WO2010026422A1 - Appareil à émission de lumière dirigée - Google Patents

Appareil à émission de lumière dirigée Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010026422A1
WO2010026422A1 PCT/GB2009/051112 GB2009051112W WO2010026422A1 WO 2010026422 A1 WO2010026422 A1 WO 2010026422A1 GB 2009051112 W GB2009051112 W GB 2009051112W WO 2010026422 A1 WO2010026422 A1 WO 2010026422A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
therapeutic
cosmetic treatment
light source
treatment according
light
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2009/051112
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andrew Paul Mcmeill
Ifor David William Samuel
James Ferguson
Original Assignee
Mmicure Limited
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 Mmicure Limited filed Critical Mmicure Limited
Publication of WO2010026422A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010026422A1/fr

Links

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
    • A61N5/0613—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
    • A61N5/0616—Skin treatment other than tanning
    • 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
    • A61N5/0613—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
    • A61N5/062—Photodynamic therapy, i.e. excitation of an agent
    • 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
    • A61N2005/0635—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the body area to be irradiated
    • A61N2005/0643—Applicators, probes irradiating specific body areas in close proximity
    • A61N2005/0645—Applicators worn by the patient
    • 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
    • A61N2005/0651—Diodes
    • A61N2005/0653—Organic light emitting 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
    • A61N2005/0658—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the wavelength of light used
    • A61N2005/0659—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the wavelength of light used infrared
    • 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
    • A61N2005/0658—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the wavelength of light used
    • A61N2005/0662—Visible light

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus for use in therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus comprising a light emitting device and a control unit for use in therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment which involves exposing part of an area of a patient to a light source.
  • Light can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases. When light alone is used to treat a disease, the treatment is referred to as phototherapy. Light may be used in conjunction with a pharmaceutical in which case the treatment is called photodynamic therapy. Phototherapy and photodynamic therapy can be used to treat a variety of skin and internal diseases. In photodynamic therapy, a light-sensitive therapeutic agent known as a photopharmaceutical is supplied externally or internally to an area of the body which is to be treated. That area is then exposed to light of a suitable frequency and intensity to activate the photopharmaceutical. A variety of photopharmaceutical agents are currently available.
  • topical agents such as 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (Crawford Pharmaceuticals), methylaminolevulinic acid (Metvix (Trade Mark), Photocure).
  • injectable drugs used primarily for internal malignancies including Photofrin (Trade Mark) (from Axcan) and Foscan (Trade Mark) (from Biolitech Ltd). Often, the drug is applied in a non-active form that is metabolised to a light- sensitive photopharmaceutical.
  • the primary technique for supplying light to the photopharmaceutical is to project light of a suitable wavelength from standalone light sources such as lasers or filtered arc lamps. These sources are cumbersome and expensive, and are therefore only suitable for use in hospitals. This leads to inconvenience for the patient, and high cost for the treatment. High light irradiances are needed in order to treat an acceptable number of patients per day (for the treatment to be cost effective) and to avoid unduly inconveniencing the patient.
  • apparatus for use in therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment comprising: a light source capable of distributing light over an area of a patient to be treated; a sensing element which is capable of sensing light emitted from an area of the patient to be treated; a control unit capable of controlling the light source depending on readings obtained from the sensing element; and wherein the light source is capable of performing a therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment on the area of the patient to be treated; and wherein the apparatus is adaptable and/or conformable to an area of a patient.
  • the present invention may therefore relate to a light emitting apparatus capable of performing a therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment on a human or animal patient using photodynamic therapy or phototherapy.
  • the treatment may be said to be of therapeutic nature (e.g. skin cancer, serious acne) whereas in other situations the treatment may be said to be of cosmetic nature (e.g. minor amounts of acne, anti-aging treatments such as treatment of wrinkling).
  • the light emitted may be fluorescent light which may, for example, be emitted from a metabolised pharmaceutical that has been applied to the skin area or may be fluorescence related to tissue oxygenation.
  • the amount of light detected may come from tagged bacteria that may have light emitting properties such as in the fluorescence region.
  • a pharmaceutical When a pharmaceutical is applied to the skin, it may be converted into a light emitting compound (e.g. fluorescing) within the skin. Some patients take longer than others to achieve this conversion to light emitting compounds.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention has the specific advantage in that the light being emitted is sensed (i.e. monitored) and the apparatus therefore only activates when an individual patient has accumulated (i.e. absorbed) the drug in the pharmaceutical that is going to be a benefit.
