Rotatable Coherent-Light Delivery for Precision Phototherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phototherapy devices lack precision in targeting, consistency, and efficiency in delivering light energy to both surface and subsurface tissues, often causing inconsistent treatment and potential tissue damage due to imprecise angle and power control.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatable member and coherent light generators, equipped with lenses or mirrors, spectroscopic sensors, and cooling structures, allows for precise targeting and controlled delivery of coherent light beams at various angles and powers, optimizing treatment based on tissue depth and characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing phototherapy devices deliver light energy to surface and subsurface tissues, then treatment coverage is achieved, but precision in targeting and consistency are poor leading to potential tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the treatment area by using multiple coherent light generators operating at different wavelengths, each targeting specific tissue depths. The rotatable member divides the delivery mechanism into discrete angular positions, allowing precise targeting of different anatomical regions without affecting surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by delivering light at specific wavelengths to specific tissue depths - shorter wavelengths for surface tissues and longer wavelengths for subsurface tissues. Each coherent light generator is configured with specific optical parameters to treat only the intended local area, preventing damage to adjacent healthy tissues.
2Ease of operation
If phototherapy devices use fixed angle and power delivery, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment consistency and effectiveness vary
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a rotatable member that dynamically adjusts the delivery angle of coherent light beams. The rotation mechanism allows the system to adapt to different treatment sites and tissue geometries while maintaining consistent power delivery, combining operational flexibility with treatment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously - wavelength selection through different coherent light generators, delivery angle through rotatable member positioning, and power levels through controlled emission. These parameter adjustments are coordinated to maintain treatment consistency across varying clinical scenarios.
3Power
If high power coherent light is used to treat subsurface tissues, then treatment efficacy increases, but tissue heating and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic pulsed delivery of high-power coherent light rather than continuous emission. This allows treatment intervals for heat dissipation between pulses, enabling effective subsurface tissue treatment while preventing excessive temperature buildup and thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful thermal effect into a beneficial treatment mechanism by using controlled heating followed by cooling intervals. The periodic high-power pulses create therapeutic thermal effects in subsurface tissues while the rest periods allow heat dissipation, transforming what could be damage into therapeutic benefit.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelengths are used to treat different tissue depths, then treatment versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves universality by integrating multiple coherent light generators that can operate at different wavelengths within a single unified platform. The rotatable member and control system serve multiple functions - positioning, power control, and wavelength selection - reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-wavelength capability.
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 precise, consistent, and safe administration of phototherapy, effectively treating both surface and subsurface tissues with multiple wavelengths, reducing tissue heating and enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a coherent light generator configured to generate a beam of coherent light
Implementation Method 2
a spectroscopic sensor configured to obtain spectroscopic data. The instructions, when executed by the processor, may further cause the processor to analyze the spectroscopic data to estimate a change in at least one of reflectivity or absorbance of the patient's skin and surface tissues
Implementation Method 3
a cooling structure configured to deliver a coolant to at least a portion of the handheld probe or a portion of anatomy of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method relate to administering phototherapy. A device includes a hollow structure having at least a first open end. The hollow structure includes a rotatable member, one or more coherent light generators, and, for each coherent light generator, one or more lenses or mirrors optically connected to the coherent light generator and configured to alter at least one aspect of a beam of coherent light. The device further includes a processing circuit including a processor and a memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to accept an input from an operator and generate one or more beams of coherent light according to a plurality of settings configured to produce a therapeutic effect at a targeted treatment site. Additionally, the rotatable member is configured to be rotated to direct the one or more beams of coherent light to the targeted treatment site.