TWI453048B - Apparatus for applying optical radiation to biological tissue - Google Patents

Description

Device for applying light radiation to biological tissue

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating skin using electromagnetic radiation, and more particularly to a method, system and apparatus for illuminating a target location of skin tissue with light radiation generated by, for example, a chemical reaction in a combustion lamp.

There is an increasing demand for repair or improvement of skin defects caused by aging, sun exposure, skin diseases, traumatic effects, and heredity. Certain treatments can illuminate the skin by electromagnetic energy to improve skin defects, which can result in a favorable response to improve the treated skin condition.

In particular, the energy provided by optical radiation can be used in a variety of skin treatments. Optical radiation can include electromagnetic radiation, ultraviolet radiation, and/or infrared radiation having one or more wavelengths in the visible spectral range. Optical radiation can be absorbed by biological tissues, and the amount of absorption described above depends on the wavelength and intensity of the radiation, the characteristics of the tissue and/or the particular biological structure, or the chemical compounds therein. Absorption of light energy in biological tissue can generate heat and/or destroy physical structures and/or certain biological functions in the tissue, which in turn leads to prolonged beneficial or therapeutic effects.

Skin treatments that employ light radiation can include, for example, removal of tattoos or hair, reduction of acne or the appearance of venous or pigmented lesions such as age spots, hemangiomas, spider reticular vessels, or wine stains, as well as the removal of wrinkles. In these exemplary applications, radiation is typically delivered from an external source of energy and provided to a target area of the tissue. It is generally preferred to provide the above energy with one or more energy pulses of high peak intensity and short period to achieve the desired biological response in the tissue. The energy source that provides the above energy may include any of a variety of lasers, electronic flashes, and the like.

Light energy can be directed from the energy source to the skin tissue using an optical arrangement, such as a waveguide or fiber, and can further include one or more lenses, prisms, reflectors, and the like. The optical arrangement described above can then focus or direct energy to the target area of interest. For example, the above radiation may preferably be absorbed by a portion of the skin or hair, such as melanin or blood vessels, resulting in localized heating.

Common devices used to provide energy (e.g., optical radiation) to the skin or other tissue in the above treatments can include handpieces and the like that can be easily changed position relative to the patient. The handheld device described above can be used to direct the energy provided by the optical arrangement to one or more specific target areas to be treated.

The common methods and apparatus for applying energy to skin tissue as described herein present a number of safety issues. For example, an energy source, such as a laser or an electronic flash, causes a significant risk of overexposure (eg, directing excess energy to the tissue), and unintentional and possible significant damage to the tissue if not carefully controlled and applied. . Safety precautions are often provided when applying these exemplary energy sources. For example, devices that include lasers or other external energy sources typically include one or more control arrangements that can regulate, limit, and/or turn off energy output under certain conditions to reduce the risk of skin tissue being overexposed to the applied radiation. . The above arrangement may include, for example, a pulse arrangement (configured with a pulsed energy source instead of providing continuous energy), which may also avoid overheating of the energy source.

Alternatively or additionally, if the hand piece is transferred through the skin area to direct energy to the skin, a speed or position sensor coupled to the handpiece can be provided to avoid excessive exposure. A feedback arrangement can also be provided to control the energy source, and the feedback arrangement can be configured to reduce or interrupt the energy output of the energy source if a dangerous condition is detected. The feedback arrangement described above is based on measured temperature, reflectivity or other image characteristics of the tissue to be treated, and the like. These safety devices add complexity and cost to a variety of energy application systems.

Further safety measures are also required for common energy sources that can be used in the above treatments. For example, a laser energy source needs to provide protection to the device operator and/or the patient's eye protection, the above-mentioned restricted access to the energy source, a large amount of user training, and the like.

Common equipment that provides optical energy to biological tissue is also expensive, and some doctors or other practitioners have difficulty using the equipment because of economic factors. Treatment provided by the above devices is also expensive for patients and/or health insurers. Furthermore, some devices are only available for specific treatments. It is therefore impractical for practitioners to have multiple of these devices to provide extensive treatment to patients based on factors such as economic factors, limited storage space in medical facilities, and the like. And maintaining the above equipment is also expensive.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide exemplary embodiments of devices and methods for applying light radiation to skin tissue that are safe, effective, and economical to improve skin defects and other treatments.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an exemplary embodiment of a system and apparatus for promoting safe and economical treatment to improve skin defects and other treatments including the application of optical radiation to skin tissue. Another object of the present invention is to provide an exemplary embodiment of a system and apparatus that can be used in many of the above treatments such that a single practitioner can treat a variety of skin conditions without significant financial investment equipment (such as energy sources, handpieces, etc.) and / or obvious storage space to accommodate the above devices. A further object is to provide an exemplary embodiment of the above method and apparatus for treating skin conditions that is sufficiently safe to be applied by a consumer at home.

These and other objects can be achieved by an exemplary embodiment of a system and apparatus in accordance with the present invention, wherein a source of radiation configured to generate one or more pulses of optical radiation from a chemical reaction can be provided. The source of radiation can include a sealed enclosure that includes a reactive material (eg, a combustible material). The enclosure may be formed from glass, plastic or another material or combination of materials, such as glass coated with plastic or polymer. For example, the radiation source can be a combustion lamp or the like. Any reactive material that is capable of producing a sufficiently strong radiation pulse as described herein when subjected to a chemical reaction can be applied.

