WO2008066943A2 - Cathéters à baguette lumineuse et à ballon - Google Patents

Cathéters à baguette lumineuse et à ballon Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008066943A2
WO2008066943A2 PCT/US2007/067045 US2007067045W WO2008066943A2 WO 2008066943 A2 WO2008066943 A2 WO 2008066943A2 US 2007067045 W US2007067045 W US 2007067045W WO 2008066943 A2 WO2008066943 A2 WO 2008066943A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
balloon
fluid
optical fibers
sheath
light
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/067045
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2008066943A3 (fr
Inventor
Philip Levin
Peter Kazlas
Edward L. Sinofsky
Stephen P. Evans
Marvin Guiles
David P. Goncalves
Marc J. Tolkoff
Jeffrey C. Cerier
Richard Abraham
Original Assignee
Lumerx, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lumerx, Inc. filed Critical Lumerx, Inc.
Priority to JP2009507904A priority Critical patent/JP2009535116A/ja
Publication of WO2008066943A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008066943A2/fr
Publication of WO2008066943A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008066943A3/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
    • A61N5/0601—Apparatus for use inside the body
    • A61N5/0603—Apparatus for use inside the body for treatment of body cavities
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
    • A61N5/0601—Apparatus for use inside the body
    • A61N5/0603—Apparatus for use inside the body for treatment of body cavities
    • A61N2005/0609—Stomach and/or esophagus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
    • A61N2005/065—Light sources therefor
    • A61N2005/0651—Diodes
    • A61N2005/0652—Arrays of diodes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
    • A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
    • A61N2005/065—Light sources therefor
    • A61N2005/0654—Lamps

Definitions

  • Infections in the gastrointestinal tract are extremely common, involving many millions of people on an annual basis These infections include bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and are responsible for significant illness and morbidity
  • Helicobacter pylori a bacterial pathogen that infects the stomach and duodenum
  • Helicobacter pylori is found in approximately 20% of the adult population It is a chronic gut infection and, once acquired, is notoriously difficult to cure
  • Most infectious bacteria can be readily destroyed by the human immune system, however, Helicobacter pylori lives in the lumen of the stomach and on the surfaces of the stomach and duodenal cells, making it relatively resistant to even a vigorous immune response
  • Helicobacter pylori is typically a silent infection in humans, the majority of the time it causes a relatively innocuous gastric inflammation or gastritis In a significant minority of infected people, however, Helicobacter pylori can cause symptomatic gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer, and gastric lymphoma
  • the organism is responsible for approximately 90% of all reported duodenal ulcers, 50% of gastric ulcers, 85% of gastric cancer, and virtually 100% of gastric lymphoma Millions of Americans have symptomatic gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori or the much more serious entities noted above
  • Helicobacter pylori is responsible for thousands of deaths in this country due to complicated ulcer disease and cancer, and is considered by the World Health Organization to be a Class 1 carcinogen , the same classification as benzene and DDT
  • antibiotics used are powerful, sometimes not well tolerated, and can cause nausea, an altered taste sensation and diarrhea Allergic reactions are not uncommon
  • antibiotic resistance in this organism is growing rapidly Up to 50% of the Helicobacter isolates are now resistant to one or more of the best antibiotics known to cure the infection This problem of antibiotic resistance is only expected to grow in the future, leading to worsening disease outcomes and an ever- increasing health expense
  • One aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus which has a light emitting portion for directing light radiation from the apparatus onto the lining of a body cavity for treating an ailment in a body cavity of a patient
  • the ailment may be a gastrointestinal ailment of a patient, such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer, gastric lymphoma, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease
  • the apparatus may also be used for treating diseases of the circulatory system, urogenital systems and other body cavities
  • the apparatus is inserted into a body cavity, e g , stomach or colon, of the patient to place the distal tip of the apparatus in the desired position
  • a balloon is then inflated around the light-emitting portion of the apparatus, e g , an array of optical fiber ends
  • the body cavity of the patient is then irradiated with light radiation so as to kill or debilitate microorganisms lining the body cavity without significant destruction of the body tissue of the
  • One aspect of the invention relates to treatment methods and apparatuses for debilitating or killing Helicobacter pylori and/or other microorganisms within the body of a patient
  • the invention is especially suited for treating stomach or duodenal ulcers
  • One aspect of the present invention involves the use of laser diodes to generate radiation, this radiation eliminates pathogenic microorganisms withm or supported upon the lining of a body cavity of a patient, e g , the stomach
  • an elongated catheter is provided for insertion into the body in any of a variety of ways
  • a catheter may be placed endoscopically (e g , through the esophagus), placed surgically, placed laparoscopically or placed by external image-guided transluminal or percutaneous insertion
  • a balloon may be affixed to the end of the catheter
  • a means of conveying light (referred to as a "light wand") from laser diodes or some other external optical source to an interior portion of the body can be inserted into
  • Figure 1 depicts a schematic of a human subject with a novel light wand and balloon catheter deployed in the subject's stomach
  • Figure 2 depicts one embodiment of a balloon catheter of the invention
  • Figure 3 depicts specific aspects of one embodiment of a balloon catheter
  • Figure 4 depicts specific aspects of one embodiment of a balloon catheter and corresponding cover sheath or "zip sheath"
  • Figure 5 depicts specific aspects of a zip sheath of the invention
  • Figure 6 depicts one embodiment of a light wand of the invention
  • Figure 7 depicts one embodiment of the distal end of a novel light wand
  • Figure 8 depicts one embodiment of the fiber optic bundle assembly of a light wand of the invention
  • Figure 9 depicts [a] a guide wire, wrapped zip sheath, catheter and light wand of the invention, [b] an unwrapped zip sheath and catheter balloon, and [c] an inflated catheter balloon
  • Figure 10 depicts one embodiment of a bellows balloon of the invention
  • Figure 11 depicts several embodiments of balloons of the invention [a] a single balloon with centering webs, [b] overlapping balloons, [c] a tufted balloon, [d] alternating dog-bone balloons, [e] closely spaced alternating balloons, and [fj construction method alternating balloons
  • Figure 12 depicts several embodiments of balloons of the invention [a] covered individual balloons, [b] multiple tubular balloons, [c] single helical balloon, [d] multiple helical balloons, and [e] quilted balloon with tubular sidecars
  • Figure 13 depicts one embodiment of a balloon of the invention [a] braided balloons, and [b] a photo of a model of the embodiment
  • Figure 14 depicts an optical irradiance pattern of the light emitting portion of the device wherein a light wand is inserted into a catheter, the catheter consists of a 3 cm diameter x 30 cm long transparent bellows balloon filled with air and the light wand consists of a staggered arrangement of 13 optical fibers surrounded by a scattering fluid, the scattering fluid is aqueous Mg(OH) 2 ("concentration A")
  • concentration A The Mg(OH) 2 solution was made by mixing 6 mL Milk of Magnesia with water to a volume of 60 mL (“concentration A”)
  • the optical fibers of the light wand are sheathed with a clear FEP tube
  • the inner portion of the catheter includes a scattering tube, the scattering tube is FEP loaded with 10% by weight BaSO 4 particles
  • Figure 14 depicts an optical irradiance pattern of the light emitting portion of the device wherein a light wand is inserted into a catheter, the catheter consists of a 3 cm diameter x 30 cm long transparent bellows balloon filled with a scattering fluid, the scattering fluid is aqueous Mg(OH) 2 ("concentration A"), the light wand consists of a staggered arrangement of a staggered arrangement of 13 optical fibers surrounded by clear, distilled water The optical fibers of the light wand are sheathed with a clear FEP tube The inner portion of the catheter includes a scattering tube, the scattering tube is FEP loaded with 10% by weight BaSO4 particles The Mg(OH) 2 solution was made by mixing 6 mL Milk of Magnesia with water to a volume of 60 mL (“concentration A”)
  • Figure 15 [top] depicts an optical irradiance pattern of the light emitting portion of the device wherein a light wand is inserted into a catheter, the catheter
  • Figure 15 depicts an optical irradiance pattern of the light emitting portion of the device wherein a light wand is inserted into a catheter, the catheter consists of a 3 cm diameter x 30 cm long transparent bellows balloon filled with a scattering fluid, the scattering fluid is aqueous Mg(OH) 2 ("25% of concentration A"), the light wand consists of a staggered arrangement of 13 optical fibers surrounded by clear, distilled water The optical fibers of the light wand are sheathed with a clear FEP tube The inner portion of the catheter includes a scattering tube, the scattering tube is FEP loaded with 10% by weight BaS ⁇ 4 particles The Mg(OH) 2 solution was made by mixing 6 mL Milk of Magnesia with water to a volume of 240 mL