  • the light source capable of distributing light over an area of a patient to be treated may therefore only activate when the sensing element measures and/or detects a specific level of light being emitted from an area of skin which may be pre-set or pre-determined. This technical feature is absent in the prior art.
  • the light being emitted from the light source may cause the fluorescent drug to react with oxygen in the blood to treat the area of skin. This reaction may occur until either the drug runs out and/or the oxygen runs out. Once the reactants have been depleted, further light illumination is clinically useless. Being able to monitor the quantity of drug and/or oxygen means that the apparatus can be switched off once they are depleted allowing their concentrations to build before the reactivating the light source.
  • the light source may be located in a light emitting device which may be adaptable and/or conformable to an area of a patient.
  • the apparatus may therefore comprise a light emitting device.
  • the light emitting device may therefore be sufficiently flexible and be capable of being formed into any of a number of possible different configurations in advance or extemporaneously to the shape of a body part to which the apparatus is applied.
  • the apparatus may be wearable and may be attached to a foot, leg, torso, shoulder, arm, hand, head or facial area of a patient.
  • the apparatus may comprise attachment means for attaching the device to a body part(s) of a human or animal.
  • the apparatus may comprise mechanical and/or adhesive means for attaching the device to a body part of a human or animal.
  • the apparatus may therefore comprise a strap arrangement which may optionally comprise a fastening means and/or Velcro (Trade Mark) and/or an adhesive surface for attaching the apparatus to the patient.
  • the apparatus may be substantially planar or may be curved in order to accommodate the fitment of the device to a particular part of the body. Alternatively, the apparatus may be shaped and/or conformed during use.
  • the apparatus may be lightweight and portable.
  • the apparatus may be a totally self-contained portable unit and may comprise a self-contained power supply.
  • the power supply may operate electronics in the device and the light source.
  • the apparatus may be sufficiently portable to enable ambulatory treatment therefore allowing treatment during which a patient may move around. Treatment may therefore occur at home or at work and may be removed by a patient when necessary. This provides lower treatment costs as this avoids out-patient or in-patient stays in hospital.
  • This provides the significant advantage that lower light levels may be used since exposure can occur for a longer period of time. This overcomes the problem of pain induced in some patients by high irradiances from conventional sources used in hospitals. Moreover, lower irradiance over a longer period of time may be more effective in photoinduced therapy as it gives more time for oxygen to diffuse to the region to be treated, and reduces photobleaching of the photopharmaceutical.
  • the light source may be any suitable light source that may emit light over a desired wavelength.
  • the light source may operate within a range of about 300 - 3000 nm, about 300 - 1500 nm, about 300 - 800 nm or about 370 - 700 nm.
  • the light source may operate in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • the light source may operate in the ultraviolet or infrared wavelength regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • the light source during operation may operate at a substantially constant and/or uniform wavelength or alternatively may be scanned over a range of wavelengths.
  • more than one wavelength of light may be emitted and/or pulsed at the same or different times.
  • the light source may emit multiple wavelengths. This may be suitable for the treatment of acne.
  • the light source may have an extensive light emitting surface area of about 0.1 - 500 cm 2 , about 0.1 - 250 cm 2 , about 0.1 - 100cm 2 , about 1 - 100cm 2 or about 5 - 50 cm 2 .
  • the light source may have a light emitting surface of greater than about 0.01 cm 2 , greater than about 0.1 cm 2 , greater than about 1 cm 2 , greater than about 5 cm 2 , greater than about 10 cm 2 , greater than about 50 cm 2 or greater than about 100 cm 2 .
  • the light emitting surface may be continuous or discontinuous.
  • the light source may be substantially square or substantially rectangular and may have dimensions of about 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm, about 1 cm x 1 cm, about 2 cm x 2 cm, about 5 cm x 5 cm, about 10 cm x 10 cm or about 20 cm x 10 cm.
  • the light source may be substantially circular and may have a diameter of about 0.5 cm, about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 5 cm, about 10 cm or about 20 cm.
  • the light source may emit light substantially continuously over a pre-set period of time or may emit light discontinuously such as in a pulsed manner.
  • the light from the light source may be pulsed with a period of at least about 10 ms, at least about 100 ms, at least about 1 s, at least about 10 s, at least about 10 ms, at least about 100 s, at least about 1 ,000 s or at least about 10,000s.
