Sterilization Device Using Scattering Particles and Laser Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating root canals, gingival pockets, and other hard-to-reach areas with bacterial proliferation are inadequate, as they fail to completely eliminate pathogens, leading to serious health consequences, and rely heavily on antibiotics with drawbacks such as resistance and side effects.
Innovation Solution
A medical device using a duct with scattering particles and a light guide to convey laser radiation, allowing the laser to scatter and reach shadowed areas, combined with a suction system to manage the liquid and particles, ensuring thorough sterilization and bio-stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical cleaning systems are used to remove pulp and clean root canals, then the pulp cavity and visible root canal areas can be cleaned, but the tortuous and narrow deepest areas of root canals cannot be completely cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning systems with a laser-based system. The laser beam can penetrate into tortuous and narrow root canal areas that mechanical instruments cannot reach, enabling complete sterilization without physical contact. The laser energy activates scattered particles to produce localized plasma and free radicals that effectively kill bacteria in hard-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces scattering particles as intermediaries to deliver laser energy into shadowed areas. These particles scatter the laser beam throughout the root canal, including tortuous sections, and convert laser energy into localized plasma and free radicals that sterilize the entire canal system without requiring direct mechanical access.
2Reliability
If antibiotics are applied to kill microorganisms in hard-to-reach areas, then bacterial growth can be suppressed, but resistant microorganisms develop and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilization mechanism from chemical (antibiotics) to physical (laser activation). By using laser energy to generate localized plasma and free radicals through scattering particles, the system achieves complete bacterial destruction without relying on antibiotic pathways, thereby eliminating resistance development and antibiotic-related side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser-activated scattering particles generate highly reactive oxygen species and free radicals that act as strong oxidants, completely destroying bacterial cell structures. This oxidative mechanism is more effective than antibiotics and does not lead to resistance, as it physically destroys rather than inhibits bacterial growth.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser radiation is directed only at the apical area of root canals, then the tip can be treated, but the side walls and shadowed areas remain untreated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the laser delivery from a single-point (apical area) approach to a volumetric approach by introducing scattering particles throughout the root canal. The laser energy scatters in multiple dimensions, treating not only the apical area but also the side walls and shadowed areas simultaneously, achieving complete three-dimensional sterilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Scattering particles serve as intermediaries that distribute laser energy throughout the entire root canal volume. These particles scatter the laser beam in all directions, ensuring that energy reaches the apical area, side walls, and shadowed regions, thereby expanding the treated area coverage while maintaining targeted precision.
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
The device effectively sterilizes and bio-stimulates hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk of infections and promoting tissue recovery, while minimizing patient discomfort and the need for antibiotics.
Implementation Method 1
The scattering particles are so configured as to scatter the laser radiation, conveyed by the light guide, near the open distal end of the first duct
Implementation Method 2
a light guide, arranged and configured to convey a laser radiation, coming from a suitable laser source, near the open distal end of the first duct
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device (3) comprises a first duct (14) having a proximal end, associated with a hand-piece (5), and an open distal end (14A). The first duct (14) is in fluid communication with an inlet port (18) for a liquid containing scattering particles. The device (3) furthermore comprises a light guide (7) so arranged and configured as to convey a laser radiation coming from a laser source (11) near the open distal end (14A) of the first duct (14).