  • Figure 16 depicts an optical irradiance pattern of the light emitting portion of the device wherein a light wand is inserted into a catheter, the catheter consists of a 3 cm diameter x 30
  • Figure 17 depicts a comparison of optical irradiance uniformity for three variations of device construction the "3 cm dia scattering balloon” corresponds to Figure 16, the "3 cm dia clear balloon” is similar to Figure 21 (but with a 3 cm diameter rather than 4 5 cm diameter) and the “4 cm dia clear balloon” is similar to Figure 21 (but with a 4 cm diameter rather than 4 5 cm diameter)
  • Each vertical bar in the graph shows the optical irradiance range (measured over the full length of the catheter balloon) for a given measurement trial
  • Part [A] depicts a flexible optical delivery system that may be inserted within a body cavity or organ and that consists of a flexible, distal optical diffusing section containing multiple optical fibers terminating in a staggered pattern within an optically transmissive sheath, the sheath can be filled with and surrounded by an optically transmissive fluid medium wherein the fluid medium is contained within a distally closed-ended optically scattering sheath
  • Part [B] depicts the assembly shown in [A] surrounded by an optically transmissive flexible balloon assembly that includes means by which a second transmissive fluid may be delivered to and then withdrawn from the flexible balloon assembly a multitude of times after insertion of the assembly in a body cavity, thus providing means to inflate and deflate the balloon at will
  • Part [C] depicts the optical delivery system of [B] which comprises two separable units a first unit, described as an optical fiber "light wand," consisting of optical fibers terminating in a staggered pattern within a
  • Figure 20 depicts selected embodiments of the invention
  • Part [A] depicts the optical delivery system of Figure 18[B], wherein the flexible balloon assembly consists of an arrangement of consecutive sections described as a "bellows balloon” which is structured to substantially maintain centering of the "scattering sheath" within the flexible balloon assembly
  • Part [B] depicts the optical delivery system of [A], wherein the closed end of the scattering sheath includes a flexible, optically transmissive "atraumatic tip” that presents a soft, rounded shape when the assembly is inserted in a body cavity, the "atraumatic tip” includes a lumen for the passage of a medical guide-wire, over which the assembly may be guided into a body cavity
  • the atraumatic tip also includes an optional "scattering insert" which serves to further disperse or re-direct the forward-directed light emitted by the light wand
  • the scattering insert may provide diffuse scattering, specular reflection or partial reflection, depending upon the requirements of the intended therapy
  • Part [C] depicts the
  • Figure 21 depicts an optical irradiance pattern of the light emitting portion of the device wherein a light wand is inserted into a catheter, the catheter consists of a 4 5 cm diameter x 30 cm long transparent bellows balloon filled with clear aqueous salme solution and the light wand consists of a staggered arrangement of 13 optical fibers surrounded by clear distilled water
  • the optical fibers of the light wand are sheathed with a clear FEP tube
  • the inner portion of the catheter includes a scattering tube, the scattering tube is Pebax loaded with 20% by weight BaSO 4 particles
  • One aspect of the invention relates to a surgical device which includes components for producing localized light radiation within an inflatable balloon
  • the invention can be employed for killing or debilitating various pathogenic microorganisms
  • the invention can be used to advantage in treating infections of the gastrointestinal system, as well as other ailments in which light radiation is to be delivered to portions of the body that are not easily accessible from the exterior or via standard surgical techniques
  • a source of light radiation such as an array of laser diodes
  • the distal end of the array of optical fibers is positioned in a body cavity (e g , the stomach) for treating H pylori infections by injuring or killing the bacterial cells carried on or within the epithelium lining the stomach
  • the present invention can therefore be used to prevent the escalation of the infection to stomach ulcers and cancer
  • FIG. 2-5 illustrate embodiments of a catheter of the invention
  • a catheter permits a physician to introduce and position a light wand (described below) at the treatment site in a body It is therefore helpful for the catheter to be flexible, to have a reduced diameter and rounded forward end, such that it can be easily introduced into the esophagus and stomach
  • the catheter will have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 10 mm
  • the catheter will have an outer diameter of less than or equal to about 4 mm
  • the catheter will have an outer diameter of about 5 mm
  • the catheter will have an outer diameter of about 4 mm
  • the properties and dimensions of the catheter may vary to meet the requirements of a particular task
  • the catheter may be inserted into the stomach, by way of the mouth and esophagus Insertion in a body cavity may be accomplished in a variety of ways, including through a lumen of an
  • the catheter serves to disperse or direct or otherwise shape the light that is emitted by the light wand
  • the inner portion of the catheter includes a scattering tube
  • the scattering tube is a transmissive polymer, such as Pebax or FEP or PTFE or polyurethane or polyethylene and is loaded with scattering particles such as BaSO 4 particles
  • the scattering tube consists of Pebax, loaded with 15% by weight BaSO4
  • the scattering tube consists of Pebax, loaded with 10% by weight BaSO 4
  • the scattering tube consists of Pebax, loaded with 20% by weight BaSO 4
  • the catheter balloon shape is selected to provide flexibility so as to conform to the shape of the target organ
  • the catheter balloon shape is a bellows shape, as depicted in Figures 2 and 3
  • the balloon shape when filled with fluid, serves as a light focusing or shaping element
  • visible light can be used if desired
  • visible blue or violet light of approximately 400 nm wavelength is employed
  • light composed of a multiplicity of wavelengths can be used if desired, for example, as a continuous broad band of light or as a combination of discrete emission bands, or as a combination of both broad-band and discrete-band emission
  • visible light ranging from 400 nm to approximately 450 nm is employed
  • a combination of UV-A light and visible light ranging from approximately 350 nm to 450 nm is employed
  • the emission lines at approximately 365 nm, 404 nm and 435 nm, such as are emitted by mercury-xenon arc lamps are employed
  • visible light and/or ultraviolet light selected to correspond to specific absorption bands of the photo-sensitizer is employed
  • visible light and/or ultraviolet light selected to correspond to specific absorption bands of the photo-sensitizer is employed
  • visible light and/or ultraviolet light selected to correspond to specific absorption bands of the photo-sensitizer
  • a plurality of laser diodes are coupled to the proximal ends of a plurality of optical fibers, herein called a "fiber bundle," by means of optical connectors
  • the optical fibers are spaced along the distal end of an elongated shaft to form a light wand
  • the distal ends of the optical fibers are distributed or staggered in a pattern that meets the requirements of the intended therapy
  • the optical fibers are
  • the distal ends of the optical fibers are staggered in a uniform longitudinal pattern, as shown in Figures 7 and 8 In this way, the light that is emitted is evenly distributed over the distal end of the light wand
  • the laser diodes are distributed over an about 25 cm length
  • the spacing between optical fiber ends is about 2 cm
  • Figures 7 and 8 show one embodiment of the spacing of the optical fiber ends
  • the sheath surrounding the optical fiber bundle is formed from transparent FEP It will be understood that in one embodiment, the distal portions of the optical fibers comprising the staggered optical fiber bundle are loosely bundled, i e , while the optical fibers are potted in a proximal region, as shown in Figure 6, the distal portion of each optical fiber remains unattached This arrangement allows the distal portions of the optical fibers to slide relative to each other, as typically occurs
  • each optical fiber is fitted with one or several centering collars or similar attachments to achieve centering within the sheath, without constraining the longitudinal sliding motion of each fiber and without interfering with fluid motion within the sheath
  • the sheath surrounding the optical fiber bundle is fitted with one or several centering collars or similar attachments such that the light wand sheath remains substantially centered within the catheter in a bend and the lateral range of motion of the light wand sheath withm the catheter is minimized, without constraining the longitudinal sliding motion of the sheath and without interfering with fluid motion surrounding the light wand sheath
  • a fiber bundle contains 13 optical fibers (see Figure 6) In certain embodiments, a fiber bundle contains about 200 separate pure silica fibers
  • the core glass of the fiber bundle may consist of hydrogen-loaded or high-OH silica
  • these may be hermetically coated, as, for example, with an aluminum buffer
  • One suitable optical fiber type is a UVI or UVM optical fiber manufactured by Polymicro Technologies of Phoenix, Ariz
  • Fluid such as distilled water
  • the fluid is introduced at a rate of about 10 mL/min, about 12 mL/min, about 14 mL/min, about 16 mL/min, about 18 mL/min or about 20 mL/mm
  • the fluid is introduced at about 16 7 mL/mm This fluid passes down over the optical fibers within the FEP sheath, exits the distal end of the light wand into the inner lumen of the catheter, where the fluid is then routed back along the outside of the light wand and ultimately out of the catheter at a proximal fitting
