Optical Fibre Light Distribution for Simultaneous Therapy and Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy face limitations due to the limited penetration of activating light in tissues, requiring multiple optical fibers for both treatment and measurement, which can be costly and complex, especially when using mechanical or active switching elements.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing passive components, such as focussing optical members and reflective members with apertures, allows for simultaneous light distribution and measurement without mechanical or active switching, using high numerical aperture optical guides to capture scattered light efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical fibres are used for both treatment and measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing optical fibres that serve dual functions: both delivering therapeutic light and collecting scattered light for measurement. The same optical fibre bundle is used for both treatment and dosimetry, eliminating the need for separate measurement fibres and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the treatment and measurement functions into a single optical fibre system. By combining the light delivery and light collection capabilities in one fibre bundle, the system reduces the number of components needed while ensuring that measurements are taken from the exact same location where treatment is delivered
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical switching elements are used to switch between treatment and measurement modes, then mode switching is achieved, but device complexity and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching elements with a non-mechanical operation mode selector. This selector uses optical or electronic control mechanisms to direct therapeutic radiation and diagnostic radiation through the same radiation conductors, eliminating moving parts while maintaining the ability to switch between treatment and measurement modes
Solution Approach 2:
The same radiation conductors are used for both therapeutic and diagnostic modes, controlled by a non-mechanical mode selector. This universal design allows one set of optical fibres to perform multiple functions without requiring mechanical switches or separate dedicated pathways
3Adaptability or versatility
If active switching components are used, then mode selection is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes active switching components with a non-mechanical operation mode selector that uses passive optical routing. This approach reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining full mode selection capability between treatment and measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary active switching components from the system. By using a simplified non-mechanical mode selector, the design removes costly and complex active elements while retaining the essential functionality of mode selection
4Ease of operation
If the same optical fibres are used for both measurement and treatment, then ease of operation is improved, but the need for switching mechanisms increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing optical fibres that simultaneously serve as both treatment delivery and measurement collection channels. The same fibre bundle performs dual functions, simplifying operation while the non-mechanical mode selector manages the switching between functions without adding significant complexity
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 instantaneous switching between treatment and measurement modes, reducing procedure time, eliminating the need for moving parts, and allowing for simultaneous light distribution and measurement in the same optical member, thus improving efficiency and reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
an optical member for conducting light from a light source to a tissue site of the subject and for emitting light from the tissue site
Implementation Method 2
high numerical aperture optical guides to capture scattered light efficiently
Implementation Method 3
focussing optical members and reflective members with apertures, allows for simultaneous light distribution and measurement
Implementation Method 4
reflective members with apertures, allows for simultaneous light distribution and measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A system an d method of coupling light in and out of an optical member is described which includes transmitting at least one light beam within a wavelength range of infrared, visible or ultraviolet light using a light source; coupling the light beam into a proximal end of the optical member by means of at least one focussing optical component; collecting backscattered light using a distal end of the optical member and emitting the collected light at the proximal end of the optical member and wherein the light emitted by the optical member has at least partially a different angular sector than an angular sector of the light beam being coupled into the proximal end of the optical member, and detecting the collected light emitted from the proximal end of the optical member using at least one light detector.