Theranostic Laser System with Integrated Optical Coupler
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing theranostic medical devices lack an efficient and non-invasive method for simultaneously facilitating light-activated drug delivery and monitoring processes during treatments like photodynamic therapy.
Innovation Solution
A theranostic laser system that combines a light source for actuating and monitoring drug delivery, a light receiver for receiving upstream signals, and a coupler for simultaneously coupling optical delivery probes to both the light source and receiver, allowing for real-time monitoring and treatment activation without separate switching or foreign objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate probes or cameras are used for optical monitoring purposes, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and mechanical stress on tissue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines therapeutic laser delivery and optical monitoring functions into a single integrated probe. The probe includes both a therapeutic fiber for delivering activation light and a monitoring fiber for collecting fluorescence signals, eliminating the need for separate monitoring probes or cameras and reducing device complexity while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering therapeutic light activation, collecting fluorescence emission signals, and providing real-time monitoring. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices while reducing the number of foreign objects introduced to tissue
2Measurement precision
If separate probes or cameras are used for optical monitoring purposes, then monitoring capability is improved, but mechanical stress on tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines therapeutic laser delivery and optical monitoring functions into a single integrated probe. The probe includes both a therapeutic fiber for delivering activation light and a monitoring fiber for collecting fluorescence signals, eliminating the need for separate monitoring probes or cameras and reducing device complexity while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering therapeutic light activation, collecting fluorescence emission signals, and providing real-time monitoring. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices and reduces the number of foreign objects introduced to tissue, thereby minimizing mechanical stress
3Device complexity
If sequential switching between treatment and monitoring modalities is used, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment efficiency and real-time feedback capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines therapeutic laser delivery and optical monitoring functions into a single integrated probe with simultaneous operational capability. The probe includes both a therapeutic fiber for delivering activation light and a monitoring fiber for collecting fluorescence signals, allowing concurrent treatment and monitoring without sequential switching
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous simultaneous operation of both therapeutic activation and monitoring functions through the single integrated probe. This eliminates interruptions and sequential switching, providing continuous real-time feedback during treatment and maximizing treatment efficiency
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 system enables precise, real-time monitoring and treatment activation, increasing the effectiveness of light-activated therapies by allowing continuous feedback and minimizing mechanical stress on tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for providing downstream light signals for actuating and/or monitoring drug delivery
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver for receiving upstream light signals for monitoring the drug delivery
Implementation Method 3
a coupler for simultaneously coupling a first optical delivery probe, such as an optical delivery fiber, to the light source for transmitting one or more first downstream light signals from the light source to the first optical delivery probe, and to the light receiver for transmitting one or more first upstream light signals from the first optical delivery probe to the light receiver
Implementation Method 4
utilizing fluorescence and/or other optical imaging solutions for components of the drug-delivery construct
Data Source
AI summary
A theranostic laser system for light-activated drug delivery and monitoring. The system includes a light source, a light receiver and a coupler for simultaneously coupling a first optical delivery fiber to the light source for transmitting one or more first downstream light signals from the light source to the first optical delivery fiber and to the light receiver for transmitting one or more first upstream light signals from the first optical delivery fiber to the light receiver.