  • the light source may, for example, be any suitable form of diode such as organic light-emitting diode or an inorganic light- emitting diode.
  • the light source may be a fluorescent light source such as a fluorescent lamp.
  • the fluorescent light source may be compact in shape. For example, this includes technology developed from back-lit display technology, LEDs and waveguides and diffusers.
  • the light source may have an optical power density of about 0.1 - 500 mW/cm 2 , about 1 - 200 mW/cm 2 or about 5 - 50 mW/cm 2 .
  • the light source during operation may operate at a substantially constant power or alternatively may be varied over a range of powers.
  • the light emitting device may comprise a substrate layer such as a transparent or at least a substantially transparent substrate layer.
  • the light emitting device may comprise a translucent or at least a substantially translucent substrate layer.
  • the substrate layer may function as a support layer for the light source and may allow the light to penetrate there through.
  • the substrate layer may also function as a barrier layer too and may be selected to prevent oxygen and/or moisture from penetrating the light source.
  • the substrate layer may be made from or comprise any one of or combination of suitable materials such as a glass, plastics or polymer. Additional layers may also be present.
  • the apparatus and/or light emitting device may comprise a photochemical and/or a photopharmaceutical preparation.
  • the photochemical and/or photopharmaceutical preparation may be delivered to the area of the patient to be treated at appropriate pre-set times and/or may be controlled by the control unit from readings from the sensing element.
  • the photochemical and/or a photopharmaceutical preparation may be present in the form of, for example, a gel, ointment or cream.
  • the light emitting device may be provided with a thin film impregnated with a photochemical and/or photopharmaceutical preparation.
  • the photochemical and/or photopharmaceutical preparation may be provided in contact with the light source.
  • the photochemical and/or a photopharmaceutical preparation may comprise a drug and/or antiseptic capable of treating a patient which may be applied to a person in need thereof.
  • the photopharmaceutical may be transparent or substantially transparent or may become transparent or substantially transparent during use and emission of light.
  • the resulting device may be readily applied without a separate step of applying a photochemical and/or a photopharmaceutical to a patient.
  • the photochemical and/or photopharmaceutical may be covered with a peelable release medium.
  • the photochemical and/or photopharmaceutical preparation may comprise an inactive compound which may be metabolised in vivo to an active compound.
  • a suitable amount of the photochemical and/or photopharmaceutical preparation may be applied to an area of a patient to be treated.
  • the device may also control (e.g. self-control) the amount of drug (e.g. photopharmaceutical) being applied to the area of the patient.
  • the sensing element may be connected to the control unit which may be capable of activating and/or deactivating the light source and/or controlling the brightness of the light source and therefore controlling the device.
  • the sensing element may therefore be controlled via feedback from sensors and/or detectors and/or other stimuli.
  • the apparatus may therefore be self-controlled and/or be seen as an intelligent device.
  • the apparatus may therefore operate without any manual input and/or manual monitoring from a user or health professional.
  • the sensing element may therefore be used to detect and/or measure the amount of light emitted which may increase or decrease during the treatment of a patient and which may be used to switch the light source off or on and also control/adjust the brightness of the light source(s).
  • the sensing element may also be used to sense whether treatment is required.
  • the apparatus of the present invention may therefore be seen as an 'intelligent' apparatus as it is self-controlled once programmed.
  • the sensing element may detect and/or sense and/or measure parameters or properties such as fluorescence (e.g. from photochemical and/or photopharmaceutical materials) on the surface of the area of the patient, blood properties (e.g. oxygen content and/or colour) in a patient, the presence/concentration of sulfurous compounds (e.g. H 2 S and SO 2 being emitted from a patient) and the temperature in the area of the patient being treated.
  • the temperature being sensed may be compared to the temperature in a part of the patient not requiring treatment. This may also be conducted by the apparatus according to the present invention and may therefore require an additional sensing element e.g. a temperature sensing element.
  • the comparison of temperatures may be controlled by the control unit.
  • the sensing element may be located on any appropriate region/surface of the device such as on the underside and may, for example, be a fluorescence detector, an oxygen level detector, a colour detector, a sulfur detector and/or a temperature detector.
  • the light source may be turned on/off or the brightness changed in response to increasing/decreasing fluorescence from, or near to, the area of the patient being treated.
