KR20020088833A - Therapeutic light source and method using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: Provided are a light source for therapy comprising a non-interference light source using a light emitting diode(LED) and an air cooling type LED array and a method for using the same. CONSTITUTION: The light source is used for a photodynamic therapy (PDT) and includes an air cooling type light emitting diode(LED) (Lx,y) array . Air is discharged around the array. The array is mounted on one end of a hand piece suitable for a systemic therapy. The array includes a first type light emitting diode having a first emitting spectrum and a second type light emitting diode having the first emitting spectrum and a second emitting spectrum. The first and second emitting diodes are independently turned on and off. The spectrum is in the range of 550-660 nm.

Description

Therapeutic light source and method using the same

The present invention relates to a non-interfering light source for use in the treatment of photodynamic therapy (PDT, etc.), and more particularly, to a non-interfering light source using a light emitting diode (LED).

Photodynamic therapy involves administering a photosensitive agent to the site of infection and then irradiating with light—for example, 'The Physics of Photodynamic Therapy' in Medicine & Biology 31 (1986) by BC Wilson and MS Patterson. See April No. 4, London GB.

British Patent No. 2,212,010 discloses a therapeutic light source using discrete LED arrays instead of lasers or laser diodes. The output of the LED is concentrated to provide the required brightness.

International patent WO 94/15666 discloses a therapeutic light source having an LED array integrated at the distal end of a hand piece and in particular used in PDT. The LEDs are overloaded by the coolant flowing over the closed loop passing along the hand piece to overload to provide the required brightness. U. S. Patent No. 5728090 discloses a device somewhat similar to an integrated LED mattress that includes several different types of heads. Such devices require complex liquid cooling circuits, which are not widely used because they increase the cost of the device and the size of the handpiece.

U. S. Patent No. 5728090 describes that the wavelength of the LED is 300 nm to 1300 nm and is selected based on the specific photosensitive dye used during PDT. However, there is a problem that the wavelength of the LED capable of supplying the brightness required for the PDT cannot be arbitrarily selected within the region.

Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is a therapeutic light source and a therapeutic light source including a non-interfering light source and an air-cooled LED array using a light emitting diode (LED) used in the treatment of photodynamic therapy (PDT, photodynamic therapy) It is to provide a method using.

1 shows a parallel-series matrix of discrete LEDs used in the first and second embodiments of the invention.

2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment.

4 is a graph showing a change in luminous intensity at the cross section of the output of the first embodiment.

5 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment.

6 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment.

8 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment.

9 is a graph showing the emission spectrum and the absorption spectrum of PpIX for two examples of LEDs suitable for use in the embodiments of the present invention.

10A and 10B are side and front views, respectively, of an LED array in a sixth embodiment of facial treatment.

11A, 11B and 11C are a cross sectional view, a plan view, and a vertical cross-sectional view of the patient arm of the LED array in the seventh embodiment for the treatment of the patient elbow.

12 is a side view of an LED array in an eighth embodiment for the treatment of a foot.

13 is a side view of an LED array in a ninth embodiment for lower leg therapy.

14 and 15 show the arrangement of the LED arrays in the tenth and eleventh embodiments for the treatment of some parts of the patient lying on the face and bed, respectively.

16A and 16B show the front and side surfaces of the LED array set of the same kind in the twelfth embodiment for the treatment of one side of the patient, respectively.

17A and 17B show the front and side surfaces of the LED array in the thirteenth embodiment for the treatment of one side of the patient, respectively.

18A and 18B show the side and bottom of the set of LED arrays of the same type in the fourteenth embodiment for the treatment of one side of a lying patient, respectively.

19A and 19B show the side and bottom of the LED array, respectively, in a fifteenth embodiment for the treatment of some parts of a lying patient.

20A and 20B show planes and sides, respectively, of an LED array arrangement in a sixteenth embodiment for the treatment of face and / or head.

FIG. 21 shows an arrangement similar to that of FIGS. 20A and 20B, in a seventeenth embodiment for the treatment of the face and / or head of a lying patient.