The combustible material can be a metal or metal alloy such as aluminum, sea aluminum, aluminum alloy or another metal, or a combination of metal and another material. The combustible material can be provided in the form of a filament or foil to allow the material to react quickly (e.g., burn). The above rapid reaction can produce radiation pulses of high intensity and short period (e.g., tens of milliseconds or less). Specific air can be provided in the enclosure to enhance or enhance the reaction or combustion. The air may include, for example, between about 40% and about 100% anhydrous oxygen, or between about 80% and about 100% anhydrous oxygen.

An exemplary ignition arrangement can also be provided in the enclosure to help initiate the chemical reaction. The exemplary triggering arrangement described above may include providing a primer substance that contacts two or more electrode contacts, the electrode contacts may pass through the wall of the enclosure and thus may be applied externally to the enclosure.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, a triggering arrangement including a drive energy source and a switch or trigger may be provided. Drive energy can be provided to the ignition arrangement to initiate a chemical reaction in the enclosure. The source of drive energy can include, for example, a small battery or an energy battery or a piezoelectric element.

In accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a housing configured to support and/or surround a combustion light or radiation source and to place the lamp or source at a predetermined distance from the tissue to be treated may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, a closure comprising a reactive or combustible material may also provide the outer cover described above.

In still further exemplary embodiments of the invention, an optical arrangement can be provided to direct the optical radiation produced by the chemical reaction to the tissue to be treated. The exemplary optical arrangement described above can include a reflective surface or coating such as provided on at least a portion of the outer cover or enclosure of the radiation source.

The period of the optical radiation pulse provided by the radiation source is between about 5 milliseconds and about 200 milliseconds, or between about 10 milliseconds and about 100 milliseconds, or between about 10 milliseconds and about 50 milliseconds. Longer pulse periods can also be provided, such as a level of about one second or longer. The pulse period described above can be provided by selecting the characteristics of the radiation source and the combustible material and/or providing a plurality of sources of radiation that are activated at different times in a single housing.

The radiance of the optical radiation provided by the radiation source to the tissue to be treated may be between about 1 J/cm ² and about 30 J/cm ² , or between about 1 J/cm ² and about 15 J/cm ² . Higher flux values can also be provided if desired, such as applying a larger source of radiation, a larger amount of combustible material, directing the radiation pulse to a smaller area, and the like.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, one or more filter elements may be provided to attenuate or block radiation of certain wavelengths or certain wavelength ranges produced by the radiation source. For example, a filter element can be provided to reduce the amount of tissue to be treated by ultraviolet light and/or infrared light radiation. Other filter elements may also be provided to filter out certain wavelengths of radiation in the visible spectrum. The filter elements described above can be provided in different sheets or plates. Alternatively, portions of the radiation source enclosure and/or outer cover may be formed from materials that provide the above described filtration characteristics.

In certain exemplary embodiments, a water filter may be provided to reduce the amount of infrared radiation produced by the radiation source. The water filter member described above may be formed as part of or may be attached to the enclosure or the cover. The water filter can be cooled or chilled, in addition to filtering out some of the infrared radiation and providing cooling of the tissue to be treated.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a plate comprising one or more apertures can be provided that facilitates the passage of light radiation therethrough and illuminates a particular area of tissue while avoiding exposure of other portions of the tissue to radiation. A plurality of such panels having apertures of different sizes and/or shapes may be provided that may utilize a single source of radiation to illuminate many differently sized lesions, skin defects, and the like.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the <RTIgt;

Light energy sources (such as lasers, electronic flash lamps, etc.) typically used in conventional therapeutic devices can be configured to provide continuous radiation and/or a plurality of radiation pulses over a longer period of time. The above radiation can be provided by converting energy directly or indirectly from an energy source (wall outlet or generator). For example, when connected to a battery or an electrical outlet, conventional light bulbs continue to illuminate and thus illuminate the radiant radiation. The above-mentioned optical radiation is not stored in the bulb itself, but is converted from electrical energy obtained outside the bulb.

Rather, exemplary embodiments of the present invention can provide exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for generating and directing a particular amount of optical energy or other radiation onto skin tissue. The above apparatus and methods may include a source of optical energy provided by the device itself through a chemical reaction, such as a combustion lamp or a flash bulb. Any other chemical system (including but not limited to combustion or oxidation reactions) configured to generate one or more pulses of sufficient intensity of light when subjected to a spontaneous reaction can also be used in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

The burner lamps provided herein can be referred to as sealed bulbs or other enclosures that include an energy storage form that utilizes less energy external stimulation or signal release. An example of such a combustion lamp may be a conventional photographic flash bulb that can be used to illuminate an item to be photographed. The burner lamp described above can release energy stored internally, and a single energy bulb can be used to provide a single energy pulse at a time. This article can alternately apply vocabulary burning lights and flash bulbs.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary illustration of a combustion lamp 100 that can be applied in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, the combustion lamp 100 can include an enclosure 110 that is approximately spherical or can be provided in another shape. Enclosure 110 may be formed from glass, plastic or some other material that preferably allows at least some of the wavelength of the radiation to pass through. The enclosure material can be preferably selected to maintain a constant environment (including any gas provided therein) in the enclosure during long term periods. For example, the enclosure 110 may be formed from a layer of plastic or lacquered glass that includes a piece of glass that breaks or breaks when the burner 100 is activated and emits light energy.

