EP1368092A1

EP1368092A1 - Apparatus for stimulating and activating cell function in living tissue

Info

Publication number: EP1368092A1
Application number: EP02710754A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Henrik Ljungberg Jensen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-01-30
Filing date: 2002-01-30
Publication date: 2003-12-10
Also published as: DK200100153A; WO2002068054A1

Abstract

There is described an apparatus (2,30) for stimulating and activating the cell functions in living tissue, e.g. in connection with the treatment of wounds, and with a number of mutually movable apparatus members (10), each including a number of laser diodes (26), where each of the apparatus members are formed as narrow, elongated fittings (10), e.g. with mainly semi-circular cross-section, that the laser diodes (26) are mounted on a row (24) along the middle of an elongated, preferably plane lateral part (28) of the fittings (10), and that the laser diodes (26) of each fitting (10) are mutually angularly adjusted so that the laser light from respective laser diodes forms an elongated, mainly rectangular treatment area with an evenly distributed amount of laser light energy (J/cm2).

Description

Apparatus for Stimulating and Activating Cell Function in Living Tissue

The present invention concerns an apparatus for stimulating and activating cell function in living tissue and of the kind indicated in preamble of claim 1.

The term "laser" often associates to weapons, which in a sense may be right also, as laser devices very well can be an effective weapon against pain and diseases. However, it more correct to view laser technology as a tool which, depending on shape, size and type, may find application in different technical embodiments and for different medical purposes.

On this background, the object of the invention is to indicate an apparatus of the kind mentioned in the introduction, and by which in a simple way there may be achieved an effective stimulating and activating of cell function in living tissue, e.g. by wound treatment.

The apparatus according to the invention is characterised in that each of the apparatus members are formed as narrow, elongated fittings, e.g. with mainly semi-circular cross- section, that the laser diodes are mounted on a row along the middle of an elongated, preferably plane lateral part of the fittings, and that the laser diodes of each fitting are mutually angularly adjusted so that the laser light from respective laser diodes forms an elongated, mainly rectangular treatment are with an evenly distributed amount of laser light energy (J/cm²). By means of a simply structured and easily operated apparatus hereby there may - e.g. by wound treatment - be achieved an effective stimulating and activating of cell function in living tissue, so that e.g. a leg sore heals up more rapidly.

By clinical experiments it has appeared that an apparatus according to the invention, appearing as an apparatus easily operated, and which during the treatment does not require operators, has displayed rather convincing results by the treatment of wound treatment, which, besides the treating of leg sores, also included wounds from operation on the body and injuries from fireworks in the eye region. The treatment with laser light is transmission of energy to the cells. The laser light energy penetrates the skin and stimulates the functions of the cells, whereby the immune response and the blood flow are enhanced. The fact that laser light influences the body immune response and the ability of accelerated healing by sickness and injuries means that the possibilities of application of treatment with laser light are manifold.

Prior art apparatuses using UV-light cannot in any way transmit energy compared with the apparatus according to the invention. UN-light may thus only influence the skin cells, whereas laser light may transmit / transport energy (light photons) to the underlying tissue/cell structure, typically at a depth of 1 - 2 cm. In other words, we are speaking of quite different physical abilities by UV-light and laser light, the special property of which is that energy (light photons) may be transmitted via the laser light and dissipated specifically where desired in tissue/cells. The wavelength (nm) of the laser light determines where in the tissue the energy is deposited. For example, the energy from a 632 nm laser diode (visibly red) is dissipated in the skin and in the underlying tissue at a depth of 1 - 2 cm, whereas a 830 nm laser diode (infra red) dissipates the energy in deeper lying tissue, at a depth of up to 10 cm.

Compared with hitherto known apparatuses working according to a principle where the cells are only locally affected, by the invention there is used a completely other principle where the laser light energy impinges a large area so that a more global stimulation and activation of the cell function occurs, i.e. by the invention there is used a kind of

"help for self-help principle", where the onus is on supporting the function of the immune response of the body itself.

Suitably, the apparatus according to the invention may be thus designed that it includes two fittings, each fitted with 15-25, preferably 20 laser diodes, with a power of 50 mW

(mJ) / 670 nm, i.e. with preferable total power of about 2 J (2W).

