Temperature-monitored optical treatment for radial tissue expansion

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Physics
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Esophageal stricture affects 7-23% of GERD patients.
• Current treatments (stents, dilation) have significant limitations like migration and new stricture formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of ex vivo structural expansion of tubular tissue using temperature-monitored photothermal treatment.
• To investigate a novel approach for treating esophageal stricture via laser irradiation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized porcine liver as an ex vivo tissue model.
• Employed a 10-W 1470-nm laser with a diffusing applicator and a glass tube for consistent distance.
• Implemented a temperature feedback controller to maintain interstitial tissue temperature at 70°C.

Main Results:

• Laser irradiation achieved isotropic light distribution from the applicator.
• Irradiation exceeding 5 seconds resulted in irreversible tissue denaturation and permanent lumen expansion.
• The temperature feedback system maintained steady-state temperature with minimal error (±0.4°C).

Conclusions:

• Temperature-monitored photothermal treatment with a diffusing applicator is feasible for ex vivo esophageal stricture treatment.
• The system effectively regulates thermal denaturation for controlled tissue expansion.
• This method shows promise for a novel, less invasive treatment for esophageal strictures.