Enclosure 110 may comprise combustible filaments 120, which may include or be made of a combustible material (eg, a metal such as aluminum, aluminum in the sea, or another aluminum alloy, another metal, etc.). The filaments 120 can be provided in the form of very thin metal wires and/or very thin foils. The small size of the filaments 120 helps to promote rapid reaction (e.g., oxidation) of the filaments, and can thereby provide pulses of light energy with short periods or pulse widths and high peak intensities. In general, the smaller size of the filament 120 (e.g., a thinner metal wire or foil) can result in longer reaction times and pulse periods and less peak output intensity.

The filaments 120 may be formed and/or sealed in the enclosure 110 by a cover 130 or other sealing arrangement. The sealing arrangement 130 can be selectively formed as part of the enclosure 110. Prior to sealing the enclosure 110, air may be removed and a specified amount and/or pressure level of anhydrous oxygen provided therein. The enclosure 110 can be provided with between about 40% and about 100% anhydrous oxygen, or preferably between about 80% and about 100% anhydrous oxygen. As described herein, the material of the enclosure 110 can be preferably selected to maintain the gas or gas mixture (including the degree of moisture therein) relatively fixed over a long period of time. The constant in the internal environment of the enclosure member 110 described above can improve the reliability and predictability of the performance of the combustion lamp 100.

A plurality of contacts 140 that are external to the enclosure 110 and the cover 130 can be provided. The contacts 140 can be electrically contacted with one or more of the primers 150 sealed in the enclosure member 110. The trigger 150 can be similar to those used in conventional photographic flash bulbs. A low energy signal can be applied to the junction 140 to activate the initiator 150, for example, causing it to burn. The above signals may be voltages such as batteries, piezoelectric elements, and the like. Activation of the initiator 150 can cause a rapid chemical reaction (e.g., oxidation) of the filaments 120 in the enclosure 110, which can release a significant amount of energy from the closure member 110 in a relatively short period of time.

For example, the pulse width of the optical radiation pulse provided by the activation of the exemplary combustion lamp 100 is, for example, on the order of tens of milliseconds. The pulse width or period may be located, for example, between about 10 milliseconds and/or about 100 milliseconds or more, or preferably about 10-50 milliseconds.

Furthermore, the peak intensity of the radiation pulse also occurs at a level of about 20-50 milliseconds after activation of the burner lamp 100. The pulse delays found above in the particular burner 100 are dependent upon a number of factors including, for example, the size of the bulb, the average diameter, width and/or number of filaments 120 used, the structure of the filaments 120 in the enclosure 130, and the enclosure. The amount of oxygen provided in 130, etc. For example, the thicker filaments 120 can provide longer pulse delays because the oxidation of the thicker filaments is slower relative to the finer filaments.

An illustration of an exemplary apparatus 200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIG. An exemplary combustion lamp 100 can be provided in the outer cover 220. An activation arrangement 230 can be provided coupled to the outer cover 220 and is more electrically coupled to the combustion lamp 100. The activation arrangement 230 further includes a switch and/or button 240 that facilitates the supply of electrical signals to the combustion lamp 100 when the button 240 is depressed. The burner light 100 can then release the energy stored therein, such as a "flash" or a short period of intense light radiation pulses.

The exemplary outer cover 220 can be provided with a shape such as a bell, hemisphere, etc., and is configured to be placed over or over the area surface 270 of the skin tissue 280 to be treated. The outer cover 220 can also include a reflective surface or coating or other optical arrangement configured to direct the light released by the greater amount of combustion light 100 to be radiated to the skin 280 to be treated. The exemplary optical arrangement described above can thereby increase the efficiency of a particular combustion lamp 100. The increased efficiency may facilitate the exemplary combustion lamp 100 to provide higher intensity and/or flux radiation to the skin tissue 280. Alternatively or additionally, an increase in efficiency may facilitate the delivery of a particular intensity and/or flux to the skin tissue 280 by the smaller bulb 100 (eg, the bulb 100 containing a smaller amount of combustible material).

The activation arrangement 230 can include, for example, a small battery, a piezoelectric element, or any other energy source that can be configured to activate the combustion lamp 100. The exemplary device 200 can be provided as a disposable device. Alternatively or additionally, the combustion lamp 100 can be replaced such that the outer cover 220 and/or the activation arrangement 230 can be reused.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, device 200 may provide one or more selective filters 250. The filter element 250 described above can be located between the combustion lamp 100 and the skin surface 270. For example, a filter 250 can be provided in the outer cover 220. Alternatively or additionally, the filter member 250 can be located at a lower position on the surface of the outer cover 220 such that it can contact the surface 270 of the skin 280.