Alternatively, the apparatus according to the invention may be thus designed so that it comprises three or four fittings, each fitted with 15-25, preferably 20 laser diodes, with a power of 50 mW (mJ) /670 nm, i.e. with a preferred total power of about 3 or 4 J (3 or 4 W). Preferably, the apparatus according to the invention is thus designed that each fitting is arranged to treat an area with a length of 30 - 40, preferably about 35 cm, and a width of 9- 15 cm, preferably about 12 cm, measured at a distance from the surface treated of about 10 cm, i.e. the effective treatment effect is about 2.38 mJ/cm² (0.14 J/min).

The apparatus according to the invention may advantageously be thus designed so that laser diodes are mounted on a common, insulated cooling plate of aluminium with a mutual axis spacing of 10 - 15 mm, preferably 12 mm.

With the purpose of application to treatment of wounds on extremities, arms and legs, it may be advantageous that the fittings are, for example, arranged mutually pivoting in pairs.

For facilitating the possibility of individual adjustment of the fittings of the apparatus, it may be suitable that the fittings are each mounted on a flexible arm, which e.g. consists of a flexible, articulated metal tube connected with a narrow end part of the fitting.

An apparatus according to the invention and for treating skin diseases may advantageously be so designed that it comprises 2 - 3 fittings, each provided with 10 - 25 laser diodes with low power (5 mW - 50 mW), and with a wavelength in the range 632 nm

- 690 nm, the laser diodes thus being placed in fittings so that the laser light energy from each laser diode "overlaps" each other.

An apparatus according to the invention and for treating tissue and for pain treatment, may advantageously be so designed that it comprises 2 - 3 fittings, each provided with

10 - 25 laser diodes with higher power (300 mW - 1000 mW) and with a wavelength in the range 790 nm - 850 nm, the laser diodes thus being placed in fittings so that the laser light energy from each laser diode "overlaps" each other.

With the purpose of enabling easy adjustment of the treating area of the apparatus, it may be suitable to design the apparatus so that each fitting is furthermore provided with a number of laser diodes with lower power (50 mW/650 nm), i.e. with visible laser light for visually marking of the area of treatment. The invention is explained in the following more closely in connection with the drawing on which:

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a portable apparatus according to the invention, where the apparatus is contained in a case - a collapsible frame is also seen, Fig. 2 shows a case, cf. Fig. 1 , in the open state, so that a built-in control system for the apparatus and the apparatus itself may be seen, Fig. 3 shows how the depicted embodiment of an apparatus according to the inven- tion for treating e.g. a leg sore may be mounted on a carrier arm mounted on a floor stand, Fig. 4 shows a close-up view of an apparatus according to the invention, comprising two mutually pivoting apparatus members, each fitted with a row of laser diodes, Fig. 5 shows a side view of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, designed more as a special clinic or hospital apparatus, with rolling frame, control box and carrier arm for the laser apparatus according to the invention, which comprises three fittings with each their row of laser diodes, Fig. 6 shows a side view of the laser apparatus shown in Fig. 5, as seen from a slightly other viewpoint and with the fittings set in angles,

Fig. 7 shows a side view corresponding to Fig. 6, only with the fittings shown in the same position as in fig. 5, Fig. 8 shows a close-up view of the laser treatment fittings by the apparatus according to the invention shown in Figs. 5 - 7, and Fig. 9 shows a view of four front plates (cooling plates) mounted with each their row of laser diodes for an apparatus according to the invention, as seen from the back side.

