Embedded system for a battery-operated LED-based photodynamic therapy device for treatment of early-stage oral cancers in resource-limited settings

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-based treatment modality that has shown promise for treatment of early stage oral lesions and potential to be adaptable for successful implementation in resource limited settings. To operate in such conditions a PDT light source must be engineered to be robust and portable, with flexible fiber optic light delivery that provides stable output in the desired spectral window and irradiance while operating on battery power, and be simple to use, ideally with potential for smartphone control and telemedicine integration. Building on previous reports, this paper describes the development of embedded systems to meet these engineering design requirements and improvements to user interface design, LED driver efficiency, optical power output, battery life and overall portability.