22A, 22B and 22C show cross-sectional, lateral and longitudinal cross sections, respectively, of an LED array arranged in a sleeve in an eighteenth embodiment for the treatment of hands, forearms and / or elbows.

23A, 23B and 23C show two different forms of flexible LED arrays in a nineteenth embodiment and a flexible array attached as a patch to the patient skin.

FIG. 24 shows an array of LEDs arranged on the side of a cylindrical endoscope probe in the twentieth embodiment.

FIG. 25 shows an array of LEDs arranged on the surface of a spherical endoscope probe in the twenty-first embodiment.

26 shows a more specific illustration of the flexible LED array in the nineteenth embodiment.

In order to achieve the above technical problem, the present invention provides a light source for treatment and / or diagnosis and a treatment method using the same.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a therapeutic and / or diagnostic light source comprising a non-planar light emitting diode array adapted to the shape of the external site being treated or diagnosed.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a therapeutic and / or diagnostic light source comprising a first light emitting diode array and a second light emitting diode array movably connected thereto.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a therapeutic and / or diagnostic light source comprising an array of light emitting diodes mounted to an inner surface of a curve of a housing arranged to cover at least a portion of a patient's body.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light emitting diode array arranged in a housing and an inlet for allowing a part of the patient's body to enter the housing, and when a part of the patient's body enters the housing, light is irradiated thereto. , A light source for patient treatment and / or diagnosis is provided.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light source for treating and / or diagnosing a patient, comprising a light emitting diode array disposed in the sleeve so that light enters a portion of the arm and / or hand of the patient into the sleeve. .

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light source for treating and / or diagnosing a patient, comprising an intraluminal probe having a discontinuous light emitting diode array mounted on its surface.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a therapeutic light source comprising an air cooled LED array adapted to allow air to circulate around the array. In one embodiment, the array is mounted to the distal end of the hand piece suitable for a wide range of treatments.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a therapeutic light source comprising an LED array coupled to a light guide that delivers light to the area to be treated. The LEDs are preferably connected without intermediate optics.

According to another aspect of the invention, the emission spectrum is substantially limited to 550 to 660 nm, preferably including an LED array in the range of one of 590 to 640 nm, 560 to 644 nm, 650 to 660 nm and 550 to 570 nm. A therapeutic light source is provided.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a therapeutic light source comprising an LED array having a maximum emission spectrum of about 430 nm, 470 nm, 505 nm or 525 nm. In the therapeutic light source of the first embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 to 5, light is emitted from a parallel series matrix of LEDs L connected to a voltage source + V via a current limiting resistor. The LED matrix is mounted in a heatsink array H parallel to the fan array F and spaced apart by a support rod. Air is applied to the heat sink array H by the fan array F.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 3, the heat sink array H comprises a plurality of individual heat sinks h mounted at the end of the support of the LED, which pass through the support plate P. As shown in FIG. Individual supports are coupled to adjacent supports of other LEDs in the same column. The support plate P is perforated so that air can flow more freely around the heat sink h and the LED L.

The LEDs (L) are arranged to provide a substantially uniform illuminance of ± 10% or less across the treatment site by selecting the light divergence and spacing the LEDs so that their individual rays Overlapping without causing substantial peaks or waves. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a uniformity of ± 6% can be obtained. In this embodiment, no optical system is needed between the LED and the patient; Instead, light is emitted directly from the LED to the patient. Since the light is not concentrated by any optical system, the LEDs are 5mW each to provide 30mW / cm ² in the red region of the spectrum and 10mW / cm ² in the blue region as the required flux rate for the treatment area. Above, preferably it has an output of 10mW or more.

In one specific example, a 15 cm diameter array of 288 'Super flux' LEDs was used to provide a total light output of 8 W at 45 mW / cm ² of the treatment site. The LEDs were driven with current loads higher than their specifications while being cooled by forced air convection from the fan F. In this particular embodiment, the current is limited to 90 mA per diode column but may be increased above 120 mA if increased light output is required. In the individual columns, the number of diodes in the series is chosen so that the overall forward operating voltage is as close as possible (but not small) to the power supply's output voltage, in this case 48V. This arrangement prevents unnecessary incircuit heating and maximizes the operating efficiency of the electrical system.