The portable laser treatment apparatus 2 according to the invention shown in Figs 1 - 4 includes a case 4 in which a control unit 6 for the apparatus is built in, and in which there is also space for the treating unit 8 itself of the apparatus 2, the treating unit 8 consisting of two fittings 10 which are mounted mutually pivotable about a central support axle 12, which about the middle has a flexible arm 14, which opposite to the support axle 12 is fastened to a projecting support arm 16, the opposite end of which is adjustably attached at the top on a tripod floor stand with telescoping legs 22

As shown most clearly in Fig 4, each fitting 10 is fitted with a central row 24 of laser diodes 26, the rows 24 each consisting of 20 laser diodes 26 that are mounted in front plates 28 with a mutual axis spacing of about 15 mm Each of the laser diodes 26 has a power of 50 mW (670 nm), l e the total power on the laser treatment apparatus 2 is about 2 W (2 J) Each fitting 10 is arranged to illuminate an elongated, mainly rectangular area of about 35 x 12 cm measured at a distance of about 10 cm, so that by means of each fitting a laser treating power of about 2 38 mW/cm² (0 14 J/min) may be transmitted The laser diodes 26 are mounted in the row 24 mutually scattered so that the laser light from individual laser diodes does not hit each other laterally, I e so that the laser light rays from diodes beside each other only overlap each other to a minimal extent

Figs 5- 8 show an example of a laser treating apparatus 30 for clinic or hospital application where a laser treating unit 32 comprises three fittings 34, of which a middle fitting, by means of a flex arm 36 is connected with the extreme end 38 of a permanently projecting (horizontal) carrier arm 40, which opposite the laser treating unit 32 is con- nected to a height adjustable stand 42 of a floor supported apparatus part 44, which includes a control panel 46, and which furthermore is provided with wheels 48

The fitting 34 are mutually hinged so that the outermost fitting 34 can be angled in relation to the centre fitting 34, l e so that the treating unit 32 can be adjusted for treating a convexly curved body part, e g an operation wound on legs, thighs, or other body parts The make-up and the application of the laser treating unit 32 otherwise correspond to the treating unit 8 already described

Fig 9 shows an example of how the back side of front plates 28 of the fittings 10 or 34 may appear when these are fitted with a central row consisting of 20 pcs of laser diodes

The laser apparatus according to the invention is used in the following way The centre of the injury/ailment (e g a leg sore) is placed at the centre of the illumination area of the laser apparatus The laser fittings 10 are set at such distance from the skin that the elongated illuminated fields from individual fittings just contact or overlap each other, typically at a distance of 10 - 15 cm Treatment is performed with an amount of laser light energy from 2 - 10 J/cm² depending on the disease - treating time

10 - 20 mm The treatment is repeated with intervals of 2 - 3 days until result is attained, typically 5- 10 treatments over a period of 2 - 8 weeks

The energy of the laser light stimulates and activates the cell functions, which means that the blood flow and the immune response are enhanced so that wound injuries heal more rapidly and disease in general is combated The effect may be described as a kind of "help for self-help" for the healing functions of the cells/body

The energy of the laser light is dissipated in the cells in the illuminated area The action in depth depends on the wavelength of the laser light Laser light with a wavelength of

632 nm is dissipated in the surface with a depth action up to 3 cm in the tissue, whereas laser light with a wavelength of 830 nm has a depth action up to 15 cm in the tissue In general, it is true that the greater the area lit up, the greater stimulation and activation of the cell function are achieved

The apparatus according to the invention may be used for stimulating and activating the cell function of living cell tissue in general, I e the apparatus may be used for treating humans and animals, and probably also plants

In general, the cell function is stimulated and activated with an action in depth of the tissue of 1 - 5 cm Experiments have shown, however, that illumination with strong laser light up to 500 mW/808 nm provides a depth action in the tissue up to 15 cm

In experiments, a chicken has been illuminated with the laser light from a 50 mW/830 nm laser penetrating about 5- 6 cm down into the tissue both with and without focusing lens on the laser diode, as it is to be mentioned that the laser light has greatest energy concentration per area unit with a focusing lens In general, it is true that the stronger laser used, and the longer time for exposure, the greater depth the energy from the laser is dissipated in. Typically, laser diode with a power between 5 mW and 500 mW are selected.

Alternatively, the apparatus according to the invention may include a treating unit where the laser light is transmitted to the area to be stimulated and activated by means of a light guide with prism which is attached directly on the treating area. The laser light energy is transmitted through the light guide to the treatment area for 6- 12 hours or until result is achieved, typically with a laser energy of 0.001 - 0.005 J/s (1 - 5 mW).