  • the device may therefore comprise a fluorescence detector. Changes in fluorescence may therefore be detected using the sensing element.
  • a range of fluorescing material may be detected such as the fluorescence of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) which may be extremely useful since this is the standard photosensitisor for photodynamic therapy. It has also been found that fluorescence of other agents may also be useful such as, for example, a dye coupled to an antibody to mark particular bacteria other small compounds or chemicals, viruses and the like.
  • Bacteria which may be marked are, for example, staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), streptococcus pyogenes, pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Other suitable examples are antigens and molecular imprinted polymers (commonly known as 'plastic' antibodies) which may be used to detect low concentrations of materials.
  • fluorescence requires excitation, and (normally at longer wavelength) detection.
  • blue light may be used to excite, for example, green or red fluorescence.
  • the emission of the main light source could overlap with the fluorescence to be detected.
  • the sensing element may detect and/or measure fluorescence according to the following procedure:
  • a fluorescing light source for example, an LED (e.g. a blue nitride LED);
  • the sensing element e.g. a photodiode with a filter in front of it to give spectral selectivity
  • the sensing element e.g. a photodiode with a filter in front of it to give spectral selectivity
  • turning off the fluorescing light source e.g. the LED
  • restoring the light source i.e. the main light source
  • the fluorescing light source e.g. the LED
  • sensing element may cast a shadow over the area to be treated.
  • the main ways of dealing with this are either to make the fluorescing light source and the sensing element as small as possible or to do the measurement next to, but just outside the area to be treated. In the latter case it may or may not be necessary to turn off the main light source.
  • the light source may switched off for less than about 10 s, less than about 5 s or less than about 1 s.
  • the fluorescence measurement may therefore be performed in a relatively short timeframe, meaning that the main light source would not be switched off for a significant period of time.
  • a fluorescence measurement might be performed about every 10 minutes, about every 5 minutes or about every 1 minute or about every 5 seconds, depending on the acquisition time and accuracy required.
  • the device may comprise more than one or a plurality of sensors.
  • the measured/detected fluorescence may then be averaged.
  • the ratio of fluorescence of a target compound (e.g. most likely PpIX) to the skin autofluorescence may be measured. This requires (at least) another photodiode with another filter. It may also require a different photodiode to excite the fluorescence.
  • Information received from the sensing element detecting/measuring the fluorescence may be used in a variety of ways. For example:
  • the light source may be switched on/off when the fluorescence reaches a pre-determined level.
  • the required level may be determined by measuring fluorescence as a function of time after application of a fluorescent agent or its precursor (e.g. ALA or Metvix (Trade Mark)) in a group of, for example, 20 subjects.
  • the average of the peak fluorescence may be determined and the source set to switch on at, for example, a third of this value.
  • the light source may be switched on anyway after a predetermined time so that a person with unusually weak fluorescence still receives some treatment;
  • the light source may be switched on when a number of successive measurements (e.g. any number between 1 to 20) are only 1 % higher than the average of the previous successive measurements (e.g. any number between 1 to 20) and the time or fluorescence intensity exceeds some preset value (because at the start there might be no fluorescence and then a 1 % increase would be easily achieved); (iii) The light source may be switched on when the ratio of the PpIX fluorescence to the skin autofluorescence exceeds a certain value;
  • the light source may be turned off after the fluorescence falls to about
  • This signature could also be used to release extra drug (e.g. ALA or Metvix (Trade Mark)) so that the PpIX fluorescence recovers; and
  • the light source may be turned off temporarily if the fluorescence falls by about 50%, about 20% or about 10% from a previous reading (this would indicate photobleaching) and the light may be turned back on when the fluorescence recovers.
  • the sensing element may detect the oxygen content and/or colour of blood.
  • the light source may therefore be turned on/off in response to the degree of oxygenation of an area of a patient (e.g. a wound) to be treated.
  • a healthy wound may have a good level of oxygenation, but if this falls treatment should be started (e.g. by releasing drug and/or antiseptic and then illuminating it).
  • Oxygen is needed for all photodynamic therapy so this technique is highly suitable for any form of photodynamic therapy including skin cancer.
