Photodynamic Therapy Device for Localized Photosensitizer Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photodynamic therapy (PDT) protocols for treating uterine abnormalities require a delay between photosensitizer injection and illumination, leading to systemic and local toxicity, prolonged photosensitivity, and inefficient targeting due to the need for high drug doses and non-specific tissue uptake.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that deliver photosensitizer and illumination simultaneously or shortly after to the target tissue, reducing the need for pre-accumulation and minimizing systemic exposure, while allowing precise and controlled treatment of uterine abnormalities like endometriosis and menorrhagia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a delay period is allowed for photosensitizer accumulation in target tissue, then treatment efficacy is improved, but systemic and local toxicity increases and treatment time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from systemic photosensitizer administration to localized application at the treatment site. The device delivers photosensitizer directly to the target tissue through an applicator, ensuring high concentration at the treatment site without systemic distribution. This resolves the contradiction by achieving effective accumulation locally while avoiding systemic toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a localized delivery system as an intermediary between the photosensitizer and target tissue. The applicator device serves as a mediator that transports and deposits the photosensitizer directly at the treatment site, eliminating the need for systemic circulation and accumulation delay. This enables immediate treatment without toxicity concerns.
2Reliability
If high doses of photosensitizer are administered to ensure sufficient tissue accumulation, then treatment efficacy is improved, but photosensitivity duration is prolonged and toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables localized photosensitizer deposition with controlled concentration at the treatment site. By applying the photosensitizer directly to the target tissue rather than systemically, the patent achieves sufficient local concentration for effective treatment without requiring high overall doses. This reduces both toxicity and the duration of photosensitivity while maintaining treatment efficacy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If systemic photosensitizer administration is used to treat target tissue, then treatment coverage is comprehensive, but targeting specificity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by delivering the photosensitizer directly to the target tissue through a localized applicator system. This ensures that the photosensitizer is deposited precisely where needed, achieving both comprehensive coverage of the target area and high targeting specificity. The local application method eliminates non-specific uptake in other tissues while maintaining adequate treatment coverage.
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 enhances the efficacy and safety of PDT by reducing toxicity, improving targeting specificity, and shortening treatment times, while minimizing systemic absorption and post-surgery pathology testing.
Implementation Method 1
The photosensitization of the drug elicits the transfer of energy or an electron to molecular oxygen resulting in instant local generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Data Source
AI summary
A therapy device comprises a shaft extending between proximal and distal portions, a surgical instrument located at the distal portion, a handpiece located at the proximal portion, a treatment end located at the distal end of the surgical instrument that can apply photodynamic therapy (PDT). The treatment end includes an applicator to apply a photosensitizer to a surface of a target tissue and a light emitter that can emit generated phototherapeutic light to activate the photosensitizer to ablate target tissue. A method for providing PDT to the target tissue includes inserting the therapy device into the patent, applying the photosensitizer and phototherapeutic light to a surface of the target tissue, and removing the device from the patient.