| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20090240242 | Endoluminal Laser Ablation Device and Method for Treating Veins - An improved method and device is provided for safe and efficient low power density endoluminal treatment of venous insufficiency. One such device emits pulsed or continuous energy radially through an optical fiber end with a conical shaped tip for 360° radial emission. In some embodiments, a conical reflective surface is distally spaced opposite to and faces the emitting tip for enhancing radial emission efficiency by reflecting out any designed or remnant forwardly transmitted energy in radial directions. Other devices include flat emitting faces sealed within protective, radiation transparent covers. Laser radiation is transmitted at a wavelength and power such that is it substantially entirely absorbed within the blood vessel wall to sufficiently damage the intravascular endothelium and, in turn, achieve blood vessel closure. Because the energy is substantially entirely absorbed within the blood vessel wall, the need for a local anesthetic along the treatment area of the blood vessel may be substantially avoided. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20100100030 | Microbe Reductions with Photosensitizers - Methods, devices and composition are disclosed for treating oral, skin and nail diseases, including inflammatory periodontal disease, onychomycosis and dermatophytosis. In a preferred embodiment a method for treating oral, skin and nail infections comprises administering a photosensitizing compound in long term effect or timed release formulations, including local highly concentrated formulations, and activating the photosensitizer with radiation to selectively destroy bacteria, fungi and other microbial bodies. In another preferred embodiment, photosensitizers are housed within nanoparticles, and can be gradually released through biodegradation or periodically released by such processes as brushing, irradiation and chemically induced release. The diffusion speed of the photosensitizers can be accelerated by brushing. In another embodiment, the photosensitizer molecule is also modified to more effectively target the molecule to the unwanted oral bacterial and fungal species. In another embodiment devices for treating oral, skin and nail infections includes a laser radiation source and delivery apparatuses such as brush or teethed comb for nail and scalp infections respectively. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100179523 | Urological Diode Laser Systems having a Glass-Fiber Application System - The invention relates to a system for medicinal treatment, in particular for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH, for use in the event of tumor resection or for use in thoracic surgery. The system comprises a diode laser device for producing a laser beam and to an application system based on optical wave guides that can be endoscopically introduced into a patient. Said system is designed in such a manner that the laser beam, produced by the diode laser device is guided through the application system and is emitted by said application system so that biological tissue can be treated in a selective manner with the emerging laser beam. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100179525 | ENDOLUMINAL LASER ABLATION DEVICE AND METHOD FIR TREATING VEINS - An improved method and device is provided for safe and efficient low power density endoluminal treatment of venous insufficiency. One such device emits pulsed or continuous energy radially through an optical fiber end with a conical shaped tip for 360° radial emission. In some embodiments, a conical reflective surface is distally spaced opposite to and faces the emitting tip for enhancing radial emission efficiency by reflecting out any designed or remnant forwardly transmitted energy in radial directions. Other devices include flat emitting faces sealed within protective, radiation transparent covers. Additional embodiments include spacing/centering mechanisms to keep emitting end radially equidistant from vein walls. Laser radiation is transmitted at a wavelength and power such that is it substantially entirely absorbed within the blood vessel wall to sufficiently damage the intravascular endothelium and, in turn, achieve blood vessel closure. Because the energy is substantially entirely absorbed within the blood vessel wall, the need for a local anesthetic along the treatment area of the blood vessel may be substantially avoided. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100262131 | Medical laser treatment device and method utilizing total reflection induced by radiation - A device is provided for improved surgical procedures to remove unwanted or hyperplasic tissue from a patient. In particular, laser ablation, urological treatments, benign prostatic hyperplasia treatments and other applications benefit from the device. Specially prepared optical waveguide tips allow for enhanced irradiation of desired tissues with light sources including laser diodes, bright LEDs or lamps. The refractive indices of the waveguide materials and the surrounding medium are such that a significant fraction of the optical radiation, being transported in the waveguide, is coupled out of the waveguide into the surrounding medium through a peripheral surface at or near the distal end. The optical radiation is chosen to have an appropriate wavelength and sufficient power density, so that the surrounding medium will be changed in the vicinity of at least a part of the peripheral surface area. The changes of the surrounding medium result in a change of its refractive index such that the optical radiation is redirected. Device is particularly useful for treatments within a patient where entry and/or treatment space is limited/restricted. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100273803 | Oral Formulations for Tetrapyrrole Derivatives - Oral formulations and method of formulating photosensitive agents for oral administration during photodynamic therapy (PDT) and Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) treatment are presented. The oral formulated photosensitizers show increased solubility and permeability, thus improving the bioavailability of photosensitizers at the treatment site. An orally administered photosensitizer is suitably formulated for mucosal adhesion and absorption via gastrointestinal mucosal membranes. Oral formulation provided herein use lipids and known proteins as carriers for photosensitizers by oral route. Carriers for encapsulating preselected photosensitizers include conventional liposomes, pegylated liposomes, nanoemulsions, nanocrystrals, nanoparticles, fatty emulsions, lipidic formulations, hydrosols, SMEDDS, Alpha-Feto protein (AFP), and Bovine-Serum-Albumin (BSA), fatty emulsions, hot-melt-extrudates and nanoparticles. The oral formulation, in case of a hydrophobic photosensitizer in the present invention, is stabilized using suitable surfactants/solubilizers thus preventing aggregation of the drug in the stomach and until it is absorbed in the duodenum and the small intestine. Oral formulations can be administered in the form of liquid, capsule, tablet, powder, paste or gel. Formulated drugs can be administered orally as one single dose or in multiple doses before administering PDT. In one embodiment Temoporfin (m-THPC) is used as a photosensitizer in the oral formulations. Temoporfin like many hydrophobic photosensitizers are especially suitable to be administered orally because there is no known enzyme system in the mammalian body which can metabolize Temoporfin or similar photosensitizers. Temoporfin can reach the blood system unchanged and fully active after absorption of the formulation in the gastrointestinal tract. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20110060388 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VESSEL TREATMENT - A device and method for restoring functionality of blood vessels are disclosed. Laser energy is accurately and precisely applied in order to restore vessel functionality. This is accomplished by a controlled, reliable and specific shrinkage and/or strengthening of the vessel structure. Laser radiation is transported in a controlled manner via an optical fiber to the site where energy is needed. Laser wavelength is chosen according to the required penetration depth in tissue. It has been found that a wavelength that is essentially absorbed within less than a millimeter of the actual dimensions of the vessel walls thickness works best. In a preferred embodiment, wavelength of approximately 1470 nm is used. A mini-endoscope is preferably used to control the process by visual inspection from the inside of the vessel. Other means such as ultrasound, echography, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), or other imaging means can also be combined to control the procedure. Full 360° radial emission, i.e., delivery of laser radiation perpendicularly or fairly inclined relative to the veins axis, is beneficial, and is accomplished by means of a radial emitting fiber. In another preferred embodiment, a 360 degree radiation pattern can be achieved by using a twister or side-emitting fiber, along with rotational and sweeping movements, to apply energy in an even, more-controlled, and guided manner. Valve function is restored to recover whole vein functionality, avoiding the need of closing it. In a preferred embodiment, energy is applied from the outside of the vessel, by inserting a device through the skin and tissue. In another preferred embodiment, specific radiation absorbers (and/or scattering enhancers) can be located at suitable positions inside the vessel wall or near the tissue to be treated, thus radiation can then selectively target tagged locations. Vessel function is restored preserving its structure, using a minimally invasive treatment. A wide range of vessel diameters are effectively treated. Vessels include veins, arteries and fistulas. Specifically, when treating veins, valvular incompetence is accurately and precisely treated, thus rendering a safe, versatile and fast procedure with reduced recurrence possibilities. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110082410 | Method for Reducing Pain during Photodynamic Therapy - The present invention provides a method for application of photodynamic therapy which results in a reduction of pain experienced by a patient during treatment. An irradiation pattern of short pulses is applied to a treatment site. The same total energy dosage and light intensity parameters for a specific application, as known in the state of the art is used, but the radiation is applied in a series of short pulses. In a preferred embodiment, radiation is applied with about 350 millisecond pulses, and each pulse is separated by about 100 to 500 millisecond intervals. Application of radiation in pulses rather than continuous wave application reduces pain during treatment without sacrificing the therapeutic effect. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110130747 | Contact free and perforation safe endoluminal laser treatment device and method - A device and method for endovascular radiation therapy that prevents unwanted damage to blood vessels during treatment is described. One feature is a means for preventing the emission end of an energy delivery device from coming into contact with the wall of a blood vessel. This positioning means may be a distancing catheter or ring incorporated into a catheter. Another feature is a sensing means that senses the inputted radiation power and prevents irradiation above a preselected power or energy level. Both features serve to prevent radiation, having an overly high intensity or power density, from impacting the vessel wall and causing a puncture. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110152979 | Microbe Reduction with Light Radiation - Present invention discloses methods and devices for treating skin and nail infections such as onychomycosis and dermatophytosis, caused by pathogenic microbes such as fungi. in a preferred embodiment, a method for treating skin and nail infections comprises irradiating the treatment site with a light radiation source operating at one or more near infrared wavelengths which are absorbed by the pathogenic microbes, specifically operating at 980±30 nm, 1470±40 nm and/or 1900±60 nm. In another preferred embodiment, a method for treating skin and nail fungus comprises irradiating the treatment site with a device emitting laser radiation of 980±30 nm wavelength. In another embodiment, a device for treating toenail fungus comprises a laser radiation source which emits a combination of radiation wavelengths at about 980±30 nm and 1470±40 nm; or 980±30 nm and 1900±60 nm; or 1470±40 nm and 1900±60 nm; or 980±30 nm, 1470±40 nm and 1900±60 nm. In another embodiment, devices for treating skin and nail infections include a laser radiation source and delivery apparatuses such as brush or toothed comb for nail and scalp infections respectively. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110160713 | TWISTER FIBER OPTIC SYSTEMS AND THEIR USE IN MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - An improved device and method for safe, accurate and efficient surgical procedures are disclosed. The disclosed device is an optical fiber set with an asymmetric distal end configuration, comprising a bent tip fiber with a fused sleeve as an integral part of it, placed at the fiber's distal (output) end and with a rotatable connector at the proximal (input) side. Fiber tip and tissue-contacting surface located at the distal end of the tip may be constructed with different shape configurations, such as convex tip to improve focusing characteristics, concave tip to achieve diverging irradiation or an expanded beam tip to achieve an effect similar to that obtained by electrosurgical tools. A grip guarantees and enhances the ability to twist and rotate it easily. In another preferred embodiment, twisting maneuvers are enhanced through a special configuration. Both special features (bent tip and rotatable connector), allow for improved and enhanced treatment of diverse pathologies, making possible to efficiently and easily reach and treat specific tissues. Optical fiber's steerability, twistability and rotation lead to a more precise and improved effect on tissues. Due to this, easier, faster and more precise and efficient treatments can be performed by its means. For instance, it may be inserted into a cystoscope to perforin high power ablation of prostatic tissue for BPH treatments, or steered into one of the prostatic lobes, which can be excavated from the inside in order to relieve pressure on the urethra while maintaining the urethra's integrity. Other uses might be the removal of tumorous, hyperplasic or other unwanted tissue in the body. Optical fiber set disclosed can be used with laser sources of various wavelengths, including dual laser sources, but also higher power LED devices or very bright light sources can be used to generate the radiation to be transmitted as well. Due to this novel design, described fiber is easy to put in place, also easy to maintain in contact with tissue and highly durable. The feel to the doctor is greatly improved too. This results in more effective power transfer into tissue and therefore procedures are more reliable and procedure times are cut by up to 30%. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110166562 | High Durability Side Fire Optical Fiber for High Power Applications - An optical fiber treatment system is provided for high power laser transmission to an area of medical treatment. A side fire optical fiber tip for use in high power laser applications having outputs of greater than or equal to 50 Watts is a key to the system. Embodiments are particularly appropriate for the medical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) with a side fire optical fiber tip using a Holmium:YAG laser or a high power diode laser. Such procedures can be done with only local anesthesia. A predetermined length of an output tip on the distal end of the optical fiber of the present invention is formed with an optical fiber core and cladding layer of preselected thickness wherein the cladding to core diameter ratio is at least as great as 1.1. A side fire surface is formed on the distal end of the core/clad output end. Over this optical fiber output end, a pure silica capillary tube is fused to the predetermined length of exposed cladding where the outermost cladding is also pure silica to reduce thermal mismatch during the fusion process. By having the refractive index at the fusing interface of the tube to the cladding matched, and bubbles or gaps eliminated or prevented, it is possible to substantially enhance durability and eliminate Fresnel reflection losses at this interface. Further, the outer surface area where the laser energy is exiting from the tube may be heat treated with a laser to additionally increase durability for high power laser energy transmission in fluid environments. Germanium-doped silica as well as pure silica can be used as fiber core material. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110172652 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR UNDERSKIN RADIATION TREATMENT OF ADIPOSE TISSUE - A method and device for underskin treatment and removal of adipose tissue by means of a radiation energy source is disclosed. The method disclosed of radiation-assisted tissue improvement consists of inserting a device or part of a device below the skin into areas to be treated, emitting radiation and moving the device within tissue area to reach all parts. The method is characterized by emitting radiation at intensity levels low enough to practically avoid or minimize carbonization in the main tissue components such as fat and connective tissue but at sufficient intensity to enable coagulation of smaller blood vessels thus preventing from bleeding at the spectrum emitted. Thus, in preferred embodiments, power density is kept at up to about 2 W/mm. This allows for use of small diameter fibers such as 400 μm or less. The device for carrying out underskin radiation treatment consists of a handpiece that allows easy manipulation by physicians, with a part that can be inserted below the skin and a part that can be held and manipulated outside the body. The part inserted below the skin can be vibrated or oscillated by means of suitable transducers to aid in distributing the radiation. Simultaneously or immediately afterwards, liquefied tissue is aspirated. If convenient, fluid irrigation of the area to be treated can be done. In a preferred embodiment, handpiece consists in a hollow cannula incorporating at least one channel for suction and/or irrigation and a light guiding means in its body/wall section for the purpose of the treatment and liquefaction of adipose tissue. Due to handpiece's special configuration, a wide variety of fiber tip configurations can be used, i.e. side emitting, conical, radial emitting, drop shaped, reflective caps, but not limited thereto. Each fiber tip configuration allows for optimally performing different specific treatments. The device further comprises at least one radiation source, included in device part affixed to the handpiece either in a permanent or detachable manner. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110178513 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INTERNAL TISSUE REMOVAL - Methods and devices for internal tissue removal by means of laser energy are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a method for internal tissue removal in which tissue is removed in the form of fluid (liquid, vapor), solid debris and/or a combination of these is provided. Other embodiments disclose a method and a photodynamic method for the treatment of urological disorders such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. In another embodiment, a treatment system comprises infusion and vacuum hoses, a laser energy source with a wavelength or wavelength combinations for higher tissue ablation rates as well as reduced bleeding. As an advantageous feature, this invention can be applied to any kind of soft tissue which needs to be removed from the body. In addition, as it is not limited to hollow organs, it can be performed with or without using an endoscope. The method of internal tissue removal disclosed is safe, efficient, with enhanced outcomes and can be performed with less patient and surgeon stress. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110178580 | ENHANCED ANTI-MICROBIAL PDT - Present invention provides enhanced methods and improved devices to eliminate, reduce, destroy and/or inhibit undesired body fluid species, such as pathogen microbes and deteriorated or malignant cells in complex environments like blood, serum and other body fluids. In preferred embodiments, present invention provides an antimicrobial PDT treatment that effectively inactivates, reduces and/or destroys both Gram (−) and Gram (+) bacteria in complex body fluids. Methods to enhance antimicrobial PDT activity includes the steps of administering a photosensitizer to bacteria-contaminated fluid, after a dwell time guiding bacteria-contaminated fluid with photosensitizer through a channel, emitting radiation preferably in an intermittent manner, and restoring treated body fluids to corresponding body regions. Electromagnetic radiation is preferably delivered intermittently with pulse width based on treatment parameters. Preferred device embodiments comprise guiding channels and at least one electromagnetic radiation source, arranged separately or in sequence. Preferably, laser device or LED-panels are used to deliver electromagnetic radiation to activate the photosensitizer. When used with preferred photosensitizer composition based on Safranin O, preferred laser radiation wavelength is in the range of 500-580 nm. Additionally, present invention diminishes adverse host's inflammatory responses by neutralizing the biological activity of pathogenic microorganism fragments and reducing and/or removing pathogenic microorganism fragments responsible for it. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110196356 | ABLATIVE/COAGULATIVE UROLOGICAL TREATMENT DEVICE AND METHOD - A device/system and a method of treating enlarged prostate and other urologic abnormalities are presented. A combined treatment is performed with several interstitial coagulating probes and an ablating fiber. Tissue vaporization is minimized by the denaturalizing effect of interstitial coagulative fibers. In a single device, multiple delivery systems achieve optimal tissue ablation/coagulation; a non-laser source like microwave energy coagulates tissue and a laser source ablates tissue. Another device comprises two or more laser sources with adjustable wavelengths controllable by physician as to ablative, coagulative, and tissue penetration needs. Continuous, semi-continuous, pulsed wave, or combinations are useful. In another embodiment, optical fiber has a central core for transmitting laser radiation, and a cladding layer about the core that may further transmit other laser radiation of a different or a same wavelength as the core. Fibers may have a side-firing distal end, a radial firing end, or an off-axis firing end. Feedback controls can be used. In general coagulative irradiation can use a radiofrequency or other radiant thermal source. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110213348 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR VALVE REPAIR - A method and a device for minimally invasive treatment of diseased deep and superficial venous valves are disclosed. Treatment seeks to repair/rejuvenate dysfunctional valve by reducing the circumference of dilated valve rings and by restoring their original shape and function using laser energy to make physical suture points and shrink collagen in selected points. Real time monitoring is by angioscopic view and endovenous echographic control. In a preferred embodiment, system comprises a specific catheter-like device for endovenous insertion that allows for real time view of energy emission and venous surface to be corrected. Catheter flexibility is such that viewing angle and direct energy emission can be oriented properly. Catheter can comprise channels for irrigation or for interchange of laser fibers according to desired irradiation pattern. A preferred embodiment of catheter device also comprises cuffs for temporary occlusion, by inflation and deflation. In preferred embodiments, 1470 nm, 1550 nm or 1900 nm laser energy is applied. This treatment can be applied to venous valves of the deep venous system, as well as valves of the sapheno-femoral junction, terminal valve and pre-terminal valve. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110275979 | METHOD/DEVICE FOR TRANSDERMAL VASCULAR TREATMENT - Devices and transdermal methods are provided for safe and effective therapeutic treatment of the venous system, such as varicose veins. Present invention provides non-invasive and minimally invasive transdermal methods for treating varicose and spider veins, comprising the use of a radiation source in combination with a chemical fluid/composition to safely and more effectively close or shrink vein walls, providing a transdermal therapeutic method for varicose veins until now only treated with surgery or endovascular laser treatments. In a preferred embodiment a device comprises a radiation source, preferably of wavelength between about 980 and 1940 nm, being effective in causing shrinkage of the vein treated. In other preferred embodiments methods comprise the transdermal delivery of a chemical composition through a patch or gel or the injection of a chemical fluid, preferably a hypertonic solution, to the vein under treatment; and simultaneously or after a dwell time, irradiating with a radiation source transdermally. The treatment performed with the present invention results in blood vessel wall damaged, eventually closing the vein, in lesser time with practically no pain or discomfort to the patient during and after the therapy. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110282330 | Endoluminal Laser Ablation Device and Improved Method for Treating Veins - An improved method and device is provided for safe and efficient low power density endoluminal treatment of venous insufficiency and similar procedures. One such device emits pulsed or continuous energy radially from an optical fiber with two or more emitting portions at its distal region for 360° radial (circumferential) emission in various portions of the vein. Each emitting section comprises a fiber with a truncated cone and a short fiber segment with a conical tip at the distal end of the fiber assembly. Different embodiments are presented which vary according to geometrical dimensions of emitting sections, such as diameter of the truncated cone, fiber core diameter and length of the fiber segment in front of the fiber with its truncated cone. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber and the short fiber segment are “butt-coupled” inside the glass dome with no additional adhering means. The fiber and the short fiber segment are laterally fused to the protective glass dome. As the back end of the truncated cone section is fused to the outer tube, the area in close contact with the forward piece is fused to the forward section. In another preferred embodiment, the truncated cone of the fiber is glued to the proximal end of the fiber segment. In another embodiment, the contact area is fused first, then, an outer tube is attached. Laser radiation is transmitted at a wavelength and power such that is it substantially entirely absorbed within a fraction of the blood vessel wall to sufficiently damage the intravascular endothelium and, in turn, achieve blood vessel closure. Such wavelengths include, but are not limited to about 980 nm, 1470 nm and 1950 nm. Because the energy is substantially entirely absorbed within the first third of a blood vessel wall, the need for a local anesthetic along the treatment area of the blood vessel is substantially avoided. Because the optical fiber device contains multiple emission points, withdrawal speed can be increased, and/or emitted energy levels can be set at minimum values. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110319757 | TISSUE RESECTION UNDER IMAGE GUIDANCE/CONTROL - An improved method and device for accurate, efficient surgical procedures are disclosed. The disclosed system consists in simultaneously using an elongated member that conveys energy to a treatment site and imaging means to control position of the elongated member and monitor treatment progress in real-time. In a preferred embodiment, for BPH, a twister fiber with a fused cap is used and ultrasound image guidance is obtained using a rectal probe. The method consists in placing an ultrasound rectal probe, fixed by mechanical means, and an optical fiber inserted into urethra. Initial positioning of probe is done under endoscopic/ultrasound control. The twister fiber probe operates in contact-mode. Treatment is monitored, real-time, by the ultrasound device. Additional imaging technologies include Positron Emission Tomography(PET), Computed Tomography(CT) or Optical Coherence Tomography. Other applications include the removal of tumorous (hyperplasic) tissue. Sources include lasers, higher power LEDs or bright lamps and photodynamic therapy. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120069861 | Precisely-Shaped Core Fibers and Method of Manufacture - Non-circular core optical preforms are provided whose core-cladding interface edge has a sharpness that can be accurately controlled according to application-specific needs. Preform design and fiber fabrication is handled such that precisely edged fiber cores are maintained in the drawn fibers. This provides for markedly improved fiber functions, which rely on the non-circular structure of the core. In short, optical fibers having non-circular wave-guiding regions with precise, controlled edges are provided. By using selected manufacturing techniques that employ lower temperatures than commonly used, prior art techniques and by choosing proper materials with appropriate viscosities for core and cladding, the rounding of the edges of the wave-guiding region is precisely maintained in the final optical fibers. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120101427 | NOVEL PHOTOSENSITIZER FORMULATIONS FOR ORAL ADMINISTRATION - The present invention provides novel drug formulations for oral administration for diverse medical applications including anticancer, antimetastatic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoic, antiviral, antiprionic and PDT treatments for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In a preferred embodiment the oral drug formulation comprises a photosensitizer and suitable excipients and may be administered in multiple doses over an extended period of time with exposure to activating radiation occurring generally between individual doses or in a light-independent manner. In another preferred embodiment PDT methods for treating hyperplasia and neoplasia, for localizing hyperplasic and neoplasic tissues and pathogen bacteria by fluorescence, for treating infections caused by pathogen bacteria in complex body fluids and for fat reduction, skin disorders and vascular diseases are provided. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120259187 | DYNAMIC COLORECTAL PDT APPLICATION - Dynamic colorectal PDT methods, devices and photosensitizer compositions to treat abnormal cell growth in anal tissue such as perianal and intra-anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade III are presented. Dynamic colorectal PDT method comprises the steps of administering topically, intravenously or orally a photosensitizer composition; irradiating; monitoring treatment parameters before, during and/or after irradiation. Photosensitizer composition comprises Temoporfin and excipients/carriers, appropriate for the application method. An applicator is provided for colorectal PDT treatments enhancing irradiation delivery and monitoring treatment parameters. Preferably, applicator is made of a material, used to monitor the fluence rate simultaneously while doing optical spectroscopy. Measurement probe devices are provided for monitoring PDT treatment parameters in-vivo. A device for colorectal PDT treatment is also provided, comprising laser radiation source operating at about 400 and 800 nm; excitation laser radiation source operating at about 650 nm for fluorescence measurements; multichannel dosimetry device; long pass filter; waveguides and measurement probes. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120289947 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOVING VEINS - A device and method for safe, substantially blood-free vessel removal that preserves vein patency are disclosed. A specially designed lens-free laser vessel stripping device is inserted into the body and coupled to a laser energy source, to remove a major vessel while cutting and coagulating its lateral branches with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Energy source is preferably a diode laser source emitting at wavelengths of about 980 nm, about 1470 nm or a combination of these wavelengths for obtaining best ablative and coagulative effects, thus achieving a safe and efficient removal of vessels with minimum collateral damage and thus faster recovery. Veins harvested using this device and method are better candidates for autologous grafts in other surgeries. Device and treatment are proposed for, but not limited to vein stripping of insufficient varicose veins, and removal of healthy veins for use as autologous grafts in surgical procedures such as coronary bypass surgery and for treatment of Peyronie's disease. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120289950 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VESSEL TREATMENT - An endoluminal lasing system for treating vascular disorders is disclosed. Treatment comprises an elongated member that conveys laser radiation to tissue and a motorized mechanism, through which elongated member is rotated. As motor drives, its movement s spins elongated member leading to a spiral movement as physician manually moves member in a longitudinal direction. In a preferred embodiment, elongated member is an optical fiber for endoluminal vessel treatment. In another preferred embodiment optical fiber comprises an off-axis firing distal end or side-firing distal end. Optical fiber can be a radial emitting fiber. Spin velocity can be varied according to treatment needs, i.e., pathology, type of vessel, energy source, vessel diameter, etc. One advantage, spiral movement prevents adherence to vessel wall in treatments. Another advantage is that radiation is applied more uniformly along vessel wall. The vessel wall is, thus more evenly treated under most conditions. Treatment velocity and reproducibility are enhanced with this procedure, and human errors are minimized. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20130035684 | Laser Treatment of Tissues at Wavelengths above 1330 nm - A medical laser system is disclosed for ablation/resection/coagulation of unwanted tissue, including parenchymal lung resection to facilitate/accelerate growth/wound healing. System comprises laser energy sources and conveying means, optical fiber. A diode laser source emits above 1330 nm, at least 50 Watts, through an optical fiber onto target tissue. Wavelength, 1340 nm is preferred. Wavelength ranges 1330-1390 nm and 1450-1550 nm, are also useful. Additionally a wavelength, between 800-1100 nm, can be used. Wavelength differences maximize beam quality. Two radiation sources emit simultaneously from fiber's distal end. One emits at ˜1320 nm and the other emits at ˜1340 nm or ˜1360 nm with maximum total output power of 60 W or larger. Preferably, the ratio of the power levels is fixed at 1:1.5 and output power is the sum of individual lasers. High beam quality and power density system combines emissions from a diode laser and a fiber laser. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130041357 | CLASS 1 LASER TREATMENT SYSTEM - Eye-safe, low-power-density, Class 1 or Class 3R laser treatment systems for medical applications are disclosed. Systems having controlled power and stray irradiation can meet laser safety requirements according to IEC 60825-1:2007 or equivalent for eye-safe rating; classification as laser-Class 1 or as laser-Class 3R. Laser system comprises a diode laser source, an optical fiber probe, means for detecting and identifying said optical probe and means to ensure that laser power transmitted from the fiber probe is limited to pre-specified maximum power level per application; laser wavelength; emission characteristics; probe characteristics; limiting values according to applied safety regulations. Device can identify the connected optical fiber probe to exclude using non-conforming optical fiber probes and/or to limit maximum output to optical powers in compliance with laser safety regulations. System preferably operates at a wavelength of 1400 nm or higher. Breakage or leakage from fiber probe is detectable and prevented. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130310819 | LASER PLASMA MODULATOR SYSTEM FOR ENDOSCOPY AND ENDOCAVITARY SURGERY - An improved system for safe and efficient generation of plasmas and vapors bubbles with continuous wave radiations and low levels of power densities, sufficient to treat medical pathologies and to avoid the creation damage to healthy tissue is provided. Transmission means in different configurations are used to achieve a high absorption in water, which is able to initiate plasma with low levels of power density. Once plasma and vapor bubbles are formed, they absorb other wavelengths in addition to the one that initiated it. Other wavelengths, more efficiently generated by diodes or diode pumped lasers, are added into the beam to improve treatment efficiency. This modulated plasma produces fast tissue ablation and good hemostasis effect with minimal overheating of remaining tissue. After plasma and high-energy vapors are generated, only laser radiation that passes through the plasma bubble directly interacts with soft tissues. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20150029307 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMPROVED ULCER TREATMENT - A method and device are disclosed for treating ulcers based on the photobiostimulation effect to reduce inflammation and enhance microvascular activity accelerating the wound healing process. In a preferred embodiment, a diode laser source emits 1470±60 nm laser energy at about 15 Watts, which is conveyed through an optical fiber and applied onto wound with about a 7 mm spot with a laser pulse preferably set to about 60 msec. An enclosure cap at emission tip confining irradiated area results in enhanced personnel safety. A standalone handheld laser can be used without need of a fiber/handpiece. Additionally a timer or sensing system determines end of radiation treatment. An efficient, rapid, easy and safe treatment of venous, arterial and neurotrophic ulcers, chronic and acute, results. In another embodiment, a special technique is used with a point to point laser appliance, irradiating an area of about 1-2 cm out beyond the edges of the ulcers. After each treatment, a hyaluronic acid gel is generally applied. Optimum treatment can involve multiple irradiations spaced over days/weeks. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150080867 | Gastric Reflux Treatment with Lasers - Method/devices for endoscopic laser treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as, gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) are disclosed. Treatment involves irradiating tissue of the digestive tract to strengthen muscle tone and shrink anatomical areas reducing occurrence of reflux of food/liquids from the stomach to the esophagus. In a preferred embodiment, equipment comprises a gastro-endoscope with a working channel for inserting an optical fiber. Laser device comprises a diode laser source emitting a suitable wavelength and wave pattern through optical fiber. Laser radiation is applied near the Z line at the esophago-gastric junction. Measures are taken to assure irradiation is very accurate. Injury to the mucosa and adjacent structures, e.g. nerves, are avoided by focusing at the muscularis layer while preventing thermal effects on mucosa. This is achieved using wavelengths of ca. 1470 nm or ca. 980 mm. Energy is emitted perpendicular to fiber axis using optical fibers with side fiber distal tips, radial fiber distal tips or twister fiber distal tips. | 03-19-2015 |