  • the colour of blood depends on the degree of oxygenation - bright red for well-oxygenated blood. Changes in the transmission spectrum of tissue can be used to measure changes in colour and hence oxygenation. As scanning wavelengths can be a cumbersome process, for particular cases, the ratio of absorption at two suitably chosen wavelengths (e.g. 650 nm and 805 nm) can be used to determine the colour change. Absorption could be measured by looking at transmission through a thin region of skin (e.g. ear, finger-tip) using an LED of each wavelength, and a photodiode to detect them.
  • a thin region of skin e.g. ear, finger-tip
  • a sustained drop in tissue oxygenation may therefore result in a drug and/or antiseptic in the form of a photochemical and/or photopharmaceutical preparation being released and the light source to be turned on. Full oxygenation for a sustained period may then be used to turn off the light source.
  • Some metabolic products may accumulate in wounds and may indicate treatment is needed. For example, H 2 S, SO 2 may arise due to anaerobic bacteria. Gases such as H 2 S and SO 2 may be detected by metal-oxide semiconductor devices (e.g. General Monitors 50445-1 ) or electrochemical devices (e.g. Draeger Polytron 3000). Changes in the level of these gases may indicate a change in the condition of the wound and the light source and/or drug delivery may be turned on/off and drugs/antiseptic applied as appropriate.
  • metal-oxide semiconductor devices e.g. General Monitors 50445-1
  • electrochemical devices e.g. Draeger Polytron 3000
  • Temperature may therefore be measured by one or more thermocouples or thermistors. Increased temperature may indicate the need to turn on the light source to provide treatment.
  • body temperature is fairly well defined, the surface temperature of the body will be lower and depend on circulation in the patient. The temperature may be measured using a variety of techniques such as:
  • the control unit may be used to switch the light source off or on depending on what is being sensed, or it may adjust the intensity of the light source.
  • the control unit may comprise electronic means for controlling the device.
  • the control unit may control the sensing element and may also be connected to an integral power source.
  • the control unit may also be programmed to activate or deactivate the light source depending on what is being detected/measured by the sensing element.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention may be used in a range of phototherapies and photodynamic therapies.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention may be used in the treatment of cancer (e.g. skin cancer), acne, wrinkles, wound-healing, anti-aging and post-skin laser treatments such as found in cosmetic applications.
  • wound is meant any form of open or closed wound.
  • Open wounds include but are not limited to: incisions or incised wounds; lacerations; abrasions; puncture wounds; penetration wounds; gunshot wounds; and ulcers.
  • Closed wounds include but are not limited to: contusions; hemaomas; and crushing injuries.
  • a method of performing a therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment comprising: providing a light source capable of distributing light over an area of a patient to be treated; providing a sensing element which is capable of sensing light emitted from an area of the patient to be treated; providing a control unit capable of controlling the light source depending on readings obtained from the sensing element; and wherein the light source is capable of performing a therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment on the area of the patient to be treated; and wherein the apparatus is adaptable and/or conformable to an area of a patient. wherein the light source is capable of performing a therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment on the area of the patient to be treated.
  • the light emitted may be fluorescent light which may, for example, be emitted from a metabolised pharmaceutical that has been applied to the skin area or may be fluorescence related to tissue oxygenation.
  • the amount of light detected may come from tagged bacteria that may have light emitting properties such as in the fluorescence region.
  • a pharmaceutical When a pharmaceutical is applied to the skin, it may be converted into a light emitting compound (e.g. fluorescing) within the skin. Some patients take longer than others to achieve this conversion to light emitting compounds.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention has the specific advantage in that the light being emitted is sensed (i.e. monitored) and the apparatus therefore only activates when an individual patient has accumulated (i.e. absorbed) the drug in the pharmaceutical that is going to be a benefit.
  • the light source capable of distributing light over an area of a patient to be treated may therefore only activate when the sensing element measures and/or detects a specific level of light being emitted from an area of skin which may be pre-set or pre-determined. This technical feature is absent in the prior art.
  • the light being emitted from the light source may cause the fluorescent drug to react with oxygen in the blood to treat the area of skin. This reaction may occur until either the drug runs out and/or the oxygen runs out. Once the reactants have been depleted, further light illumination is clinically useless. Being able to monitor the quantity of drug and/or oxygen means that the apparatus can be switched off once they are depleted allowing their concentrations to build before the reactivating the light source.
  • an apparatus according to the first aspect in the treatment of cancer (e.g. skin cancer), acne, wrinkles, wound-healing, anti-aging and post-skin laser treatments (e.g. cosmetic applications) .