  • the fluid may serve as both a transmission medium for the light
  • the light passes into the body cavity of the patient after passing through the fluid- filled balloon, and is directed onto the inner surface of the body cavity so as to kill or debilitate the pathogenic microorganisms that are present on the inner surface of the body cavity
  • the light can be employed in treating any of a variety of body cavities, such as the vessels of the circulatory system, any of the various parts of the digestive tract or urogenital system, peritoneal cavity, respiratory tract or sinuses, oral cavity or other body cavities
  • the dosage of light to be applied to the interior of a body will generally be selected based on individual conditions, such as the severity of the infection and the damage that has occurred at the site to be treated In order to treat H pylori infection, only the surface of the epithelium needs to be irradiated In certain embodiments the light will be pulsed for short or long durations In other embodiments, continuous light exposure will be used In other embodiments, a combination of pulsed and continuous light exposure will be used
  • the light treatment lasts no more than about 15 minutes In other embodiments, the light treatment lasts about 2 to 10 minutes, or about 3 to 5 minutes In certain embodiments, the total light dose is applied in a series of 15 minute-long periods In certain embodiments, between illumination periods the laser light is turned off and the fluid is removed from the balloon and is replaced with room temperature fluid, simultaneously, the physician may conduct a mid-treatment endoscopic exam of the stomach surface and balloon position In certain embodiments, the treatment can last longer than 15 minutes with room temperature or cooled fluid circulating through the light wand and/or catheter
  • the light source may be repositioned by moving it from one part of the body cavity to another, either continuously or intermittently during the course of treatment, depending on the dimensions of the area requiring treatment In certain embodiments, the light can be administered at any suitable interval from about once per second to about 10 flashes per second, or about 100 flashes per second or several thousand flashes per second In certain embodiments, the light can be administered continuously
  • the stomach is soft and, except after a meal, is in a collapsed state Rugae or folds are present on its inner walls
  • air is used to dilate the passage of the body, such as the stomach, and thereby distend the passage (e g , stomach wall) and hence spread apart the rugae so that a uniform distribution of light can be achieved
  • the catheter balloon may fill the entire body cavity and serve to insufflate the cavity such that no additional means of insufflation is necessary
  • the positioning of the balloon may be important in creating the uniform light distribution in the desired location, especially from a central position that is equidistant from all parts of the surrounding passage (e g , stomach wall) so as to provide the same dose of light to all portions of the passage or cavity
  • the balloon material may be selected to be translucent or partially scattering or partially reflecting to aid in achieving the desired distribution of light
  • the fluid used to fill the balloon may include scattering means to further distribute the light
  • the balloon material and/or the fluid used to fill the balloon may include fluorescent materials selected to achieve a desired geometric or wavelength distribution of light
  • the tip of the light source While in some traditional therapies it is necessary for the tip of the light source to be moved from side to side so as to pass the beam back and forth across the area that is to be treated, it will be noted that because the source of light is at the center of the balloon all of the rays will diffuse when passing through the structure of the catheter, thereby achieving the desired exposure of light on the walls of the cavity treated Uniform radiation exposure is also aided through the flattening of the cavity wall by insufflation by air as described above In certain embodiments, e g , during a surgical procedure, the light wand is held about 20 mm to about 30 mm from the interior surface of the body cavity by means of the surrounding balloon
  • Fluid-Filled Balloons In some applications excessive heat may be generated during a treatment This heat may arise from absorption of light by the organ tissue, or it may arise from absorption of light by the distal portion of the device, or some combination of the two
  • the balloon is filled with fluid, or fluid circulates through the balloon interior, it not only serves to disperse or shape the light, but further serves to cool the body cavity and the distal portion of the device and dissipate the heat produced
  • the distal portion of the device can be cooled by recirculatmg the fluid that is used to bathe the light wand and/or the fluid that is used to fill the catheter balloon
  • the fluid-filled balloon also serves to establish a minimum distance between the light wand and the body cavity wall, thereby establishing a maximum optical irradiance at the illuminated surface of the body cavity Heating due to tissue absorption is thus controlled and minimized
  • the fluid used to fill the balloon is isotonic saline
  • the fluid pressure is maintained at about 1
  • the balloon material is porous or the catheter end is open so that fluid or other substances may be issued into the body cavity in a controlled manner
  • This fluid or substances may serve as a coolant and/or as an adjuvant to therapy (e g , a selective photo-sensitizer or an inhibitory agent that renders the targeted pathogen more susceptible to the light therapy)
  • the inventive device may be placed within or beside or around a standard endoscope or laryngoscope
  • the inventive device described herein is introduced into the passage to be treated and is then guided through the passage, using techniques known in the art, until it is positioned near the area to be treated
  • the site to be treated may be viewed through the endoscope, and the area around the device may be flushed using the endoscope, if necessary
  • the balloon is then inflated by fluid, either liquid or gas from the fluid pump, to the desired diameter so as to distribute the light from the distribution head in the desired location as described herein
  • the endoscope is then retracted or removed and the device is left in place
  • bowel flora Bacterial Repopulation. Many types of bacteria proliferate in the human bowel The body, however, sometimes cross-reacts to either pathogenic or normal bacteria Occasionally, after sensing the presence of normal bowel flora, the body attacks one or more of the bowel flora species as a pathogen, setting up a chronic inflammatory state which makes the patient feel sick
  • Other gastrointestinal infections are caused by H pylori
  • microorganisms in the stomach, colon or other parts of the digestive tract are either killed or debilitated by light radiation
  • the digestive tract is populated with probiotic bacteria, i e , beneficial bacteria or innocuous bacteria to which the body does not react adversely
  • the probiotic bacteria are administered in sufficient numbers to displace or compete with the target pathogen, either prior to or following light treatment
  • the administered probiotic population may be transient, but still effective at displacing or weakening the resident infection
  • in vitro kill studies Prior to using the instrument, in order to assure that the pathogenic bacteria has been eliminated, in vitro kill studies are conducted The kill studies are used to assess how much radiation may be required to achieve desired bacterial counts Then, when the instrument is used later in the stomach or intestine, the correct amount of light at the particular wavelength will be known Thus, the microbicidal effectiveness of a given light wand is determined by the kill studies conducted in vitro for the lamp that is used later in treating human patients In certain embodiments, good results may be obtained with blue light from a laser diode Light-Sensitizing Compound and Adjuvants.
  • a light-sensitizmg medication may be administered to the patient so that the light is preferentially absorbed by the pathogen within the treatment site, rather than by human cells
  • Any suitable light-sensitizing medicine can be used, such as any of the suitable porphyrm-promotmg or porphyrin-type compounds known to those skilled in the art for preferentially absorbing light, so as to provide a more effective bactericidal action
  • adjuvants that pre-dispose the pathogen to injury or death by light therapy or adjuvants that are effective at killing or displacing the pathogen prior to or following light therapy may be administered to enhance treatment
  • Adjuvants include but are not limited to those agents that inhibit pathogen growth, inhibit colonization by the pathogen, as by inhibiting adhesion, render the pathogen susceptible to light therapy, and/or localize or re-distribute or flush out the pathogen within the body cavity so as to enable or enhance light therapy
  • Photosensitizers For those cases where endogenous photo-sensitizers may be present, then administered or exogenous photosensitizers may not be an essential feature of the invention
  • Any suitable photosensitizer known to those skilled in the art can be administered, if desired, for sensitizing the microorganisms to the illumination that is applied
  • One preferred sensitizer is amino levulinic acid, another is protoporphyrin IX, another is coproporphyrm
  • Another suitable sensitizer comprises a psorlen, such as demethylchlortetracyclme
  • Other suitable known sensitizers can be employed if desired
  • the wavelength of the light provided should be matched to the photo sensitizer employed or to the natural photosensitizer that is present so that the light is absorbed by the photo sensitizer Selected Apparatus and Methods of the Invention.