The filter member 250 can be configured to, for example, avoid or partially inhibit light radiation of certain wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths emitted by the combustion lamp 100 from reaching the portion of the skin tissue 280 to be treated. The above wavelength or range of wavelengths may be selected depending on the particular defect or condition to be treated.

If filter element 250 is provided, filter element 250 is movable to accommodate one of many of said filter elements 250 (each of which may be configured to inhibit transmission of optical radiation of different wavelengths and/or wavelength ranges), for example A particular type of exemplary combustion lamp 100 is used in a single housing 220 or in multiple housings 220. In this manner, the energy output characteristics of a single type of combustion lamp 100 can be modified or modified to improve the efficiency and/or safety of a particular application.

For example, filter element 250 can be an ultraviolet (UV) filter element that can be provided to avoid, for example, most of the optical radiation having a wavelength shorter than about 600 nm or shorter than about 550 nm from being irradiated onto the tissue to be treated. The UV filters described above are typically applied with conventional phototherapy devices that employ broadband optical radiation sources such as intense pulsed light sources and/or electronic flash lamps.

The filter member 250 can also be configured or constructed to attenuate or block at least a portion of the optical radiation generated by the combustion lamp 100 in the infrared range. For example, a water filter can be used to reduce the amount of light radiation having a wavelength between about 900 nm and about 1100-1300 nm that is on the tissue to be treated. The water filter member can include a shallow enclosure or container (at least partially filled with water) that is provided between the source of optical radiation 100 and the tissue 280 to be treated. For example, the water filter member described above may be attached to a lower portion of the outer cover 220. The water filter described above can also be used in some conventional phototherapy devices that utilize broadband optical radiation sources.

An exemplary device structure 300 that can be used with further exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIG. For example, the exemplary apparatus 300 described above can include a combustion light 100 provided in the outer cover 220, and an activation arrangement 230 provided in connection with the outer cover 220. The activation arrangement 230 can further include a switch/button 240 that, when triggered, can cause an electrical signal to be provided to the combustion light 100.

The exemplary device 300 can be provided in the general shape shown in Figure 3 so that it can be easily grasped and pressed by hand onto the surface 270 of the skin 280 to be treated. In this exemplary configuration, when the outer cover 220 and the activation arrangement 230 are grasped in the hand, the switch/button 240 can be easily pressed by, for example, the user's thumb. Similar to the exemplary apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the outer cover 220 can be provided with a reflective surface or coating to direct light radiation from the combustion lamp 100 toward the skin 280 to be treated.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, apparatus 400 including a plurality of burner lamps 100 in a single housing 220 as shown in FIG. 4 may be provided. For example, the combustion lamp 100 can be selectively coupled to a single activation arrangement 230 such that each of the combustion lamps 100 can be simultaneously activated by a single button 240. This exemplary structure can promote a higher flux to the skin tissue 280 than can be achieved with a single burner 100 in the apparatus 200 shown in FIG. The exemplary device 400 can also include a large outer cover 220 that can provide a particular flux value to a larger area of the skin 280 (relative to the single light bulb device 200 shown in FIG. 2).

Alternatively or additionally, the activation arrangement 230 can be coupled to the single burner 100 such that only one of the above-described bulbs 100 is directly activated when the button 240 is depressed. For example, the energy released by the activated combustion lamp can further activate adjacent combustion lamps. Thus, the single burner lamp 100 activated by the activation arrangement 230 can then activate the other combustion lamps 100 after a short predetermined delay. The above delay may be on the order of tens of milliseconds, and the amount of delay is further dependent on the characteristics of each of the burner lamps 100. In this manner, the radiation provided by the combustion lamp 100 can be achieved with a longer exposure time of the skin 280 by providing more than one of the above-described bulbs 100 in a single housing 220 and directly activating only one of the burner lamps 100. In this manner, a plurality of continuous or non-simultaneous pulses facilitated by a plurality of burner lamps 100 can be used to provide temporary extended release of optical radiation.

A further illustration of an exemplary apparatus 500 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5A. As described herein, the exemplary apparatus 500 can include a sidewall 510 and a bottom surface 520 that together form an enclosure that includes the combustible filament 120 and the initiator 150. The activation arrangement 230 and the switch 240 can be replaced or permanently mounted on or in the enclosure. The demonstration device 500 can be used to provide a pulse of light radiation to an area of the skin tissue 280 located beneath the device 500.

The exemplary apparatus 500 can be provided with a bell or hemispherical shape as shown in Figure 5A, which preferably has an approximately circular shape (viewed from above). Other exemplary shapes can also be used for certain applications. For example, device 500 can have an elliptical shape or a generally rectangular shape (viewed from above), such as if the upper shape preferably conforms to the area of skin tissue 280 to be treated. Device 500 can be configured to be placed in direct contact with surface 270 of skin tissue 280. Thus, the bottom surface 520 of the device 500 is substantially flat and/or it can follow the contour of the skin surface 270 in the region of the skin tissue 280 that can receive optical radiation.

