E-Lumenate: Optimizing Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Using an Internal Phototherapy Device

Abstract

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by immune-mediated damage to esophageal tissue. This inflammation leads to symptoms such as dysphagia, food impaction, and structural changes over time. Current treatment strategies for EoE include dietary restrictions, proton pump inhibitors, and glucocorticoids, but they are often burdensome, inconsistent, and associated with many long-term side effects. These limitations clearly highlight the need for a targeted, minimally invasive, therapeutic alternative that will directly address localized inflammation within the esophagus.

E-Lumenate is a catheter-based, light delivery system that has been designed to provide controlled, localized phototherapy to esophageal tissue. The device integrates an optical fiber, diffuser, and a flexible catheter to ensure uniform light distribution along the esophageal tissue. This approach allows for effective treatment of inflamed tissue while limiting systemic exposure, representing a novel application of internally delivered light-based therapy.

Prototyping efforts primarily focused on validating optical transmission and overall system feasibility. In vitro testing using human esophageal epithelial cells demonstrated that therapeutic light exposure restored epithelial barrier function under inflamed conditions, supporting the efficacy of E-Lumenate.

By delivering localized therapy directly to the site of inflammation, E-Lumenate has the potential to improve patient outcomes while reducing treatment burden and systemic side effects. This technology represents a promising step toward a clinically viable, minimally invasive solution for the management of EoE.

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