Actinic / sun keratose, Bowen's disease, shallow basal cell carcinoma, basal carcinoma, epithelial carcinoma, fungal sarcoma, T-cell lymphoma, acne and sebaceous gland, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic birthmark, gastrointestinal abnormalities ( For example, Barratt's esophageal and colorectal carcinoma), gynecological diseases (eg, VIN, CIN, and excessive uterine bleeding), oral cancers (eg, precancerous or dyplastic lesions and basal cancers), simple Treatment using the first example for viral infections such as herpes, infectious continuous species, and tumorous and non-neoplastic skin diseases such as warts (refractory warts, vulgar warts or plantar warts), alopecia areata, or hirsutism The method is described below. A cream or solution containing a photosensitive agent, such as 5-ALA, is applied topically, intravenously or orally, to a site of infection in the patient's skin as directed by a physician. In another method of application to a wide range of sites, the patient's body is submerged in a solution bath. The infected site is then covered for 3 to 6 hours or if the treatment should continue until the next day to prevent removal of the drug and carrier or activation by sunlight. The covering of the site is peeled off and exposed to light from the lamp according to the first embodiment for 15 to 30 minutes. The treatment can be repeated one to three times if necessary. This method is particularly suitable for the treatment of patients with very large or complex lesions that spread over a wide range of sites.

In the treatment method using the apparatus of the first embodiment, the LED array is positioned approximately parallel with an external infection site of a patient in need of treatment and at a sufficient distance (e.g., 2 to 5 cm) for uniform illuminance as shown in FIG. . The device can be used in cosmetic or partial cosmetic treatments with photosensitive agents for removal of nevus and hair restoration / removal, as well as without the use of photosensitive agents for skin regeneration, wrinkle removal or biostimulation (including wound care). It may be.

The lamp can also be used for fluorescence detection (photodiagnosis).

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, a frusto-conical waveguide W made of acrylic (for example Perspex ^™ ) or glass and supported by an extended support rod R in this embodiment. By adding), the first embodiment may be changed from the second embodiment. The waveguide (W) has a high brightness and is arranged to concentrate light emitted by the LED in a smaller area. This arrangement is suitable for the treatment of smaller outer surfaces.

The second embodiment may be modified in the third embodiment to deliver light from the waveguide W to the light guide L for internal treatment, as shown in FIG. 6. The optical guide L, such as an optical fiber or fiber bundle or a liquid optical guide, is fixed to the optical guide vessel or adapter A, which is directly related to the narrow end of the waveguide W in the junction or for example Olympus. Compatible with Storz, ACMI or Wolf light cable fittings. The light guide (L) is 3, 5 or 8mm in diameter. The support rod (R) aligns the optical axes of the waveguide (W) and the optical guide (L) to direct the light emitted from the waveguide (W) to the optical guide (L). In a third embodiment, light is collected by a waveguide and emitted to a small area at the distal end of the light guide L that can be inserted into body cavities for oral, gynecological, gastrointestinal or luminal treatment. do.

The third embodiment may be changed in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. Here, the discontinuous LED array is an integrated multi-die LED matrix (IM) (e.g. AMS Optotech, Bristol, UK manufactured, component mounted on a support plate P / heat sink H). Number OD 6380, OD 6624, OD 6680). The Peltier effect thermoelectric cooler PC is mounted in thermal contact with the opposite side of the support plate P, and the heated side is cooled by the fan F. As shown in FIG. The base end of the light guide L is directly adjacent or in contact with the integrated LED matrix IM, and its cross section is similar so that a waveguide is not required to send the emitted light to the light guide L.