Example of laser light apparatus for treating skin diseases

A laser apparatus for treating skin diseases is not normally to transmit a laser light energy of more than 2 - 4 J/cm² over a period of time of 10 - 15 min, as the laser light energy is dissipated in a maximum depth of about 3 cm. Therefore, individual laser fittings will typically be provided with laser diodes with a low power (5 mW - 50 mW) and with a wavelength in the area 632 nm - 690 nm. The laser apparatus wil include 2

- 4 laser fittings, each being provided with 10 - 25 laser diodes with low power (5 mW

- 50 mW) and with a wavelength in the range 632 - 690 nm. The laser diodes are disposed in the fittings in such a way that the laser light energy from each laser diode "overlaps" the other. Such a laser apparatus has, as mentioned, a depth action in the tissue of up to about 3 cm.

Example of laser light apparatus for treating tissue and for pain treatment

A laser apparatus for treating tissue and for pain treatment is normally to transmit a laser light energy of 5 - 30 J/cm² over a time period of 10 - 15 min, as the laser light energy is typically dissipated at a depth up to 15 cm. Therefore, individual fittings will typically be provided with laser diodes with a higher power (300 mW - 1000 mW) and with a wavelength in the range 790 nm - 850 nm and with a number of laser diodes with lower power (50 mW / 650 nm), i.e. with visible laser light for visually displaying the treatment area. The laser apparatus will comprise 2 - 3 fittings that each, for example, are provided with 2 - 5 laser diodes of 300 mW - 1000 mW and a wavelength in the range 790 - 850 nm and 3 -5 laser diodes 50 mW/650 nm for visually illuminating the treatment area. The laser diodes are disposed in the fitting in such a way that the laser light energy from each laser diode "overlaps" the other. As mentioned, such a laser apparatus has a depth action in the tissue until about 15 cm.

According to the invention, the laser light energy may be transferred to the cell tissue in three technically different ways:

1. The laser light energy may be transferred directly from a laser diode (with or without optics). If several laser diodes are built together (unlimited number), large areas may be illuminated quickly and efficiently. The laser diode may be held directly upon the skin or held at a distance of typically 10 - 15 cm over the area.

2. The laser light energy may be transferred via light guide (with or without optics) which e.g. may be introduced to the body via the skin or via nose, ear or mouth. The laser light energy may also be transferred via light guide with prism, where the light guide is e.g. fastened directly on the skin so that the laser energy penetrates to the cell tissue.

3. The laser light energy may be transferred via a holographic light screen, where the laser light energy is distributed evenly over the entire light screen. The light screen may be fastened directly upon the skin or be held with a distance of typically 10 -15 cm over the area.

Alternatively, according to the invention there may be used a technique where the laser light energy by means of special optics is dissipated on a very small specific area (focal point). Thereby may be obtained an evaporation/burning effect which e.g. may be used for removing warts on the foot and clavus. An apparatus according the invention for this purpose is designed so that it can not cause detrimental evaporation/burning effect in sound and normal tissue as the used diode laser typically has a wavelength of 800 nm - 850 nm (infra red), but by applying a black ink, e.g. with a black speed marker on the tissue, wart, wart on the foot or clavus, desired to be removed, the laser light energy will be absorbed by the colour pigment from the speed marker and thereby evaporate / burn away the illuminated cell tissue. This method is particularly suited for removing corned and dead tissue, as for example, though not limited to clavus and warts on the feet. With regard to possible documentation of the effect of the treatment, the apparatus according to the invention may be provided with a digital camera so that e.g. prior to each treatment there may be made and filed an image of the area treated, e.g. a leg sore, so that a visible change compared with the previous treatment may be docu- mented. A fixedly mounted digital camera may furthermore be used for fine adjustment of the setting of the apparatus so that the treatment area is completely uniform from time to time.

The mutual setting of the different fitting members of the apparatus together with height and distance to the treatment area may preferably be automatically stored in the electronic memory so that quite the same setting may be established rapidly and precisely at the initiation of subsequent treatments, e.g. by reading the data of the patient and code for the actual treatment, as allowance can be made for the same patient receiving or having received different treatments. For this purpose, the apparatus may include its own mini computer with keyboard and possible reading unit for ID cards

(health insurance certificate), or the apparatus may be control connected with a PC.