  • the therapeutic methods of the present invention are suited for use in various body cavities and can also be used with various devices, fabrication methods, arrangements, systems and methods of employment which irradiate the walls of various body cavities or interior sites within the body of a patient by means of radiation in sufficient amount to debilitate or kill microorganisms lining the body cavity
  • One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus comprising a plurality of light-emitting optical fibers having proximal ends and distal ends, a first fluid, a first sheath with an open distal end, and a second sheath with a closed distal end, wherein said plurality of light-emitting optical fibers are arranged so that their distal ends are staggered, thereby forming a staggered array of optical fibers, and said first sheath is positioned over said staggered array of light-emitting optical fibers, said second sheath is placed over said first sheath, said first sheath and said second sheath are filled with said first fluid, and said first sheath and said second sheath are in fluid communication, thereby forming a fluid-filled optical diffusing section
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a catheter, with a proximal end and a distal end, which comprises a second fluid, an optional fluidic port at said proximal end, and a balloon at said distal end, wherein said balloon is placed over said fluid-filled optical diffusing section, and the introduction of said second fluid into said fluidic port inflates said balloon, while the removal of said second fluid from said fluidic port deflates said balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter is less than about 10 mm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter is between about 1 mm and about 10 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter is between about 3 mm and about 6 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter is about 5 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter is about 4 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a light source coupled to said proximal ends of said plurality of optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source is selected from the group consisting of lasers, laser diodes, light emitting diodes, gas discharge lamps, flash lamps, arc lamps, incandescent lamps, and fluorescent lamps In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source is one or more laser diodes
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source is one or more arc lamps, flash lamps or gas discharge lamps In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source emits continuously or in discrete wavelengths over a wavelength range of 350 nm to 450 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source is operated in CW or pulsed mode, or a combination of both In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first sheath is tapered distally, thereby constraining the lateral motion of said staggered array of optical fibers placed therein
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first sheath is partially or completely transparent to the light emitted by said light-emitting optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first sheath is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone, or a combination thereof
  • a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone, or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first sheath is comprised of a fluorocarbon In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said proximal end of said first sheath terminates in a fiuidic port
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is partially or completely transparent to the light emitted by said light-emitting optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene or polyether block amides In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is comprised of fluorinated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is comprised of fluorinated ethylene-propylene with about 10% by weight OfBaSO 4
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is comprised of fluorinated ethylene-propylene with about 20% by weight OfBaSO 4
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said proximal end of said second sheath terminates in a fluidic port
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is perforated, thereby allowing fluid communication between said second sheath and said balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are between about 100 optical fibers and about 1,000 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are less than or equal to about 100 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are less than or equal to about 20 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are less than or equal to about 15 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are 13 optical fibers In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are less than or equal to about 10 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that each distal end is at least 1 0 mm from all other distal ends In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that each distal end is at least 1 5 mm from all other distal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that each distal end is at least 2 0 mm from all other distal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that said distal ends are spaced over a length of about 25 cm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that said distal ends are substantially evenly distributed over a length of about 25 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of light-emitting optical fibers are connected or gathered into one or more bundles at their proximal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of light-emitting optical fibers are loose, i e , not connected, at their distal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said distal ends of said light-emitting optical fibers further comprise one or more centering collars, thereby keeping said light-emitting optical fibers in the center of said apparatus
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 200 nm and about 810 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 250 nm and about 600 nm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 300 nm and about 500 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 350 nm and about 450 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength of about 400 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is a liquid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is distilled water, de-iomzed water, or essentially pure water
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is distilled water
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is isotonic aqueous salme solution
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is an aqueous solution that contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of fluorescent dyes, colloidal particles, colloidal oils, miscible liquids, polyols, polyamines, and soluble salts
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is an aqueous solution that contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamme, colloidal barium sulfate, colloidal gold, glycerol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide and sodium chloride
  • optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamme, colloidal barium sulfate, colloidal gold, glycerol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide and sodium chloride
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is an aqueous solution that contains barium sulfate
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first second is an aqueous solution that contains adjuvants, and said adjuvants inhibit pathogen growth, inhibit colonization by the pathogen, as by inhibiting adhesion, render the pathogen susceptible to light therapy, and/or localize or re-distribute or flush out the pathogen within the body cavity so as to enable or enhance light therapy
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein adjuvants are administered in conjunction with the light treatment (prior to, during or following light treatment), and said adjuvants inhibit pathogen growth, inhibit colonization by the pathogen, as by inhibiting adhesion, render the pathogen susceptible to light therapy, and/or localize or re-distribute or flush out the pathogen within the body cavity so as to enable or enhance light therapy
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second fluid is a gas
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second fluid is air
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second fluid is a liquid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second fluid is an aqueous solution that contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of fluorescent dyes, colloidal particles, colloidal oils, miscible liquids, polyols, polyamines, and soluble salts
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second fluid is an aqueous solution that contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamine, colloidal barium sulfate, colloidal gold, glycerol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide and sodium chloride
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second fluid is isotonic aqueous saline solution
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first and second fluids are one and the same, and wherein the fluid is circulated within all parts occupied by those fluids
  • said balloon is selected from the group consisting of bellows balloons, single balloons with centering webs, overlapping balloons, tufted balloons, alternating dog- bone balloons, closely spaced alternating balloons, construction method alternating balloons, covered individual balloons, multiple tubular balloons, single helical balloons, multiple helical balloons, quilted balloons with tubular sidecars, and braided balloons
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is a bellows balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of between about 2 5 cm and about 5 0 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 3 0 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 3 5 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 4 0 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 4 5 cm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is less than about 30 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is between about 10 cm long and 30 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is about 25 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is about 20 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is about 15 cm long In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is porous to said second fluid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is partially or completely transparent to the light emitted by said light-emitting optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is comprised of polyurethane
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is comprised of white, translucent, polyethylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is comprised of a polyurethane, and said first sheath is fluorinated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is comprised of white, translucent, polyethylene, and said first sheath is fluorinated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of fluorescent dyes and colloidal particles
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamine, colloidal barium sulfate, and colloidal gold
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which contains barium sulfate
  • said optically transmissive medium contains regions of refractive index mismatch, for example gel, glass or polymer doped with entrained solids, liquids or gases
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which has a metallic thm-film coating
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a third sheath capable of constraining said balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said third sheath is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a guidewire, and a third sheath capable of constraining said balloon, wherein said third sheath comprises a guidewire lumen, thereby allowing attachment of said third sheath via a guidewire
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising an atraumatic tip disposed on the distal end of said catheter
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said atraumatic tip comprises a scattering insert
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said atraumatic tip comprises a guidewire lumen In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said first fluid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said first fluid, wherein the temperature of said first fluid is about 25 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said first fluid, wherein the temperature of said first fluid is about 20 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said first fluid, wherein the temperature of said first fluid is about 15 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said second fluid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said second fluid, wherein the temperature of said second fluid is about 25 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said second fluid, wherein the temperature of said second fluid is about 20 0 C In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said second fluid, wherein the temperature of said second fluid is about 15 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump, and wherein said first and second fluids are one and the same, and said pump is used to circulate said fluids
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising an electronic gauge to measure the pressure of said first fluid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising an electronic gauge to measure the pressure of said second fluid
  • an apparatus comprising a plurality of optical fibers having proximal ends and distal ends, a first fluid, a first sheath with an open distal end, and a second sheath with an open distal end, wherein said plurality of optical fibers are arranged so that their distal ends are staggered, thereby forming a staggered array of optical fibers, and said first sheath is positioned over said staggered array of optical fibers, said second sheath is placed over said first sheath, and said first sheath and said second sheath are filled with said first fluid, thereby forming a fluid-filled optical diffusing section
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a catheter, with a proximal end and a distal end, which comprises a fluidic port at said proximal end, and a balloon at said distal end, wherein said balloon is placed over said fluid-filled optical diffusing section, and the introduction of said fluid will inflate said balloon, while the removal of said fluid will deflate said balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter is less than about 10 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter is between about 1 mm and about 10 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter is between about 3 mm and about 6 mm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter is about 5 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter is about 4 mm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a light source coupled to said proximal ends of said plurality of optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source is selected from the group consisting of lasers, laser diodes, light emitting diodes, gas discharge lamps, flash lamps, arc lamps, incandescent lamps, and fluorescent lamps