The fifth embodiment is specifically designed for cervical treatment, such as PDT treatment, as shown in FIG. The fifth embodiment is made of acrylic or polycarbonate and takes the form of a hand piece with a hollow stem (Stem, S), whereby air is drawn at low pressure by a fan (F) mounted at the base end. Add. The end has a head portion HP comprising a housing (with a discontinuous LED array mounted thereon on a support plate P / heat sink H). Air enters the heat sink H through the hollow stem S to withdraw heat therefrom and then exits through the opening AP on the base side of the housing. The distal end of the housing is concave and sized to fit snugly with the distal end of cervix C. For example, a transparent end window W made of acrylic or glass prevents the infiltration of the LED. Power is supplied to the LED via wires (not shown) mounted to the wall of the acrylic stem (S). In use, the hand piece is positioned so that the distal end fits the neck of the patient, and the hand piece is fixed during the treatment time.

The selection of suitable discontinuous LEDs for PDT, using any of the first through fourth embodiments, is described below, classified according to die material.

The first suitable form of LED is based on aluminum indium gallium phosphide / gallium phosphide (AlInGaP / GaP) of a transparent substrate (TS) or absorbing substrate (AS). The output waves are 590 to 640 nm and peak emission wavelengths are 590, 596, 605, 615, 626, 630 and 640 nm. As commercially available, there may be mentioned the automotive industry, commercial and outdoor Hewllet Packard designed for traffic management company 'Sunpower' ^TM or 'Precision Optical Power' ^TM series. Suitable LEDs are surface mount technology (SMT), for example HSMA, HSMB, HSMC, HSML series, preferably HSMB HR00R1T20 or HSMB HA00R1T2H; As Axial, for example HLMA or HLMT series; As T1 there are, for example, the HLMP series, preferably HLMP NG05, HLMP NG07, HLMP J105; T13 / 4 includes the HLMP series, preferably HLMP DG08, HLMP DG15, HLMP GG08, HLMP DD16; As Superflux ^™, for example HPWA or HPWT series, preferably HPWA (MH / DH / ML / DL) 00 00000. HPWT (RD / MD / DD / BD / RH / MH / DH / BH / RL / ML / DL / BL) 00 00000, most preferably HPWT (DD / DH / DL / MH / ML / MD) 00 00000; As SnapLED ^™ , for example HPWT, HPWS, HPWL series, preferably HPWT (SH / PH / SL / PL) 00, HPWT (TH / FH / TL / FL) 00 or HPWS (TH / FH / TL / FL) 00 may be mentioned. Suitable products from other manufacturers are the SMT type of Advanced Products Inc. (API) part number HCL4205AO; T1 type from American Bright Optoelectronics (ABO) part number BL BJ3331E or BL BJ2331E; ABO part numbers BL F2J23, BL F2J33 and BL F1F33 are listed as Superflux types.

The second most suitable form of LED is aluminum indium gallium phosphide / gallium arsenide (AlInGaP / GaAs) type, with emission wavelengths of 560 to 644 nm and peak emission wavelengths of 562 nm, 574 nm, 590 nm, 612 nm, 620 nm, 623 nm and 644 nm. . Commercially available in the Toshiba T1 package, for example, TLRH, TLRE, TLSH, TLOH or TLYH series, preferably TLRH 262, TLRH 160, TLRE 160, TLSH 1100, TLOH 1100, TLYH 1100 or S4F4 2Q1; Or in the T13 / 4 package is the TLRH or TLSH series, preferably TLRH 180P or TLSH 180P. Another example is Kingbright's L934SURC-E.

A third suitable form of LED is aluminum gallium arsenide type (AlGaAs), and the emission wavelength is 650 to 660 nm. Examples of T1 packages include Toshiba's TLRA series, preferably TLRA 290P or TLRA 293P, and Kingbright's L934SRCG, L934SRCH and L934SRCJ, including Kingbright's L53 SRCE in the T13 / 4 package.

The fourth most suitable form of LED is a gallium phosphide (GaP) -based type, with an emission wavelength of 550-570 nm.

A fifth suitable form of LED is indium gallium nitride (InGaN) -based. In the type with an emission wavelength of 525 nm, examples of commercially available are API's HCL 1513AG in SMT packages; Among the T1 packages include Farnell's # 942 467, Radio Spare's # 228 1879 and # 249 8752, API's HB3h 443AG and Plus Opto's NSPG500S. Among T1 package types with emission wavelengths of 470 and 505 nm, examples include Farnell's # 142 773, Radio Spare's # 235 9900 and BL BH3PW1 from American Bright Optoelectronics.

