Time Multiplexed Dosimetry System for Photodynamic Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photodynamic therapy (PDT) systems are cumbersome, expensive, and unreliable due to the need for multiple lasers and detectors, making them difficult to scale and maintain accuracy in delivering light to tumor tissues.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a single light source and opto-electronic controller with a delivery optical switch and detector optical switch, using MEMS technology to control irradiance levels and dwell times across multiple light emitting devices positioned within a flexible applicator flap, allowing for precise and efficient light delivery to target tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple lasers and detectors are used for each diffuser and detector in prior art PDT systems, then individual light delivery control is achieved, but the system becomes expensive, cumbersome, and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light delivery functions into a single laser source by using optical switches to route light to different diffusers. Similarly, multiple detector functions are merged into a single detector through optical switching. This consolidation maintains the ability to control light delivery to individual diffusers while eliminating the need for multiple laser and detector components, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single laser source is designed to serve multiple diffusers through the optical switching system, making it a universal light source for the entire array. The single detector similarly serves to monitor light from all diffusers by being selectively coupled to different detector fibers. This multi-functionality approach allows one component to perform the work of multiple components while maintaining precise control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual repositioning of light diffusers is performed to optimize treatment, then adaptability to target tissue is improved, but treatment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of light delivery by using optical switches that can rapidly redirect light from the single laser source to different diffusers based on real-time treatment requirements. This dynamic optical switching provides adaptability to target tissue without requiring physical repositioning of diffusers, thereby maintaining treatment adaptability while eliminating the time loss associated with manual repositioning operations.
3Device complexity
If a single laser and detector are shared across multiple diffusers through optical switching, then system cost and complexity are reduced, but precise control of individual light delivery must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the single detector monitors the light delivered through the optical switching system and provides information back to the control system. This feedback loop ensures that even though a single laser and detector are shared across multiple diffusers, the system can precisely control and verify individual light delivery to each diffuser by selectively routing light and measurements through the optical switches, thereby maintaining measurement precision while achieving system simplicity.
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
This configuration simplifies the system, reduces costs, and enhances accuracy and reliability by enabling precise control of light delivery, optimizing irradiance patterns and reducing the need for manual repositioning of light emitting devices during treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a delivery optical switch having a plurality of optical output channels, the delivery optical switch being optically coupled to the light source and electrically coupled to the opto-electronic controller
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light emitting devices, each light emitting device of the plurality of light emitting devices being optically coupled to a respective optical output channel
Implementation Method 3
a detection system configured to monitor at least one parameter of the therapy light
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic light delivery apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a light source, a plurality of light emitting devices paired with a plurality of light detecting devices, wherein each of the light emitting devices is in optical communication with a channel of a delivery optical switch and each of the plurality of light detection devices is in optical communication with a channel of a detection optical switch. The plurality of light emitting devices are fixedly positioned within an applicator light flap. The system further includes an optical detector in optical communication with the detector optical switch. The system further includes an opto-electronic controller that controls delivery optical switch, the detector optical switch and the light source.