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source is one or more laser diodes In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source is one or more arc lamps, flash lamps or gas discharge lamps
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source emits continuously or in discrete wavelengths over a wavelength range of 350 nm to 450 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source is operated in CW or pulsed mode, or a combination of both
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first sheath is tapered distally, thereby constraining the lateral motion of said staggered array of optical fibers placed therein
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first sheath is partially or completely transparent to the light emitted by said light-emitting optical fibers
  • said first sheath is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone, or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first sheath is comprised of a fluorocarbon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said proximal end of said first sheath terminates in a fiuidic port
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is partially or completely transparent to the light emitted by said light-emitting optical fibers
  • said present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene or polyether block amides
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherem said second sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene with about 10% by weight OfBaSO 4
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherem said second sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene with about 20% by weight OfBaSO 4
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherem said proximal end of said second sheath terminates m a fiuidic port In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second sheath is perforated, thereby allowing fluid communication between said second sheath and said balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are between about 100 optical fibers and about 1,000 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are less than or equal to about 100 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are less than or equal to about 20 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are less than or equal to about 15 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are 13 optical fibers In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are less than or equal to about 10 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that each distal end is at least 1 0 mm from all other distal ends In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that each distal end is at least 1 5 mm from all other distal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that each distal end is at least 2 0 mm from all other distal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that said distal ends are spaced over a length of about 25 cm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that said distal ends are substantially evenly distributed over a length of about 25 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of light-emitting optical fibers are connected or gathered into one or more bundles at their proximal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of light-emitting optical fibers are loose, i e , not connected, at their distal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said distal ends of said light-emitting optical fibers further comprise one or more centering collars, thereby keeping said light-emitting optical fibers in the center of said apparatus
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 200 nm and about 810 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 250 nm and about 600 nm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 300 nm and about 500 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 350 nm and about 450 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength of about 400 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is a liquid In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is distilled water, de-iomzed water, or essentially pure water
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is distilled water
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is isotonic aqueous salme solution
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is an aqueous solution that contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of fluorescent dyes, colloidal particles, colloidal oils, miscible liquids, polyols, polyamines, and soluble salts
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is an aqueous solution that contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamme, colloidal barium sulfate, colloidal gold, glycerol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide and sodium chloride
  • optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamme, colloidal barium sulfate, colloidal gold, glycerol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide and sodium chloride
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said first fluid is an aqueous solution that contains barium sulfate
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said second fluid is an aqueous solution that contains adjuvants, and said adjuvants inhibit pathogen growth, inhibit colonization by the pathogen, as by inhibiting adhesion, render the pathogen susceptible to light therapy, and/or localize or redistribute or flush out the pathogen withm the body cavity so as to enable or enhance light therapy
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein adjuvants are administered in conjunction with the light treatment (prior to, during or following light treatment), and said adjuvants inhibit pathogen growth, inhibit colonization by the pathogen, as by inhibiting adhesion, render the pathogen susceptible to light therapy, and/or localize or re-distribute or flush out the pathogen within the body cavity so as to enable or enhance light therapy
  • said balloon is selected from the group consisting of bellows balloons, single balloons with centering webs
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is a bellows balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of between about 2 5 cm and about 5 0 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 3 0 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 3 5 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 4 0 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 4 5 cm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is less than about 30 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is between about 10 cm long and 30 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is about 25 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is about 20 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is about 15 cm long In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is porous to said second fluid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is partially or completely transparent to the light emitted by said light-emitting optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is comprised of polyurethane
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is comprised of white, translucent, polyethylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is comprised of a polyurethane, and said first sheath is fluorinated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is comprised of white, translucent, polyethylene, and said first sheath is fluorinated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of fluorescent dyes and colloidal particles
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamine, colloidal barium sulfate, and colloidal gold
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which contains barium sulfate
  • said optically transmissive medium contains regions of refractive index mismatch, for example gel, glass or polymer doped with entrained solids, liquids or gases
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which has a metallic thm-film coating
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a third sheath capable of constraining said balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said third sheath is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of acetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a guidewire, and a third sheath capable of constraining said balloon, wherein said third sheath comprises a guidewire lumen, thereby allowing attachment of said third sheath via a guidewire
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising an atraumatic tip disposed on the distal end of said catheter
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said atraumatic tip comprises a scattering insert
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said atraumatic tip comprises a guidewire lumen In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said first fluid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said first fluid, wherein the temperature of said first fluid is about 25 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said first fluid, wherein the temperature of said first fluid is about 20 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump to circulate said first fluid, wherein the temperature of said first fluid is about 15 0 C
  • Another aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for killing or debilitating pathological microorganisms in a body cavity of a patient, comprising a catheter body having a diameter, a length, a proximal end and a distal end, the catheter body defining therein a first lumen extending therethrough, a second lumen extending therethrough and optionally a third lumen extending therethrough, a balloon having a diameter, a length, a proximal and a distal section secured to the distal end of the catheter body so that an interior of the balloon is in fluid communication with the second lumen and optionally the third lumen, and the balloon having a non- expanded configuration and an expanded configuration, a light-emitting instrument having a diameter, a length, a proximal end and a distal end, the light-emitting instrument defining therein a fourth lumen extending therethrough, and a plurality of optical fibers emitting at a plurality of wavelengths, staggered along the distal
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a guidewire having a proximal end and a distal end
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a zip-sheath which surrounds the balloon when it is in its non-expanded consideration
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned 5 apparatus, wherein the zip-sheath is a polyethylene sheet
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a guidewire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the zip-sheath is connected to the catheter via the guidewire
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned 10 apparatus, wherein there are between about 10 and about 15 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are 13 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there is about 1 0 mm between the distal ends of each optical fiber
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 200 nm to about 810 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 250 nm to about 20 600 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 300 nm to about 500 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned 25 apparatus, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 350 nm to about 450 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 400 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned 30 apparatus, wherein said balloon is selected from the group consisting of bellows balloons, single balloons with centering webs, overlapping balloons, tufted balloons, alternating dog- bone balloons, closely spaced alternating balloons, construction method alternating balloons, covered individual balloons, multiple tubular balloons, single helical balloons, multiple helical balloons, quilted balloon with tubular sidecars, and braided balloons
  • said balloon is a bellows balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is made of polyethylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the length of the balloon is about 25 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter between about 1 cm and about 15 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter between about 2 cm and about 4 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter of about 2 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter of about 3 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter of about 4 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter p ⁇ or to balloon inflation is about 10 mm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter p ⁇ or to balloon inflation is between about 3 mm and about 7 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said light-emitting instrument is about 5 mm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said light-emitting instrument is between about 2 mm and about 5 mm
  • One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for debilitating or killing a microorganism in a body cavity of a patient, comprising the steps of providing an aforementioned apparatus, introducing the apparatus into the body cavity of a patient, and causing light to be transferred from the optical fibers of the apparatus to the body cavity of the patient
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of inflating the balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of distending the body cavity with air
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of distending the body by inflating said balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the body cavity any portion of the gastro-mtestinal tract, the stomach, the mouth, the esophagus, the bowels, the lungs, the peritoneal cavity, the bladder, the womb, or the urinary tract
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the body cavity is the stomach
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of inserting a guidewire
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the steps of stopping light from being transferred to the body cavity of the patient, and re-causing light to be transferred to the body cavity of the patient, thereby delivering discrete pulses or intervals of light
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said light is delivered in both a pulsed and continuous fashion In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of centering said balloon in said body cavity