The sixth most suitable form of LED is a gallium nitride / silicon (GaN / Si) based emission wavelength of 430 nm. A commercially available example is LB3336 (also known as RS # 284 1386) from Siemens.

Each LED type is chosen to have an emission spectrum that substantially matches the absorption spectra of one or more conventional photosensitizers listed in Table 1 below, so embodiments with such LEDs are suitable for PDT. For example, FIG. 9 shows PpIX absorption spectra including peaks of 505 nm, 545 nm, 580 nm and 633 nm. The inset is an emission spectrum with peak luminance and the same wavelength axis, the peak at 590 nm is the LED part number HPWA DL00, the peak at 630 nm is the LED part number HPWT DH00, and the peaks are the 580 nm and 633 nm peaks of the PpIX absorption spectrum, respectively. It is of sufficient width to substantially overlap.

Photosensitizer Red absorption band (nm) Red Peak (nm) Blue / Green Peak (nm) Naphthalocyanine 780-810 Chalcogenopylium Dyes 780-820 Phthalocyanine (such as ZnII Pc) 670-720 690 Tin Ethiofurfurin (SnET ₂ ) 660-710 660-665 447 Chlorine (eg, N-aspartyl chlorine e6 or NPe6) 660-700 664 Benzoporphyrin Derivatives (BPD) 685/690 456 Ruthenium Nexaprin (Lu-Tex) 735 Al (S ₁ / S ₂ / S ₃ / S ₄ ) Pc 660-710 670/685 410, 480 Porphyrin 625/630 405 From Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) -5δ aminoabuline acid (5ALA) 635 410, 505, 540,580 Tetra m-hydroxyphenyl chlorine (mTHPC) 650 440, 525

The discrete LED array may comprise one or more other types of LEDs, each of which has a different emission spectrum selected to match a separate absorption band of the selected photosensitizer. Each LED type can be turned on independently. The penetration depth (ie, the depth at which the brightness diminishes to e ⁻¹ ) can be varied by turning on only one LED type of the array to select a suitable emission band, where the penetration depth is a function of wavelength. Because it is.

The LED array consists of individual replaceable and spatially separated LED parts. The selected portion can be turned on to treat the selected area of the patient within the total area of the matrix array.

The lamp may include an electro-optical detector arranged to measure the amount of light transmitted and to turn off the light emission when the target amount is reached. Alternatively or alternatively, the detector measures the instantaneous luminosity, changes the power supplied to the tube to maintain the luminosity within a predetermined limit, and / or the light emission if the maximum limit is exceeded. It is arranged to turn off.

Several different arrangements of LED arrays suitable for the treatment of other areas of a patient are described below. The LED is a discontinuous LED, as described above. Unless stated otherwise, the LEDs may be fan cooled using an integrated fan.

10A and 10B show the LED (L) array of the sixth embodiment, which is arranged on a curved masked support P for facial treatment of a patient. The array is supported in front of the face of the patient by a head band HB or other head wear worn by the patient.

11A-11C show an array of LEDs (L) arranged in a cubic housing (HO) having two similar openings (AP) on one side in a seventh embodiment, wherein the openings have elbows on the housing (HO). Allow to enter The corner of the opening AP is cushioned to comfort the arm. In the housing HO, as shown in Fig. 11C, the surface SU is bent to the surface of the arm and perpendicular to the surface. The LED L is mounted on this surface SU so that the light emitted from it is concentrated on the elbow of the patient.

FIG. 12 shows an LED array L mounted on a support plate P in an eighth embodiment and covered with a transparent or translucent cover to put the patient's foot during treatment.

FIG. 13 shows an LED array L mounted on a support plate P in the ninth embodiment and arranged for treating a patient's leg.

14 and 15 show an LED array L mounted in a housing HO in the form of a trapezoidal prism which has an LED on the upper inner surface and which is open for irradiating light to the patient. The side may be reflective or mounted with additional LED arrays. In the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the housing H is mounted at either end of the bed and is adapted to adjust its height over the bed for facial treatment of a patient lying on the bed. In the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. 15, in order to treat the face of the patient lying on the bed, the housing H is mounted on the stand ST and the height is adjustable.