The health authorities of Norway have accepted the use of laser treatment as per 1 July 2001 in the area of pain and healing treatment performed by authorised therapists. In many other countries, including Denmark, many doctors, veterinarians, dentists and physiotherapists, and in particular may alternative therapists, use laser light treatment. Besides wound healing and pain treatment by muscular and tissue injuries (sports injuries), laser light is used for treating joint and tendon injuries. For pain treatment and for stimulating the immune response by bone fracture and brittleness of the bones.

Laser light treatment according to the invention may furthermore be used with advantage in connection with life-threatening diseases such as cancer, sclerosis, Parkinsonism and dementia of the Alzheimer's type. In connection with radiation treatment of cancer, laser light treatment as subsequent treatment for re-activation of irradiated tissue and for removal of metastasis' is used.

Finally, it is to be mentioned that it will fall within the scope of the invention to design the laser treatment apparatus as a portable, battery powered unit with a laser treating unit, which is adapted to be positioned directly upon the skin opposite the actual treatment area, i.e. so that a permanent stimulation and activation throughout a certain period of time, e.g. 2 - 8 weeks, of the cell function in the tissue at a certain depth, as the actual strength and type of laser diodes are adapted to the purpose.

Claims

1. An apparatus (2,30) for stimulating and activating cell function in living tissue, e.g. in connection with the treatment of wounds, and with a number of mutually movable apparatus members (10), each including a number of laser diodes (26), characterised in that each of the apparatus members are formed as narrow, elongated fittings (10), e.g. with mainly semi-circular cross-section, that the laser diodes (26) are mounted on a row (24) along the middle of an elongated, preferably plane lateral part (28) of the fittings (10), and that the laser diodes (26) of each fitting (10) are mutually angularly adjusted so that the laser light from respective laser diodes forms an elongated, mainly rectangular treatment area with an evenly distributed amount of laser light energy (J/cm²).

2. An apparatus (2) according to claim 1, characterised by including two fittings (10), each fitted with 15-25, preferably 20 laser diodes (26), with a power of 50 mW (mJ) /

670 nm, i.e. with preferably total power of about 2 J (2W).

3. An apparatus (30) according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises three or four fittings (10), which are each fitted with 15-25, preferably 20 laser diodes (26), with a power of 50 mW (mJ) /670 nm, i.e. with a preferred total power of about 3 or 4

J (3 or 4 W).

4. An apparatus (2,30) according to claim 1 - 3, characterised in that each fitting (10) is arranged to treat an area with a length of 30- 40, preferably about 35 cm, and a width of 9 - 15 cm, preferably about 12 cm, measured at a distance from the surface treated of about 10 cm, i.e. the effective treatment effect is about 2.38 mJ/cm² (0.14 J/min).

5. An apparatus (2,30) according to claim 1, characterised in that the laser diodes (26) are mounted (on) a common, insulated cooling plate of aluminium with a mutual axis spacing of 10 - 15 mm, preferably 12 mm.

6. An apparatus (2,30) according to claim 1, characterised in that the fittings (10) are, for example, arranged mutually pivoting in pairs.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the fittings are each mounted on a flexible arm, which e.g. consists of a flexible, articulated metal tube connected with a narrow end part of the fitting.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1 for treating skin diseases, characterised in that it comprises 2 - 3 fittings, each provided with 10 - 25 laser diodes with low power (5 mW - 50 mW), and with a wavelength in the range 632 nm - 690 nm, the laser diodes thus being placed in fittings so that the laser light energy from each laser diode "overlaps" each other.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1 for treating tissue and for pain treatment, charac- terised in that it comprises 2 - 3 fittings, each provided with 10 - 25 laser diodes with higher power (300 mW - 1000 mW) and with a wavelength in the range 790 nm - 850 nm, the laser diodes thus being placed in fittings so that the laser light energy from each laser diode "overlaps" each other.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that each fitting is furthermore provided with a number of laser diodes with lower power (50 mW/650 nm), i.e. with visible laser light for visually marking of the area of treatment.