Phototherapy Probe Positioning via Movable Observation Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) face challenges in accurately positioning a phototherapy device to target the sacral foramina, which are located on the back and out of sight, requiring strained postures and cumbersome camera systems that interfere with the irradiation probe during self-administered treatments at home.
Innovation Solution
A phototherapy device comprising an irradiation probe, a probe fixing unit, an observation module with a camera, and a moving mechanism that allows the observation module to shift out of the way for easy insertion of the probe, enabling accurate positioning and alignment of the treatment site without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is disposed coaxially relative to the light source to improve positioning accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the irradiation probe interferes with the camera during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The observation module is designed to be movable relative to the irradiation probe, allowing it to shift position dynamically. During probe insertion, the observation module moves to a retracted position to avoid interference, and during observation, it moves to the coaxial position to achieve accurate positioning. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The observation module is configured to move along the optical axis dimension, transitioning between a retracted position (allowing probe insertion) and an extended coaxial position (enabling accurate observation). This dimensional movement allows the system to achieve both high positioning accuracy and ease of probe insertion by utilizing space in the axial direction.
2Ease of operation
If the patient positions the probe on the back without assistance, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to the treatment site being out of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The observation module enables the patient to self-position the probe accurately on the back by providing real-time visual feedback through the camera. The patient can observe the treatment site and marking through the observation module's display, allowing self-administered treatment without requiring another person to position the probe, thus achieving both ease of operation and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The observation module provides visual feedback to the patient during probe positioning. The camera captures images of the treatment site and marking, and this visual information is displayed to guide the patient in accurately positioning the probe on the back, enabling self-administered treatment with high positioning accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the patient takes a strained posture to adjust the probe to aim at the sacral foramina, then positioning accuracy is improved, but patient burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The observation module provides real-time visual feedback to the patient, allowing accurate positioning of the probe without requiring strained postures. The patient can observe the treatment site and marking through the camera and make gradual adjustments while maintaining a comfortable position, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy while reducing patient burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The observation module allows the patient to preliminarily position the probe while observing the treatment site, making incremental adjustments to achieve accurate aiming at the sacral foramina without requiring extreme or strained postures from the beginning.
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 patients to easily and accurately position the irradiation probe on their back for effective photoirradiation, reducing patient burden and improving treatment efficacy by allowing self-administered treatments at home without straining.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating an affected area or an acupressure point, for example, with infrared light (approximate wavelengths of 700 nm to 2500 nm) as treatment light percutaneously
Implementation Method 2
Among lights, laser light is widely used in these applications since it can be radiated at a specific wavelength with high power
Implementation Method 3
the image-taking means takes pictures to provide rough understanding of the state and the position of the affected area
Data Source
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AI summary
A phototherapy device including: an irradiation probe for radiating irradiation light toward a living body; a probe fixing unit into which the irradiation probe is inserted and at the same time fixed on a living body; an observation module placed on the probe fixing unit and provided with an observation means for observing an irradiation site irradiated with irradiation light which is radiated to the living body; and a moving means capable of moving the observation module to a space where the irradiation probe is to be placed in the probe fixing unit during observation of the irradiation site.