16A and 16B show a series of four coplanar LED arrays L arranged for the treatment of one side of a patient in a twelfth embodiment. Each of the arrays can be turned on and off independently to treat selected areas of the patient being treated.

17A and 17B show a single LED array L arranged for the treatment of one side of a patient in a thirteenth embodiment.

18A and 18B show a series of three coplanar LED arrays L arranged for treatment of one side of a lying patient in a fourteenth embodiment. Each of the arrays can be turned on and off independently to treat selected areas of the patient being treated.

19A and 19B show the LED array L mounted on the inner surface of the curved housing HO for the treatment of all parts of the patient lying on the additional LED flat array in the fifteenth embodiment. The housing HO is movable along the body of the patient to treat the selected area of the patient. A portion of the LED planar array can be turned on and off to illuminate only the selected portion.

20A and 20B show a face front LED array L _F for irradiating light to a patient's face from the front, a head LED array L _S for irradiating light to the head, and an array for irradiating light to the left and right faces; For example, a sixteenth embodiment including left and right face LED arrays L _L and L _R connected to the face front array L _F , movably by a hinge, for example, is shown. The face front array L _F is preferably movably attached vertically to suit the height of the patient's head when the patient is sitting.

FIG. 21 shows a seventeenth embodiment similar to the arrangement of FIGS. 20A and 20B except that it is arranged for the treatment of the face and / or head of a lying patient. The stand ST is mounted on the bed instead of standing up, and the array can be rotated 90 ° to fit the head position when the patient is lying down.

22A, 22B and 22C show an eighteenth embodiment in which the LED array L is mounted on the inner surface of the sleeve SL to irradiate light to the hands, forearms and / or elbows in the sleeve.

23A and 23B are each mounted on the flexible support FB to allow the LED surface to be attached inward to the treatment site of the patient, such as a part of the forearm, as shown in FIG. 23C in the nineteenth embodiment. Represents a square and rectangular LED array (L). This allows the LED array to follow the contour of the treatment site. The flexible support FB may be separated from or cooled by a fan which is connected to the support by a flexible membrane fixed around the flexible membrane which transfers air from the fan to the support. Flow through which the air is discharged.

FIG. 24 shows an array of LEDs arranged on the surface of the cylindrical endoscope probe in the twentieth embodiment, and FIG. 25 shows the array of LEDs arranged on the surface of the spherical endoscope probe in the twenty-first embodiment. The probe is sized for the treatment of the vagina, cervix, endometrium, bladder, gastrointestinal, oral, ear canal, and / or airway.

In tests conducted by the present inventors, the effectiveness of PDT using red (approximately 630 nm) emission from the LED was demonstrated by an in vivo comparative study using subcutaneous breast cancer recurrence delay assay. Using the radiobiological endpoints, it was found that the solid state prototype efficacy was inferior to that of conventional expensive lasers (ie, no significant difference, p = 0.21). These results were further confirmed in clinical trials for the treatment of Bowen disease and basal cell carcinoma, with a fairly complete response rate obtained when compared to laser PDT.

FIG. 26 shows a more specific example of a flexible LED array in the nineteenth embodiment, which is spaced from a series of red LEDs (L _R ) to form a discrete LED array composed of various types of LEDs as described above. Consisting of a series of blue LEDs (L _B ). The blue LED L _B can be turned on or off independently of the red LED L _R , which can likewise be turned on or off. In this way, either red or blue illuminance can be selected depending on the type of treatment and the depth of penetration required.

The blue LED L _B has an emission wavelength (eg, full width half maximum bandwidth) in the region of 370 to 450 nm, preferably 400 to 430 nm. This area is particularly well suited for the treatment of pre-cancerous diseases, especially in actinic keratosis.

The red LED L _R has an emission wavelength (eg, full width half maximum bandwidth) substantially in the 620-700 nm region. This area is particularly suitable for the treatment of basal or basal cell carcinoma, or non-melanoma, such as myxosarcoma.

