Apparatus for irradiating living cells
US5728090A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/0652
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is provided having a substantially cylindrical support to which is attached a removable, multi-sided head. Each side of the head has an array of light-emitting diodes that provide monochromatic light to activate a photosensitive dye. The apparatus may be used in invasive surgery to treat brain tumors and the like. The apparatus may be used for topical treatments by providing a removable reflector over the light-emitting head. The temperature of the head is controlled, and the head is cooled by circulating cooling fluid through the head. The use of the cooling fluid allows the LEDs to be driven beyond their rated capacity. The catheter may also include an expandable light diffuser that is affixed over the light-emitting head and that is filled with a diffuser fluid such as a lipid solution. The apparatus may also be used to provide radiant energy to plants or to patients in non-PDT applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.