Optical Diffuser Cooling for Interstitial Laser Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interstitial laser therapy systems face challenges in accurately monitoring and controlling tissue temperature during treatments, as existing methods rely on expensive and bulky medical imaging devices with low accuracy, and cooling systems that increase procedural invasiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating an optical waveguide with an optical diffuser and a temperature sensor, where a cooling fluid is directed to flow through the diffuser to limit the laser ablation zone, allowing for precise temperature measurement and control of the ablation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If advanced medical imaging devices such as MRI scanners are used to estimate internal temperatures, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from complex external imaging devices and integrates it directly into the optical diffuser component. The temperature sensor is embedded within the diffuser structure, allowing direct temperature measurement at the treatment site without requiring bulky MRI scanners or other external imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical diffuser is designed to serve multiple functions: it diffuses laser light for therapy, provides structural support for the temperature sensor, and acts as the sensor housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature monitoring systems and reduces overall device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling systems such as cooling or irrigation catheters are added to control temperature, then tissue charring is reduced, but the invasiveness of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the existing optical diffuser structure. The diffuser is designed with internal channels or features that allow cooling fluid to flow through it, combining the light diffusion function and cooling function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate cooling catheters and reduces procedural invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical diffuser acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates cooling fluid delivery directly to the treatment site. Instead of requiring separate cooling catheters, the diffuser itself serves as the conduit for cooling fluid, enabling efficient heat removal while minimizing the number of separate components needed.
3Reliability
If the cannula size is increased to accommodate cooling systems, then temperature control capability is improved, but patient trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (light delivery, light diffusion, temperature sensing, and cooling fluid delivery) into a single integrated device structure. By merging these functions, the cannula size can remain small while still accommodating all necessary components for reliable temperature control and cooling.
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
This approach enables more accurate and predictive interstitial laser therapy by directly measuring tissue temperature and controlling the ablation zone, reducing tissue damage and improving procedural accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Interstitial laser therapy is one such application, in which light is directed at a target tissue to induce local hyperthermia and destroy the tissue
Implementation Method 2
light is directed at a target tissue to induce local hyperthermia
Implementation Method 3
an irrigation tube positioned over at least part of an optical waveguide of the device for interstitial laser therapy. The irrigation tube is able to direct a cooling fluid to flow out of an end of the irrigation tube
Implementation Method 4
a cooling fluid is directed to flow through the diffuser to limit the laser ablation zone
Implementation Method 5
an optical diffuser positioned over the optical output end of the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 6
an optical diffuser positioned over the optical output end of the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 7
a temperature sensor is formed or provided as part of a device for interstitial laser therapy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system provided with cooling fluid for interstitial laser therapy that limits and/or provides control of the laser ablation zone produced by a device for interstitial laser therapy, which allows for better control of the laser ablation zone and more predictive and accurate interstitial laser therapy. The device for interstitial laser therapy includes an optical waveguide having an optical output end and an optical diffuser optically coupled to, optically associated with, or positioned about the optical output end. An irrigation tube directs cooling fluid to flow out of a distal end of the irrigation tube which directs cooling fluid to flow inside of and/or outside of the optical diffuser.