The bottom surface 520 of the demonstration device 500 can be relatively thick (eg, posterior to the sidewall 510) such that it exhibits a thermal mass. The thick bottom surface 520 helps protect the skin surface 270 from unwanted heat damage (the heat emitted by the filaments 120 is otherwise induced when the filaments 120 oxidize or otherwise react to produce optical radiation). For example, the entire device 500 (including the isosurface 520) can be cooled (e.g., by placing it in a refrigerator) prior to application to the skin surface 270 to further help avoid the above-described unwanted thermal damage. Upon contact with the surface 270, the cooled bottom surface 520 can also promote cooling of the skin tissue 280, which can also facilitate reducing and/or eliminating pain associated with exposure of the skin tissue 280 to light radiation pulses.

Portions of sidewall 510 (eg, its outer surface) may be provided with a reflective coating or layer 515. As described herein, the reflective coating 515 described above can direct the combustion of more filaments 120 or the energy released by the reaction toward the skin tissue 280 to be treated, thus making it possible to illuminate the skin tissue 280 with more achievable energy.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, certain materials or additives may be utilized to form and/or coat the bottom surface 520, and certain materials or additives may act as a filter to partially or completely block certain wavelengths or wavelengths produced by the filaments 120. A range of optical radiation thereby reducing and/or avoiding at least a portion of the radiation having a particular wavelength through the bottom surface 520 and into the skin tissue 280. Similarly, the enclosing member 110 of the burning lamp 100 shown in Fig. 1 can also be formed using a material having the above-described optical filtering characteristics. The advantages of the above filtration are described herein.

Yet another exemplary apparatus 540 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5B. The exemplary device 540 is substantially similar to the device 500 shown in Figure 5A. The demonstration device 540 can further provide a slit or aperture 550 in the bottom surface 520. A thin filter member 560 can be provided in the slit 550. As described herein, a thin filter element 560 can be used to inhibit or avoid exposure of light having certain wavelengths to the tissue to be treated. Filter member 560 can be formed from any suitable material (such as plastic, glass, gel, etc.) having the desired optical filtering characteristics. For example, by varying the type of filter member 560, the characteristics of the light radiation generated by device 540 on the tissue to be treated can be altered to treat different types of symptoms or features. Filter element 560 can also be a weakened filter element that primarily reduces the peak intensity and/or flux of light radiation passing therethrough and then interacting with skin tissue 280.

In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of slits or apertures 550 may be provided in device 540. This exemplary structure facilitates the use of a plurality of filter elements 560 to further modify the wavelength spectrum of the optical radiation passing therethrough and onto the tissue to be treated. Alternatively or additionally, the slit 550 is wide enough to receive a plurality of filter members 560 to provide spectral modifications of the optical radiation described above.

The demonstration apparatus 540 can also include a plate 570 on the bottom surface 520, and the plate 570 can include one or more apertures or openings 575 therethrough. Plate 570 can be used to shield a portion of the tissue beneath device 540 such that, for example, only tissue beneath aperture 575 is exposed to optical radiation generated by the device. Thus, a single type of device 540 can be used to provide optical radiation to a treatment location below one or more apertures 575 while avoiding or reducing other adjacent areas of tissue from being illuminated.

Plate 570 can be attached or affixed to bottom surface 520 of device 540. Alternatively or additionally, the plate 570 can be located on the tissue surface such that the aperture 575 is directly on a particular area of tissue that is about to be exposed to optical radiation. Device 540 can then be placed on positioning plate 570 and activated as described herein to provide a pulse of optical radiation through aperture 575 and onto the tissue area to be treated. A plurality of the above-described reusable panels 570 having apertures 575 of different sizes may be provided to treat specific regions of tissue of different sizes and/or shapes. The above exemplary board 570 can also be applied with any of the exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein.

Another exemplary device 580 in accordance with yet further embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5C. The exemplary device 580 is also substantially similar to the device 500 shown in Figure 5A. The bottom surface 520 of the device 580 can include a cavity 590. The chamber 590 can be filled with water to form a water filter that can reduce and/or eliminate the amount of infrared radiation passing therethrough as described herein. For example, an exemplary device 580 that includes a water filled cavity 590 can be stored in the refrigerator. The frozen aqueous layer can provide both infrared filtration and tissue cooling when the device 580 is placed on the tissue to be treated and the optical radiation pulse is generated by activating the combustible material 120. Other materials or mixtures having specific radiation filtering characteristics may also be provided in chamber 590. The above materials or mixtures may be in the form of a solid, a liquid or a gas.

The exemplary apparatus 500, 540, 580 (which may not include a separate housing) shown in Figures 5A-5C is particularly simple and/or inexpensive to manufacture, as compared to certain other exemplary configurations provided in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a combustion lamp having different characteristics can be applied. The characteristics associated with a particular burner lamp to be applied include those described herein that may be selected based on the particular treatment to be provided and/or the particular tissue defect or condition to be treated. For example, the characteristics of many photographic flash bulbs (including such as pulse period, total output (lumens-second) and peak intensity (lumen)) are described in WD Morgan, Syncroflash Photography, Morgan & Lester, New York, NY (1939), 39 -54. Based on the structure of the conventional flash bulb described above, the burner lamp can be easily retrofitted, constructed or modified to have certain exemplary features suitable for a particular phototherapy application.

