detector fibers fixedly spatially positioned within a flexible matrix material. The light emitting devices can be positioned a predetermined distance from an application side of the integrated optical applicator comprising an accurate and repeatable standoff position. A flexible matrix material is disclosed having a high scattering coefficient to produce a uniform irradiance pattern and predetermined fluence. A method of performing a photodynamic therapy procedure is disclosed that includes providing an integrated optical applicator couple to a therapy light source, providing a photosensitizing drug to a tissue of a patient, positioning an application side of the integrated optical applicator against a target area of the tissue, delivering a therapy light to the target area, and producing an irradiance pattern.