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of positioning said balloon in said body cavity, thereby targeting a specific area of said body cavity
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the diameter of said catheter is less than about 10 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the diameter of said catheter is between about 1 mm and about 10 mm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the diameter of said catheter is between about 3 mm and about 6 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the diameter of said catheter is about 5 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the diameter of said catheter is about 4 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising a light source coupled to said proximal ends of said plurality of optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said light source is selected from the group consisting of lasers, laser diodes, light emitting diodes, gas discharge lamps, flash lamps, arc lamps, incandescent lamps, and fluorescent lamps
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said light source is one or more laser diodes In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said light source is one or more arc lamps, flash lamps or gas discharge lamps
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said light source emits continuously or in discrete wavelengths over a wavelength range of 350 nm to 450 nm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said light source is operated in CW or pulsed mode, or a combination of both
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first sheath is tapered distally, thereby constraining the lateral motion of said staggered array of optical fibers placed therein
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first sheath is partially or completely transparent to the light emitted by said light-emitting optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first sheath is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting ofacetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fiuorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone, or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first sheath is comprised of a fluorocarbon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first sheath is comprised of fluorinated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said proximal end of said first sheath terminates in a fluidic port
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second sheath is partially or completely transparent to the light emitted by said light-emitting optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second sheath is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting ofacetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fiuorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene or polyether block amides
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene with about 10% by weight of BaSO 4
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second sheath is comprised of fluormated ethylene-propylene with about 20% by weight of BaSO 4
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said proximal end of said second sheath terminates in a fluidic port
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second sheath is perforated, thereby allowing fluid communication between said second sheath and said balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein there are between about 100 optical fibers and about 1,000 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein there are less than or equal to about 100 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein there are less than or equal to about 20 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein there are less than or equal to about 15 optical fibers In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein there are 13 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein there are less than or equal to about 10 optical fibers In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that each distal end is at least 1 0 mm from all other distal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that each distal end is at least 1 5 mm from all other distal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that each distal end is at least 2 0 mm from all other distal ends In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that said distal ends are spaced over a length of about 25 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said optical fibers are arranged so that said distal ends are substantially evenly distributed over a length of about 25 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said plurality of light-emitting optical fibers are connected or gathered into one or more bundles at their proximal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said plurality of light-emitting optical fibers are loose, i e , not connected, at their distal ends
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said distal ends of said light-emitting optical fibers further comprise one or more centering collars, thereby keeping said light-emitting optical fibers in the center of said apparatus
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 200 nm and about 810 nm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 250 nm and about 600 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 300 nm and about 500 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength in the range of between about 350 nm and about 450 nm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said optical fibers emit light at a wavelength of about 400 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first fluid is a liquid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first fluid is distilled water, de- ionized water, or essentially pure water
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first fluid is distilled water
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first fluid is isotonic aqueous saline solution In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first fluid is an aqueous solution that contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of fluorescent dyes, colloidal particles, colloidal oils, miscible liquids, polyols, polyamines, and soluble salts
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first fluid is an aqueous solution that contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamine, colloidal barium sulfate, colloidal gold, glycerol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide and sodium chloride
  • optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamine, colloidal barium sulfate, colloidal gold, glycerol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide and sodium chloride
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first fluid is an aqueous solution that contains barium sulfate
  • said second fluid is an aqueous solution that contains adjuvants, and said adjuvants inhibit pathogen growth, inhibit colonization by the pathogen, as by inhibiting adhesion, render the pathogen susceptible to light therapy, and/or localize or re-dist ⁇ bute or flush out the pathogen within the body cavity so as to enable or enhance light therapy
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein adjuvants are administered in conjunction with the light treatment (prior to, during or following light treatment), and said adjuvants inhibit pathogen growth, inhibit colonization by the pathogen, as by inhibiting adhesion, render the pathogen susceptible to light therapy, and/or localize or re-distribute or flush out the pathogen within the body cavity so as to enable or enhance light therapy
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second fluid is a gas
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second fluid is air
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second fluid is a liquid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second fluid is an aqueous solution that contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of fluorescent dyes, colloidal particles, colloidal oils, miscible liquids, polyols, polyamines, and soluble salts
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second fluid is an aqueous solution that contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamine, colloidal barium sulfate, colloidal gold, glycerol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide and sodium chloride
  • optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamine, colloidal barium sulfate, colloidal gold, glycerol, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium dioxide and sodium chloride
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said second fluid is isotonic aqueous saline solution In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said first and second fluids are one and the same, and wherein the fluid is circulated withm all parts occupied by those fluids
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is selected from the group consisting of bellows balloons, single balloons with centering webs, overlapping balloons, tufted balloons, alternating dog-bone balloons, closely spaced alternating balloons, construction method alternating balloons, covered individual balloons, multiple tubular balloons, single helical balloons, multiple helical balloons, quilted balloons with tubular sidecars, and braided balloons
  • said balloon is a bellows balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of between about 2 5 cm and about 5 0 cm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 3 0 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 3 5 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 4 0 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon, when inflated, has a diameter of about 4 5 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is less than about 30 cm long In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is between about 10 cm long and 30 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is about 25 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is about 20 cm long In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is about 15 cm long
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is porous to said second fluid In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is partially or completely transparent to the light emitted by said hght- emitting optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting ofacetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting ofacetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is comprised of polyurethane
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is comprised of white, translucent, polyethylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is comprised of a polyurethane, and said first sheath is fluorinated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is comprised of white, translucent, polyethylene, and said first sheath is fluorinated ethylene-propylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of fluorescent dyes and colloidal particles
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which contains optical modifiers selected from the group consisting of violet or blue fluorescers, fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine, carboxy-x-rhodamine, colloidal barium sulfate, and colloidal gold
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which contains barium sulfate
  • said optically transmissive medium contains regions of refractive index mismatch, for example gel, glass or polymer doped with entrained solids, liquids or gases
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is composed of an optically transmissive material which has a metallic thin-film coating
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising a third sheath capable of constraining said balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said third sheath is comprised of a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting ofacetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting ofacetals, acrylics, cellulosics, chlorinated polyethers, fluorocarbons, polyamides (nylons), polycarbonates, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, vinyl resins, polyether block amide (Pebax), polyethylene terapthalate (PET), silicone or a combination thereof
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising a guidewire, and a third sheath capable of constraining said balloon, wherein said third sheath comprises a guidewire lumen, thereby allowing attachment of said third sheath via a guidewire
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising an atraumatic tip disposed on the distal end of said catheter
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said atraumatic tip comprises a scattering insert In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said atraumatic tip comprises a guidewire lumen
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of circulating said first fluid In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of circulating said first fluid, wherein the temperature of said first fluid is about 25 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of circulating said first fluid, wherein the temperature of said first fluid is about 20 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of circulating said first fluid, wherein the temperature of said first fluid is about 15 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of circulating said second fluid
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of circulating said second fluid, wherein the temperature of said second fluid is about 25 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of circulating said second fluid, wherein the temperature of said second fluid is about 20 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of circulating said second fluid, wherein the temperature of said second fluid is about 15 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a pump, and wherein said first and second fluids are one and the same, and said pump is used to circulate said fluids
  • Another aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for killing or debilitating pathological microorganisms in a body cavity of a patient, comprising a catheter body havmg a diameter, a length, a proximal end and a distal end, the catheter body defining therein a first lumen extending therethrough, a second lumen extending therethrough and optionally a third lumen extending therethrough, a balloon having a diameter, a length, a proximal and a distal section secured to the distal end of the catheter body so that an interior of the balloon is in fluid communication with the second lumen and optionally the third lumen, and the balloon having a non- expanded configuration and an expanded configuration, a light-emitting instrument having a diameter, a length, a proximal end and a distal end, the light-emitting instrument defining therein a fourth lumen extending therethrough, and a plurality of optical fibers emitting at a plurality of wavelengths, staggered along
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a zip-sheath which surrounds the balloon when it is in its non-expanded consideration