According to the present invention, a therapeutic light source comprising an air cooled LED array is provided, which does not require a complicated liquid cooling circuit, which is very advantageous in terms of the cost of the device and the size of the hand piece. In addition, the therapeutic light source according to the present invention can achieve the same therapeutic effect as conventional expensive laser PDT.

Claims (64)

An array of light emitting diodes mounted on the flexible support, wherein the array is of a first type of light emitting diode having a first emission spectrum and of a second type having a second emission spectrum different from the first emission spectrum. A therapeutic and / or diagnostic light source comprising a light emitting diode. 2. A light source according to claim 1, wherein said first type of light emitting diode can be turned on and off independently of said second type of light emitting diode. The light source according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first emission spectrum is substantially in the range of 370 to 450 nm. 4. A light source according to claim 3, wherein said first emission spectrum is in the region of 400 to 430 nm. The light source of claim 1, wherein the second emission spectrum is in the region of 620 to 700 nm. Use of the light source according to any one of the preceding claims for the treatment of precancerous diseases. Use according to claim 6, characterized in that the precancerous disease is actinic keratosis. Use of a light source according to any one of claims 1 to 5 for the treatment of non-melanoma. Use according to claim 8, characterized in that the non-melanoma is a basal cell or a pharyngeal cell carcinoma. And a non-planar discontinuous light emitting diode array mounted to a head portion for attaching to the patient's head such that light is emitted to the face of the patient. A first fixed array of light emitting diodes, a second fixed array of light emitting diodes movably connected to one edge of the first array, and a third of the light emitting diodes movably connected to another edge of the first array A therapeutic and / or diagnostic light source comprising a fixed array. 12. The light source of claim 11, further comprising a fourth array of light emitting diodes movably connected to another edge of the first array. 13. Light source according to claim 11 or 12, arranged for the treatment of the face and / or the head. A support for supporting the patient and an array of light emitting diodes mounted on the inner curved surface of the fixed cover arranged to cover at least a portion of the patient's body when the patient is supported by the support and / or Or diagnostic light source. 15. The light source of claim 14, wherein said support comprises an array of additional light emitting diodes. 16. The light source of claim 15, wherein the additional array includes a plurality of regions that can be turned on and off independently. The light source of claim 14, wherein the further array is planar. An array of light emitting diodes arranged within the housing, and an opening for allowing a portion of the patient's body to enter the housing, the array being arranged to irradiate light onto the patient's body portion when a portion of the patient's body is inserted into the housing; Light source for treatment or diagnosis of the patient, characterized in that. 19. The light source of claim 18, wherein the opening and the housing have a size to accommodate one or both elbows of a patient to be inserted into the housing. A light source for the treatment or diagnosis of a patient, characterized in that it comprises a coplanar array of a plurality of independently turn on and off light emitting diodes. A light source for treatment or diagnosis of a patient, characterized in that it is in the form of a trapezoidal prism with an open base, the housing having an upper inner surface with an array of light emitting diodes. 22. The light source of claim 21, wherein at least one of the inner sides is reflective. 22. The light source of claim 21, wherein at least one of the inner sides has an array of additional light emitting diodes. A light source for treatment or diagnosis of a patient, comprising an intraluminal probe having a surface of an array of discrete light emitting diodes. 25. The light source of claim 24, wherein said surface is substantially cylindrical. The light source of claim 24, wherein the surface is substantially spherical. An array of light emitting diodes arranged such that light from the light emitting diodes is incident directly on the treatment site at an intensity of at least about 10 mW / cm ² , and means for cooling the diodes by forced air convection. And an array of discontinuous light emitting diodes arranged to provide an output intensity of at least about 10 mW / cm ² , and means for cooling the diodes by forced air convection. 