Rotatable Tubular Member Window for Medical Light Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light irradiating medical devices for PDT or optical ablation face challenges in adjusting the position for irradiation without damaging the light guiding tool, as the position is often determined by the balloon or tubular member, requiring complex movements that can harm the optical fiber.

Innovation Solution

A light irradiating medical device with a rotatable first tubular member having a window for output light, allowing adjustment of the irradiation position in the circumferential or longitudinal direction without rotating the light guiding tool, which includes an optical fiber with a cladding-absent portion, enabling precise positioning while preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the position for irradiation is determined by the treatment window provided to the balloon, then the irradiation position can be controlled, but the catheter needs to be moved or rotated which complicates the treatment process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation position controlVSAvoidtreatment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple functional components: a balloon for positioning, a tubular member with a treatment window for light delivery, and a light source. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function, enabling precise irradiation control without complex catheter manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular member with the treatment window acts as an intermediary between the balloon positioning system and the light source. It translates the balloon's positional control into precise light delivery without requiring further catheter movement or rotation, simplifying the overall treatment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the light guiding material needs to be moved or rotated to adjust irradiation position, then the irradiation position can be adjusted, but the light guiding material may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation position adjustmentVSAvoidlight guiding material integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving or rotating the light guiding material to adjust position, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the light guiding material stationary and adjusting the position of the treatment window relative to it. This protects the optical fiber from damage while achieving the same positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The tubular member is designed to be movable relative to the stationary light guiding material, allowing dynamic adjustment of the treatment window position. This dynamic configuration enables position adaptation without subjecting the fragile optical fiber to mechanical stress from movement or rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the irradiation device is rotated to adjust position, then the irradiation position can be changed, but the irradiation device may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation position adjustmentVSAvoidirradiation device integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The irradiation device is segmented into a stationary light source section and a movable tubular member section. This segmentation allows the tubular member to be adjusted independently without rotating the entire irradiation device, protecting it from damage while maintaining position adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 flexible and precise adjustment of the irradiation position without rotating the light guiding tool, thereby preventing damage and simplifying the treatment process.

Implementation Method 1

a light guiding tool disposed in a lumen of the first tubular member and movable in the longitudinal axis direction, the light guiding tool including an optical fiber extending in the longitudinal axis direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

the window allowing passage therethrough of output light from the light guiding tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4019075B1Medical light irradiation apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 KANEKA CORP
  • EP4019075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4019075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4019075B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A light irradiating medical device (1) comprising: a shaft (2) having a first end and a second end in a longitudinal axis direction thereof and having a lumen (3) extending in the longitudinal axis direction; a first tubular member (10) disposed in the lumen (3) of the shaft (2) and rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis direction of the shaft (2), the first tubular member (10) having a window (12) located in a part of a peripheral wall of a distal portion; and a light guiding tool disposed in a lumen (11) of the first tubular member (10) and movable in the longitudinal axis direction, the light guiding tool including an optical fiber (21) extending in the longitudinal axis direction, the optical fiber (21) including a core (22), a cladding (23) coating a radially outer portion of the core (22), and a cladding-absent portion (24) located at a part of a distal portion of the core (22), and the window (12) allowing passage therethrough of output light from the light guiding tool.