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the zip-sheath is a polyethylene sheet
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, further comprising a guidewire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the zip-sheath is connected to the catheter via the guidewire
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are between about 10 and about 15 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there are 13 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein there is about 1 0 mm between the distal ends of each optical fiber In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 200 nm to about 810 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 250 nm to about 600 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 300 nm to about 500 nm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 350 nm to about 450 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 400 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is selected from the group consisting of bellows balloons, single balloons with centering webs, overlapping balloons, tufted balloons, alternating dog- bone balloons, closely spaced alternating balloons, construction method alternating balloons, covered individual balloons, multiple tubular balloons, single helical balloons, multiple helical balloons, quilted balloon with tubular sidecars, and braided balloons
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is a bellows balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein said balloon is made of polyethylene In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the length of the balloon is about 25 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter between about 1 cm and about 15 cm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter between about 2 cm and about 4 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter of about 2 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter of about 3 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter of about 4 cm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter p ⁇ or to balloon inflation is about 10 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said catheter p ⁇ or to balloon inflation is between about 3 mm and about 7 mm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said light-emitting instrument is about 5 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned apparatus, wherein the diameter of said light-emitting instrument is between about 2 mm and about 5 mm
  • a method for debilitating or killing a microorganism in the body cavity of a patient comprising the steps of providing a catheter body having a diameter, a length, a proximal end and a distal end, the catheter body defining therein a first lumen extending therethrough, a second lumen extending therethrough and an optional third lumen extending therethrough, providing a balloon having a diameter, a length, a proximal and a distal section secured to the distal end of the catheter body so that an interior of the balloon is in fluid communication with the second lumen and the optional third lumen, and the balloon having a non-expanded configuration, providing a light-emitting instrument having a diameter, a length, a proximal end and a distal end, the light-emitting instrument
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising providing a zip-sheath which surrounds the balloon in its non-expanded configuration
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising using a guide wire to introduce the catheter
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of removing the guidewire, thereby separating the zip-sheath from the catheter
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of removing the zip-sheath
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said fluid is water, saline, barium sulfate particles in water, or a magnesium hydroxide solution
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said fluid comprises particles which can scatter light
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the second fluid is circulated through the balloon
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the second fluid is removed from the balloon and replaced with a third fluid In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, where the second fluid is introduced at a temperature between about 5 0 C and about 25 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, where the second fluid is introduced at a temperature between about 5 0 C and about 15 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, where the second fluid is introduced at a temperature between about 15 0 C and about 20 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, where the second fluid is introduced at a temperature between about 20 0 C and about 25 0 C
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of pulsing the light In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, further comprising the step of monitoring the temperature of said body cavity
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the body cavity is the stomach, the bowel, the lungs, the peritoneal cavity, or the urinary tract In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the body cavity is the stomach
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the zip-sheath is a polyurethane sheet In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein there are between about 10 and about 15 optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein there are 13 optical fibers In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein there is about 1 0 mm between the ends of each of the optical fibers
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 200 nm to about 810 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 250 nm to about 600 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 300 nm to about 500 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 350 nm to about 450 nm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said plurality of wavelengths are in the range of about 400 nm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is selected from the group consisting of bellows balloons, single balloons with centering webs, overlapping balloons, tufted balloons, alternating dog-bone balloons, closely spaced alternating balloons, construction method alternating balloons, covered individual balloons, multiple tubular balloons, single helical balloons, multiple helical balloons, quilted balloon with tubular sidecars, and braided balloons
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is a bellows balloon In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein said balloon is made of polyethylene
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the length of the balloon is about 25 cm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter between about 1 cm and about 15 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter between about 2 cm and about 4 cm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter of about 2 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter of about 3 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the expanded configuration has a diameter of about 4 cm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the expanded configuration does not engage the body cavity of the patient
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the diameter of said catheter before balloon inflation is about 10 mm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the diameter of said catheter before balloon inflation is between about 3 mm and about 7 mm
  • the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the diameter of said light-emitting instrument is about 5 mm In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to the aforementioned method, wherein the diameter of said light-emitting instrument is between about 2 mm and about 5 mm
  • the aforementioned apparatus of the invention is designed such that it can be inserted easily and safely into a body cavity
  • atraumatic surfaces including an atraumatic tip (z e , soft, conformable and bio-compatible medical-grade materials with smooth surfaces), a flexible assembly (flexible optical fibers and soft polymers compliant with body geometry during insertion and placement), and a thm cross-section (thm optical fibers plus low-profile assembly with deflatable balloon and an optional removable cover sheath
  • atraumatic surfaces including an atraumatic tip (z e , soft, conformable and bio-compatible medical-grade materials with smooth surfaces), a flexible assembly (flexible optical fibers and soft polymers compliant with body geometry during insertion and placement), and a thm cross-section (thm optical fibers plus low-profile assembly with deflatable balloon and an optional removable cover sheath, allow insertion of the apparatus with little or no damage to soft tissue of the patient
  • the apparatus is guide-wire compatible, adding to its ease of use
  • the method of treatment is consistent with standard medical
  • the instant invention can be used for selective photo- eradication
  • preferential damage to a targeted pathogen with little or no damage to bodily tissue
  • the apparatus and method can be adjusted, as described above, to achieve the most effective optical (and adjuvant) parameters to minimize the time required for treatment
  • the option to fractionate or pulse the light source permits optimization of both kinetic and oxygen diffusion effects, which can minimize unwanted photo-bleaching effects and allow for the control of temperature
  • the present invention can be practiced in such a way (e g , pulsing) so that the required dose can be delivered without substantial heating to the body cavity being treated
  • light from any external source may be launched into optical fibers allowing a wavelength bandwidth to be selected which will cause the greatest damage to pathogen (e g , for H pylori, Protoporphyrin IX and Coproporphyrm Soret absorption
  • the instant invention allows the delivery of light to, and distribution withm, a well-defined target zone
  • light can be delivered to deep organs, large organ surface areas can be illuminated, irregularly shaped body cavities can be illuminated, and a selective patterning of light can be used to treat differentially infected areas
  • the optical fibers utilized are long and thin which are well adapted for trans-luminal delivery
  • the irradiance pattern used is diffuse (sometimes due to scattering sheath and/or selectable balloon diameter) which allows for a smooth distribution of light to large surface areas
  • the irradiance pattern may be "shaped" for best fit to target area by means of scattering insert in tip, shape of tip, shape of fluid- filled balloon (which may act like a lens), the stagger pattern of the optical fibers, the total number of optical fibers, the adjustable power per fiber, the selection of scattering characteristics of materials used, and the overall length of assembly
  • the instant invention is
  • the phrase "at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements
  • At least one of A and B can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B), in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A), in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements), etc
  • the microorganism targeted by the instant invention is a prokaryote, including but not limited to, a member of the genus Streptococcus,
  • Staphylococcus Bordetella, Corynebacte ⁇ um, Mycobacterium, Neisseria, Haemophilus, Actinomycetes, Streptomycetes, Nocardia, Enterobacter, Yersinia, Fancisella, Pasturella, Moraxella, Acinetobacter, Erysipelothrix, Branhamella, Actinobacillus, Streptobacillus, Listeria, Calymmatobacterium, Brucella, Bacillus, Clostridium, Treponema, Escherichia, Salmonella, Kleibsiella, Vibrio, Proteus, Erwima, Borreha, Leptospira, Spirillum,
  • Campylobacter Shigella, Legionella, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Rickettsia, Chlamydia, Borrelia and Mycoplasma, and further including, but not limited to, a member of the species or group, Group A Streptococcus, Group B Streptococcus, Group C Streptococcus, Group D Streptococcus, Group G Streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus faecahs, Streptococcus faecium,
  • Streptococcus durans Neisseria gonorrheae, Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium dipthe ⁇ ae, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium ulcerans, Mycobacterium leprae, Actmomyctes israelii, Listeria monocytogenes, Bordetella pertusis, Bordatella parapertusis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Escherichia coll, Shigella dysente ⁇ ae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus aegyptius, Haemophilus paramfluenzae, Haemophilus ducreyi, Bordetella, Salmonella typhi, Citrobacter freundn, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Yersin
  • a catheter is a flexible, hollow tube that can be introduced into a patient
  • a catheter has a distal end and proximal end
  • the distal end of a catheter is the furthermost end placed in the patient, the proximal end remains outside the patient
  • a “fluidic port” is an opening with allows the introduction and/or removal of a fluid
  • a sheath is a tubular, surrounding or enveloping structure
  • a sheath can be open-ended or close-ended, as depicted below
  • An open-ended sheath is like a drinking straw
  • a close-end sheath is like a test tube
  • a closed-ended sheath can be placed over an open-ended sheath, as depicted below
  • a "fluid” can be a liquid (e g , water or saline) or a gas (e g , air)
  • distilled water is water from which all minerals and other impurities have been removed by the process of distillation
  • de-iomzed water is a form of water which lacks ions, such as those from sodium, calcium, iron, and copper
  • essentially pure is water that is free of foreign substances that would be optically absorbing in the visible light range
  • balloon can refer to one or a plurality of balloons Examples of “balloons” are shown in the figures
  • an "atraumatic tip” indicates a material shape and substance positioned at the distal end of the device that facilitates insertion of the device into a selected body cavity with a minimum of tissue trauma
  • fluoropolymer is a polymer that contains atoms of fluorine
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • FEP fluormated ethylene-propylene
  • colloidal refers to a state of subdivision, implying that the molecules or polymolecular particles dispersed in a medium have at least in one direction a dimension roughly between 1 nm and l ⁇ m, or that in a system discontinuities are found at distances of that order It is not necessary for all three dimensions to be in the colloidal range Likewise, a “colloidal dispersion” is a system in which particles of colloidal size of any nature (e g , solid, liquid or gas) are dispersed in a continuous phase of a different composition (or state) As used herein, the continuous phase is a fluid, preferably a liquid The term "colloid" may be used as a short synonym for colloidal system.