For example, an exemplary pulse period for some applications may be between about 5 milliseconds and about 20 milliseconds or such as about 100 milliseconds or longer (if desired). Other pulse periods may also be provided, such as a pulse width of up to about 1 second. The pulse period provided by a particular burner lamp is based on the width or thickness of the filaments 120 (such as metal wires or foils) provided in the combustion lamp 100. In general, for example, a thicker filament can result in a larger pulse width because it can maintain a longer reaction time in the combustion lamp 100. The pulse width is also affected by the amount of oxygen provided in the particular material and/or enclosure 110 such as used to form the filaments 120.

Some of the conventional combustion lamps described herein can have a color temperature of about 3800 °K. The electromagnetic energy in the form of optical radiation provided by the above bulbs may thus comprise a range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum. As described herein, different exemplary filter arrangements can be selectively utilized to facilitate illuminating the skin with only the wavelength at which some of the burners emit light. The above wavelengths can be selected based on a number of factors, such as the condition or defect of the tissue to be treated, the usual pigment level of the patient's skin tissue, and the like.

The specific flux of radiation applied to the target area of skin tissue 280 can be determined based on a number of parameters. For example, the total amount of radiation emitted by the combustion lamp 100 and/or other exemplary device configurations described herein can be varied by varying the amount of filament 120 provided in the combustion lamp 100. For example, a larger enclosure 110 can facilitate the provision of a larger amount of filaments 120 in a single burner 100. A plurality of burner lamps 100 can be provided in a single housing 220, which can also provide a greater flux of skin tissue 280 beneath the housing 220.

Different combustion lamps or enclosure geometric patterns comprising combustible filaments 120 or other reactive materials can also be used for a particular application. For example, a wider enclosure shown in Figures 5A-5C can be applied instead of a sphere shape as shown, for example, in the burner 100 of Figure 1. The height of the above exemplary enclosure can be selected to provide the desired number of filaments 120 covering the various unit areas of the tissue beneath the device to achieve a particular flux. It is also possible to change the size and shape of the above device from the top. For example, the combustion lamp 100 or enclosure 110 can be configured to have a small height and a relatively wide base (eg, a thin disk-like profile) that provides a relatively small amount of filament (and correspondingly smaller optical radiant flux) coverage. Large organizational area. Alternatively or additionally, a higher enclosure having a smaller base can be used to provide a higher flux to apply a stronger pulse of optical radiation to a particular tissue region.

For example, a closure or a device having a higher closure (eg, a height greater than about 1-2 cm) can provide more filaments 120 covering the various unit areas of the tissue, which can produce greater radiant light when activated. the amount. Conversely, for example, a closure having a low profile (eg, a height of about 1 cm or less) can only provide a small amount of flammable or reactive filaments 120 covering the various unit areas of the tissue. The low profile lamp or enclosure described above can produce less light radiant flux to illuminate the underlying tissue. Some of the factors that can affect the radiant flux of light that illuminates the skin include the enclosure, the geometry of the bulb and/or device, the distance between the flammable/reactive material and the tissue to be treated, and the type of reactive filaments provided therein. The amount, the radiation that can be directed to the reflective surface of the tissue, any filter between the burner and the tissue. The above exemplary factors can be considered to produce an appropriate flux level for a particular phototherapy application.

Exemplary flux values for the different treatments are typically selected from skin treatment or as between about 0.5J / cm ² and about 200J / cm ^2, or preferably between about line 1J / cm ² and about 30J / cm ^2, or More preferably, it is between about 1 J/cm ² and about 15 J/cm ² . The above exemplary flux ranges can produce different amounts of heating and/or thermal damage in skin surface 270 and/or skin tissue 280.

Certain exemplary embodiments of the invention may include a strap, an adhesive, or another fastener that can be used to secure the outer cover 220 to cover the area of the skin tissue 280 to be treated. The button 240 and activation arrangement 230 are selectively provided separately from the outer cover 220 and the combustion lamp 100. For example, the activation arrangement 230 and the switch 240 can be provided at a distance from the outer cover 220 and can be provided by, for example, a wire or the like connected to the combustion lamp 100 (eg, electrically connected to the initiator 150). Alternatively or additionally, the activation arrangement 230 can be secured to the outer shroud 220, and the switch 240 can be provided at a distance from the activation arrangement 230 and connected using, for example, a wire or the like.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be used, for example, to treat a number of deficiencies and provide a number of treatments for skin tissue, which can include illuminating tissue with optical energy or other electromagnetic radiation. As described herein, the combustion lamp can be selected or designed to provide the appropriate amount and type of radiation to be treated. Variations of the above parameters, such as the size of the burner (e.g., the number of filaments 120 contained therein), the size and shape of the outer cover 220, the selective application of the filter arrangement 250, etc., can be readily determined using calculations or a few measurements to obtain a particular fit. Irradiation parameters for treatment or application.

Different pigmented and/or venous lesions and other skin conditions and defects can be treated using the exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein. Examples of such skin conditions and deficiencies include, but are not limited to, such as age spots (freckles), acne, wine stains, hemangioma, spider reticular vessels, unwanted hair removal, photodynamic therapy, wrinkle removal, and collagen contraction. Wait.

