Surgery: light – thermal – and electrical application – Light – thermal – and electrical application – Light application
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-05
2001-02-13
Dvorak, Linda C. M. (Department: 3739)
Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application
Light, thermal, and electrical application
Light application
C607S088000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06187030
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivering photodynamic therapy treatments to body parts and surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for producing and delivering optical light energy in controlled frequency and intensity for theraputic treatment of various dermatological and internal diseases in a convenient manner and with a convenient delivery apparatus.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The medical community has long investigated the increased healing effects of the sun on dermatological diseases. The advent of modern medicine continues this investigation and numerous research facilities are now documenting these healing effects. As most medical conditions require a unique light source the rush to implement these procedures has been impeded. It is also known that theraputic creams and ointments have enhanced effects when combined with light activation, but each disease and its photo theraputic cream or ointment may require a specific light source. The dedication of a light source to a specific treatment could require the unnecessary duplication of equipment and consume large areas of space just for accommodating the equipment. Physicians, hospitals and clinics might have the required space but presently lack the required funding for the duplicative required equipment. One solution to this problem is the use of one base unit with electromagnetic spectrum adapters which control, regulate and administer the correct exposure as directed by the attending physician.
It has become known that some medications are more effective or only operative when activated by certain controlled light energy applications. Numerous drug companies are experimenting with the possibilities of medicines which can be activated by external light sources. Also, several Universities are researching the healing effects of various light frequencies on human tissue. All these programs require different frequencies within the electromagnetic spectum. It is apparent that there is a need for one device which can operate at many frequencies with suitable controls that will allow doctors, clinic and home treatment with theraputic light for the diseases and the types of medicants that can produce the desired treatments when properly combined.
Many medical suggestions have been made for using laser light to treat or control diseases; however, laser light sources are expensive to construct and control and the delivery of the benefits of laser light can become lost if the cost of delivery becomes prohibitive. The use of controlled noncoherent light for medical treatments at much less expense than laser light has introduced the need for a useful and reasonably inexpensive means for controlling and delivering light energy to an area where medical treatment is to be effected.
Theraputic lamp equipment is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,452, Krebser et al where an apparatus is disclosed for delivering polarized light for biostimulation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,531, Zarate et al discloses an apparatus for delivering photodynamic therapy light to a patient. United Kingdom application 2 272 278 of Colin Whitehurst discloses an incoherent or non-laser light source employing a high intensity lamp, filters and focusing means arranged to yield a light beam having a desired output intensity over a desired area and in a desired bandwidth. Each of these patents illustrates the need for generating preferred light energy in selected frequencies or bandwidths for the medical treatment of a patient.
Missing from these disclosures is an economical and convenient apparatus for controlling the intensity, power and frequencies of the light energy to be delivered and an economical and convenient apparatus for safely delivering and further controlling the light energy in directing and applying the light energy to the desired area on a patient to be treated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a photo therapeutic light device in which numerous electromagnetic radiated frequencies can be generated, transported, filtered, focused and power output controlled using the apparatus disclosed. Photodynamic theraputic treatment light energies range from near ultraviolet (about 400 nanometers) to extreme infrared (about 800 nanometers) and, as contemplated here, the range of light energies is about 300 nanometers to about 800 nanometers. The present invention includes a light source with power supply, cooling system, light filament bulb or other suitable source, lenses and filters and a transport mechanism which incorporates fiber optic materials for filtration, focusing light source sizing, and control for intensity of emitted light energies through a mechanically flexible system for delivery of the theraputic light.
An object of the present invention is a convenient combination of a light generating source including filtering, focusing, and power control elements for producing a desired light energy and the addition of a convenient means for transporting, filtering, focusing and power controlling the light energy to deliver the energy to an area to be treated.
Another object of the present invention in accord with the preceding object is the provision of an economical means for developing and delivering photodynamic therapy light energy for theraputic treatment of diseases.
Another object in accord with the preceding object is the use of a fiber optic light transporting device for the delivery of the light energy to the area to be treated.
Another object in accord with the preceding objects is the use of a flexible fiber optic light transporting device in delivering the light energy.
Another object in accord with the preceding objects is a means for coordinating the generating source and the transporting device for particular and designated light energy bandwidths or frequencies to prevent inadvertent connection and delivery of improper theraputic light.
Further objects and features of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the appended drawings and specification illustrating a preferred embodiment wherein:
REFERENCES:
patent: 4782818 (1988-11-01), Mori
patent: 4930504 (1990-06-01), Diamantopoulos et al.
patent: 5101452 (1992-03-01), Krebser et al.
patent: 5405368 (1995-04-01), Eckhouse
patent: 5441531 (1995-08-01), Zarate et al.
patent: 5755752 (1998-05-01), Segal
patent: 5843143 (1998-12-01), Whitehurst
patent: 5849027 (1998-12-01), Gart et al.
patent: 2272278 (1994-05-01), None
patent: WO 89/00871 (1989-02-01), None
Cesati Claudio
Gart Mark B.
Dvorak Linda C. M.
MBG Technologies, Inc.
Wasson George W.
Yarnell Bryan K.
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