29. The light source of claim 27 or 28, wherein light from the light emitting diodes is arranged to have a spatial intensity change of about 10% or less at the treatment site. The light source of claim 1, wherein the diode is thermally coupled to one or more heat sinks. 28. The light source of claim 27, wherein the diode is mounted to the distal end of the passageway for delivering air from the base to the distal end. 32. The light source of claim 31 comprising a fan mounted to the base of the passageway. 33. The light source of claim 31 or 32, wherein the distal end has a size that can be located close to the neck so that light from the diode array is incident on the neck. 34. The light source according to claim 33, wherein the distal end portion is recessed to fit the neck portion. A therapeutic light source comprising an array of discontinuous light emitting diodes coupled with tapered light guides arranged to aggregate light emitted by the light emitting diodes. 36. The light source of claim 35, comprising a parallel plane light guide coupled with the tapered light guide such that the light emitted by the light emitting diode is concentrated in the parallel plane light guide. And a light emitting diode array directly connected to the parallel plane light guide. 38. The light source of claim 37, wherein said diode is thermally coupled with a thermoelectric cooling device. 38. The light source of claim 35 or 37, wherein the parallel plane light guide comprises one or more optical fibers and / or liquid light guides. And a light emitting diode array having an emission wavelength substantially within 550-660 nm. 41. The light source of claim 40, wherein said emission wavelength is substantially within 590-640 nm. 42. The light source of claim 41, wherein the diode is made of aluminum indium gallium phosphide / gallium phosphide based die material. 43. The light source of claim 42, wherein said emission wavelength is substantially within 560-644 nm. 44. The light source of claim 43, wherein the diode is made of aluminum indium gallium phosphide / gallium arsenide die material. 43. The light source of claim 42, wherein said emission wavelength is substantially within 650-660 nm. 46. The light source of claim 45, wherein said diode is made of aluminum gallium arsenide die material. 43. The light source of claim 42, wherein said emission wavelength is substantially within 550-570 nm. 48. The light source of claim 47, wherein said diode is made of gallium phosphide-based die material. A therapeutic light source comprising an LED array having a peak emission spectrum of about 470 nm, 505 nm or 525 nm. 50. The light source of claim 49, wherein the diode is made of an indium gallium nitride based die material. A therapeutic light source comprising an LED array having a peak emission spectrum of about 430 nm. 53. The light source of claim 51, wherein said diode is made of gallium nitride / silicon die material. The light source of claim 1, wherein the LED comprises a first set of LEDs and a second set of LEDs having a different emission spectrum. 54. A light source as claimed in any of claims 27 to 36, 40 to 52 or 53 wherein the array is mounted on a flexible circuit board. A therapeutic light source comprising an LED array comprising a first set of LEDs and a second set of LEDs having a different emission spectrum and independently turning on and off. And a LED array comprising a first set of LEDs and a second set of LEDs that can be turned on and off independently and are spatially separate. Use of a light source according to any one of the preceding claims in the cosmetic treatment of a patient. Use according to claim 57, for use in photodynamic therapy of a patient. 59. Use according to claim 58, which is used for removing burgundy birthmarks or for hair restoration or removal. Use according to claim 57 for use in skin rejuvenation, wrinkle removal or biostimulation. 57. Use according to any one of the preceding claims for use in the medical treatment of a patient. Use according to claim 61 for use in photodynamic treatment of a patient. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein actinic / sun keratose, Bowen's disease, shallow basal cell carcinoma, basal carcinoma, epithelial carcinoma, fungal sarcoma, T-cell lymphoma, acne and sebaceous gland, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea Birthmarks, gastrointestinal abnormalities (e.g., Barratt's esophageal and colorectal carcinoma), gynecological diseases (e.g., VIN, CIN, and excessive uterine bleeding), oral cancers (e.g., precancerous or diplastic lesions and tears) Basal cancer), viral infections such as herpes simplex, infectious continuous species, and warts (refractory warts, vulgar warts or plantar warts), alopecia areata, or hirsutism. Substantially cited herein and / or FIGS. 1 to 4, or 5, or 6, or 7, or 8, or 9, or 10a and 10b, or 11a to 11c Or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16a and 16b, or 17a and 17b, or 18a and 18b, or 19a and 19b, or 20a and 20b, or 21, or 22a-22c, or 23a-23c, or 24, or 25, or 26.