The optical radiation provided by the exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein may also incorporate different substances to provide a more effective treatment for certain symptoms. For example, a chromophore can be applied to certain portions of the tissue to be treated to enhance absorption of optical radiation. The above luminophores include carbon particles such as those provided in solution or marker or any other common luminophore used in phototherapy applications.

Photosensitizers can also be used with embodiments of the invention to enhance the effect of light radiation on the tissue. The above photosensitizers can be used, for example, in photodynamic therapy treatments. Lidocaine gum or solution can also be applied to the tissue to help reduce pain perception and act as a photosensitizer. In certain exemplary embodiments, lidocaine gum may be provided on the lower surface of the outer cover or closure so that the glue may contact the tissue surface when the device is placed on the tissue prior to treatment. Other common photosensitizers can also be used with the optical radiation produced by the exemplary systems and devices described herein.

Some specific embodiments of the treatment are described in detail. For example, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are applicable to many phototherapy processes that typically employ a relatively small number of radiation pulses.

Example 1

Figure 6A shows a photograph of a protruding cherry hemangioma (measured about 5 mm wide). Hemangiomas are treated in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the invention by exposing the hemangiomas to a single pulse of optical radiation provided by, for example, an M3 photographic flash bulb. A reflective arrangement is provided around the combustion lamp and no optical radiation filter is applied. Radiation is provided through pores located on a cherry hemangioma. The flux of the applied radiation is about 9-10 J/cm ² , while the total energy provided by a single pulse is about 4 J. The pulse period is about 10-15 milliseconds.

Several initial blackening and hardening of hemangiomas were found in the first week. The appearance of the aneurysm after treatment for about six weeks is shown in the photograph of Fig. 6B, and the photograph shown in Fig. 6A was taken at the same magnification. It appears that the appearance of this defect is significantly improved, and the hemangioma is generally lighter and smaller in size. A second pulse can be applied if desired to further improve the appearance. Some of the residual damage to healthy tissue surrounding the aneurysm is evident in the photograph of Figure 6B. The above undesirable effects can be reduced, for example, by providing an ultraviolet filter as described herein, reducing the flux of the applied optical radiation pulses, or a combination of these changes.

Example 2

Figure 7A shows a photograph of a normal (flat) hemangiomas (about 4 mm in diameter). In accordance with an exemplary method of the invention, the hemangioma is exposed to a single pulse of unfiltered light radiation provided by, for example, an M3 photographic flash bulb. A reflective arrangement can be provided around the burner lamp and provided through the apertures located on the hemangioma. The flux of the applied radiation is about 9-10 J/cm ² , while the total energy provided in a single pulse is about 4 J. The pulse period is about 10-15 milliseconds.

During the first week, several direct protrusions of the hemangioma were found to be hardened with blackening and several hemangioma. The appearance of the aneurysm after treatment for about six weeks is shown in the photograph of Figure 7B. Hemangiomas appear to fade significantly. There is a significant amount of damage to the skin surrounding the hemangioma in the photograph of Figure 7B, which can be reduced, for example by providing a UV filter to pulse the radiation and/or to slightly reduce the applied flux.

Example 3

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the brown age spots (freckles) shown in the photograph of Fig. 8A (measured about 3 mm wide) are treated by, for example, a single pulse of light radiation. Unfiltered radiation is provided by an M3 photographic flash bulb located in a reflective enclosure. Place the pores on the freckles. The overall flux of the radiation pulse is about 9-10 J/cm ² and the applied energy is about 4 J. The pulse period is about 10-15 milliseconds.

Some initial changes in freckles were found, and the freckles turned black on the first day and faded in about a week. The appearance of freckles after about six weeks of treatment is shown in the photograph of Figure 8B. Although this is not apparent in the grayscale image of Fig. 8A, the brown appearance of the freckles shown in the photograph of Fig. 8A is remarkably reduced, while the appearance of the deeper regions in the photograph of Fig. 8B is reddish. Therefore, the pigmentation enhancement of freckles can be reduced by the present treatment. The dark areas shown in Figure 8A indicate some of the skin tissue damage associated with the illumination of the pigmented lesion itself. The associated damage can be reduced, for example by providing an infrared filter to pulse the light and/or reduce the flux applied to the pulse of the age spot.

It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art are able to devise a variety of systems, arrangements, and methods of the present invention, which are not shown or described herein. In addition, all publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

100. . . Burning lamp

110. . . Enclosure

120. . . Filament

130. . . cover

140. . . contact

150. . . Initiator

200, 300, 400, 500, 540, 580. . . device

220. . . Cover

230. . . Activation arrangement

240. . . Button

250, 560. . . Filter element

270. . . surface

280. . . Skin tissue

510. . . Side wall

515. . . Reflective coating

520. . . Bottom

550. . . Slit

570. . . board

575. . . Porosity

590. . . Cavity

In order to more fully understand the present invention and its advantages, reference is made to the above and the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is an illustration of an exemplary combustion lamp applied in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a diagram of an exemplary apparatus for providing optical energy to a tissue in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a diagram of a further exemplary apparatus for providing optical energy to tissue in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a diagram of yet another exemplary apparatus for providing optical energy to tissue in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

