Photodynamic therapy apparatus and method for vascular tissue treatment
US7730894B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1003
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Light generating devices for illuminating portions of vascular tissue, to render photodynamic therapy. In one embodiment, a light source array preferably including a plurality of light emitting diodes, a focusing lens, and a light diffusing element are included in a distal end of a catheter. A balloon is optionally provided to interrupt blood flow that can block the transmission of light, and to center the apparatus in a blood vessel. Optical fibers optionally direct light from the light source to the diffusing element. The light source array can have a radial or linear configuration and can produce more than one wavelength of light for activating different photoreactive agents. Linear light source elements are particularly useful to treat elongate portions of tissue in a vessel. One embodiment intended for use with a conventional balloon catheter integrates light sources into a guidewire.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.