  • fluorescent dyes are dyes that consists of molecules that selectively absorb light (e g , in the visible range of the spectrum) A dye is fluorescent because upon absorbing light, it instantly emits light at a longer wavelength than the light absorbed
  • fluorescent dyes include fluorescein, tetramethylrhodamine and carboxy-x-rhodamine
  • the fluorescent dyes of the invention are selected from the group consisting of 4-fluoro-7-aminosulfonylbenzofurazan, 6-((7-amino- 4-methylcoumarm-3-acetyl)amino)hexanoic acid, 6-((7-amino-4-methylcoumarin-3- acetyl)amino)hexanoic acid, succinimidyl ester, 4'-(aminomethyl)fluorescem, hydrochloride, 5-carboxyrhodamine 6G, hydrochloride, 5-carboxyrhodamine 6G, suc
  • Magnesia is used to describe a solution of magnesium hydroxide at about 8% weight/volume water EXEMPLIFICATION
  • Example 1 Following symptoms, including stomach discomfort, "heart burn,” and/or pam, a tentative diagnosis by the physician of stomach ulcers is made which is later confirmed by an endoscopic examination The diagnosis can then be further confirmed with standard enzymatic tests to detect the presence o ⁇ H pylori Treatment using the present invention is then begun Following standard sedation, the light wand is inserted into the catheter, the catheter is inserted through the esophagus The distal or tip end of the catheter is then positioned as required under the supervision of the physician In certain embodiments the zip-sheath is removed and the balloon inflated The power supply is then turned on Fluid can be circulated through the balloon The light can be continuous or pulsed The catheter can be repositioned as necessary to provide adequate treatment to all of the affected areas, until the bacteria are either killed or incapacitated The instrument is then withdrawn
  • Example 2 Following a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, the bowel is cleansed conventionally The patient is sedated in the usual manner, and the light wand is inserted into the catheter, the catheter is then inserted through the rectum and advanced to the infected area to be treated The distal end of the instrument is then positioned where treatment is required and placed in proximity to the lesions on the lining of the colon that require treatment In certain embodiments the zip-sheath is removed and the balloon inflated Fluid can be circulated through the balloon The laser diodes are then used to produce a series of flashes that provide optimum exposure to the light radiation until the pathogenic bacteria are killed or debilitated The patient is then placed on a regimen of probiotics as already described for an indefinite period so as to reestablish the growth of innocuous flora within the bowel
  • Example 3 the irradiance range was plotted for several measurement trials of three different catheters (a 3 cm diameter "scattering” balloon, a 3 cm diameter "clear” balloon, and a 4 cm diameter "clear” balloon) For each trial, about 30-40 irradiance measurements were made along the length of a light wand/catheter The range (MAX-MIN) was then calculated The range is expressed as a percent of the mean irradiance the top bar is (MAX-MEAN)/MEAN and the bottom bar is (MEAN- MIN)/MEAN The smaller the range the more uniform the irradiance distribution Note that a three centimeter "scattering" balloon performs like a 4 cm diameter "clear” balloon For all measurements the inventive instruments were held in a straight configuration The balloons used were bellows balloons

Abstract

Un aspect de l'invention concerne un appareil qui comporte une portion émettrice de lumière pour diriger une radiation lumineuse de l'appareil sur la doublure de la cavité corporelle d'un patient pour y traiter une maladie. Par exemple, la maladie peut être une maladie gastro-intestinale, telle qu'une gastrite, un ulcère gastrique, un ulcère duodénal, un cancer gastrique, un lymphome gastrique, une rectocolite ulcérative ou la maladie de Crohn. L'appareil peut également être utilisé pour traiter des maladies du système circulatoire, des systèmes urogénitaux ainsi que des maladies logées dans d'autres cavités du corps humain. Dans un mode de réalisation, l'appareil est inséré dans la cavité corporelle du patient, par exemple l'estomac ou le côlon, pour placer l'embout distal de l'appareil dans la position souhaitée. Un ballon est ensuite gonflé autour de la portion émettrice de radiations lumineuses, par exemple un réseau d'extrémité de fibres optiques. La cavité corporelle du patient est ensuite irradiée par la radiation lumineuse de façon à tuer ou à affaiblir des micro-organismes recouvrant la cavité corporelle sans détruire le tissu de façon significative, améliorant ou atténuant ainsi un ou plusieurs des symptômes associés à la maladie. Après traitement, un probiotique peut être administré au patient pour rétablir la croissance de la flore microbienne normale après traitement du tractus gastro-intestinal.
PCT/US2007/067045 2006-04-25 2007-04-20 Cathéters à baguette lumineuse et à ballon WO2008066943A2 (fr)

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US8574490B2 (en) 2009-03-31 2013-11-05 Bactriblue, Ltd. Methods and apparatus for reducing count of infectious agents in intravenous access systems
US8980174B2 (en) 2011-05-13 2015-03-17 Bactriblue, Ltd. Methods and apparatus for reducing count of infectious agents in intravenous access system
CN107736870A (zh) * 2017-11-16 2018-02-27 常州市第人民医院 一种直肠内冷光源充气式支架
WO2019030312A1 (fr) 2017-08-10 2019-02-14 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Appareil permettant de mesurer les variations de pression dans l'estomac
KR20190114549A (ko) * 2018-03-30 2019-10-10 가톨릭대학교 산학협력단 광역동요법용 치료기구
US11147984B2 (en) 2020-03-19 2021-10-19 Know Bio, Llc Illumination devices for inducing biological effects
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US11654294B2 (en) 2021-03-15 2023-05-23 Know Bio, Llc Intranasal illumination devices

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Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8574490B2 (en) 2009-03-31 2013-11-05 Bactriblue, Ltd. Methods and apparatus for reducing count of infectious agents in intravenous access systems
US8980174B2 (en) 2011-05-13 2015-03-17 Bactriblue, Ltd. Methods and apparatus for reducing count of infectious agents in intravenous access system
CN103222844A (zh) * 2013-04-25 2013-07-31 中国人民解放军成都军区总医院 可控胶囊内镜
US11524173B2 (en) 2015-07-28 2022-12-13 Know Bio, Llc Systems and methods for phototherapeutic modulation of nitric oxide
US11617895B2 (en) 2015-07-28 2023-04-04 Know Bio, Llc Systems and methods for phototherapeutic modulation of nitric oxide
WO2019030312A1 (fr) 2017-08-10 2019-02-14 Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Appareil permettant de mesurer les variations de pression dans l'estomac
US11813070B2 (en) 2017-08-10 2023-11-14 Vipun Medical Nv Apparatus for measuring pressure changes in stomach
CN107736870A (zh) * 2017-11-16 2018-02-27 常州市第人民医院 一种直肠内冷光源充气式支架
KR102084742B1 (ko) 2018-03-30 2020-03-04 가톨릭대학교 산학협력단 광역동요법용 치료기구
KR20190114549A (ko) * 2018-03-30 2019-10-10 가톨릭대학교 산학협력단 광역동요법용 치료기구
US11147984B2 (en) 2020-03-19 2021-10-19 Know Bio, Llc Illumination devices for inducing biological effects
US11684798B2 (en) 2020-03-19 2023-06-27 Know Bio, Llc Illumination devices for inducing biological effects
US11752359B2 (en) 2020-03-19 2023-09-12 Know Bio, Llc Illumination devices for inducing biological effects
US11654294B2 (en) 2021-03-15 2023-05-23 Know Bio, Llc Intranasal illumination devices

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