5A is a diagram of an exemplary apparatus for providing optical radiation to tissue in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

5B is a diagram of another exemplary apparatus for providing optical quantities to skin tissue in accordance with further exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

5C is a diagram of yet another exemplary apparatus for providing optical energy to skin tissue in accordance with still further exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 6A is an exemplary image of a protruding cherry hemangioma;

6B is an image of a cherry hemangiomas shown in FIG. 6A, for example, after 6 weeks, irradiated with a single pulse of light radiation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7A is an exemplary image of a flat hemangioma;

Figure 7B is an image of a hemangiomas displayed in Figure 7A, for example, after 6 weeks, in a single optical radiation pulse, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8A is a demonstration image of brown age spots (freckles); and

8B is an image of an age spot, such as after 6 weeks, as shown in FIG. 8A, illuminated with a single optical energy pulse, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The same element numbers and symbols are used to represent similar features, elements, components or parts of the described embodiments, unless otherwise indicated. Further, although the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, the invention may

100. . . Burning lamp

200. . . device

220. . . Cover

230. . . Activation arrangement

240. . . Button

250. . . Filter element

270. . . surface

280. . . Skin tissue

Claims (35)

An apparatus for applying a light radiation to at least one biological tissue, the method comprising: at least: a sealed enclosure; a radiation arrangement provided in the enclosure and configured to generate the radiation according to a chemical reaction; and a water filter; wherein a portion of the outer surface of the enclosure is configured to contact biological tissue; wherein the water filter is provided between the combustible material and the portion of the outer surface of the enclosure and is configured to filter Dividing a portion of the optical radiation and cooling the biological tissue; and wherein the optical radiation produces a biological effect on at least a portion of the at least one biological tissue. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radiation arrangement comprises a combustion lamp. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the combustible material comprises a metal. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the metal comprises at least one of aluminum, a hydroalium or an aluminum alloy. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the combustible material is provided in the form of one of a metal wire. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the combustible material is provided in the form of one of a foil. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radiation arrangement further comprises a gas provided in the sealed enclosure, the gas comprising between about 80% and about 100% anhydrous oxygen. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a triggering arrangement configured to initiate the chemical reaction, wherein the triggering arrangement comprises a switch and a source of drive energy. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the source of driving energy comprises at least one of a battery or a piezoelectric crystal. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the radiation arrangement further comprises an ignition arrangement provided in the seal enclosure, and wherein the trigger arrangement is configured to provide the drive energy to the ignition arrangement The chemical reaction is initiated in the sealed enclosure. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an optical cloth And arranged to direct at least a portion of the optical radiation toward the at least one biological tissue. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the optical arrangement comprises a reflective surface. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the reflective surface comprises a reflective layer provided on at least one of or at least a portion of the radiation arrangement. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a housing disposed to or from the tissue at a predetermined distance to seat or place the radiation arrangement. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the outer cover comprises a reflective surface. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the source of radiation is configured to provide the optical radiation in at least one pulse. The device of claim 16, wherein the one cycle of the at least one pulse is between about 5 milliseconds and about 200 milliseconds. The device of claim 16, wherein the one cycle of the at least one pulse is between about 10 milliseconds and about 100 milliseconds. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one cycle of the at least one pulse is between about 10 milliseconds and about 50 milliseconds. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein a flux of at least one pulse of the optical radiation provided on the tissue is between about 1 J/cm ² and about 30 J/cm ² . The apparatus of claim 16, wherein a flux of at least one pulse of the optical radiation provided on the tissue is between about 1 J/cm ² and about 15 J/cm ² . The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an additional filter arrangement provided between the radiation arrangement and the at least one biological tissue, wherein the filter arrangement is configured to avoid the optical radiation having a particular At least a portion of the wavelength is incident on the at least one biological tissue. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the additional filter arrangement comprises an ultraviolet filter. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the ultraviolet filter element is configured to prevent at least a portion of the optical radiation having a wavelength less than about 550 nm from illuminating the at least one biological tissue. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the additional filter arrangement comprises an infrared filter. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the infrared filter is configured to prevent at least a portion of the optical radiation having a wavelength greater than about 1100 nm from illuminating the at least one biological tissue. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the additional filter arrangement is configured to prevent at least a portion of the wavelength of the optical radiation from illuminating the at least one biological tissue in the visible spectrum. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the additional filter arrangement and the radiation arrangement are provided as a single component. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of additional filter arrangements. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising a mask comprising at least one aperture extending therethrough, wherein the mask is configured to prevent the light radiation from being incident on the at least one At least part of the biological tissue. The device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the optical radiation is configured to be at least one pigmented lesion of the at least one biological tissue (pigmented lesion) absorbed. The device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the optical radiation is configured to be absorbed by at least one venous lesion of the at least one biological tissue. The device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the optical radiation is configured to be absorbed by at least one hair follicle located in the at least one biological tissue. The device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the optical radiation is configured to be absorbed by at least one chromophore applied to at least a portion of the tissue. The device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the optical radiation is configured to be absorbed by at least one photosensitizer applied to at least a portion of the tissue.