  • cancer e.g. skin cancer
  • acne e.g. acne, wrinkles, wound-healing, anti-aging and post-skin laser treatments (e.g. cosmetic applications) .
  • Figure 1 is a representation of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a representation of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for use in therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment, the apparatus comprises a light source capable of distributing light over an area of a patient to be treated; a sensing element which is capable of sensing the area of the patient to be treated; and a control unit capable of activating and deactivating the light source and wherein the light source is capable of treating the area of the patient to be treated.
  • the present invention therefore relates to an apparatus capable of performing a therapeutic and /or cosmetic treatment on a human or animal patient using phototherapy or photodynamic therapy.
  • FIG. 1 is a representation of light emitting apparatus according to the present invention, generally designated 100.
  • the apparatus 100 comprises a light emitting device 1 10 comprising a light source 1 12 which may, for example, be an area light source such as an organic light emitting diode (i.e. an OLED).
  • a transparent flexible layer 1 14 such as a silicone or gel, optionally impregnated with drugs and/or antiseptic.
  • an area of skin 126 to be treated below the transparent flexible layer 1 14, there is an area of skin 126 to be treated.
  • the area of skin 126 to be treated may contain cancer (e.g. skin cancer), acne, wrinkles, a wound or may be used for anti-aging purposes.
  • On the underside of the transparent flexible layer 1 14 there is a sensing element 1 16.
  • the sensing element 1 16 may be a thermocouple, colour sensor, gas sensor (e.g. an oxygen sensor or sulfur sensor) or LED and photodiode arrangement. Although not shown there may be more than one sensing element 1 16. As shown in Figure 1 , there are electric leads 1 18 connecting the light emitting device 1 10 to the control unit 122. There are also connecting leads 120 connecting the sensing element 116 to the control unit 122.
  • the sensing element detects and/or monitors the amount (e.g. intensity) of light being emitted from a metabolised pharmaceutical that has been applied to the skin area or may be fluorescence related to tissue oxygenation. In further alternative embodiments, the amount of light detected may come from tagged bacteria that may have light emitting properties such as in the fluorescence region.
  • the control unit 122 contains batteries to power the light emitting device 110 and the sensor 1 16. There is also a microprocessor (not shown) which controls the operation of the apparatus 100.
  • the control unit 122 also has a display 124 which shows treatment time, whether the light source is on, dose of light delivered and sensed level of light being emitted.
  • FIG. 2 is a representation of further apparatus 200 according to the present invention.
  • the apparatus 200 comprises a light emitting device 210.
  • the light emitting device 210 has a light source 212 (e.g. an area light source such as an OLED).
  • a transparent flexible layer 214 e.g. silicone or gel.
  • a drug delivery layer 218 which may be used to deliver, for example, ALA or Metvix (Trade Mark).
  • Aminolevulinic acid and Metvix are not fluorescent, but protoporphyrin IX is, and the present inventors have therefore surprisingly found that fluorescence can be used to monitor when to turn the light source on and/or off.
  • the light emitting device 210 also comprises a blue LED 220 for exciting fluorescence and an adjacent photodiode 224 for detecting fluorescence. Below the photodiode 224 there is a filter 228 for selecting wavelengths of fluorescence detected (e.g. a 630 nm interference filter).
  • a blue LED 220 for exciting fluorescence
  • an adjacent photodiode 224 for detecting fluorescence.
  • a filter 228 for selecting wavelengths of fluorescence detected (e.g. a 630 nm interference filter).
  • Figure 2 also shows that the apparatus 200 comprises leads 230 connecting the light source 212, the blue LED 220 and the photodiode 224 to the control unit 232.
  • the control unit 232 contains batteries to power the light emitting source 212, the blue LED 220, the photodiode 224 and a microprocessor (not shown) which controls the apparatus 200.
  • the control unit 232 also has a display 234 which shows treatment time, whether the light source is on, dose of light delivered and sense level (e.g. PpIX fluorescence, temperature, colour, sulfur detection etc).
  • the light emitted may be fluorescent light which may, for example, When a pharmaceutical is applied to the skin, it may be converted into a light emitting compound (e.g. fluorescing) within the skin.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention has the specific advantage in that the light being emitted is sensed (i.e. monitored) and the apparatus therefore only activates when an individual patient has accumulated (i.e. absorbed) the drug in the pharmaceutical that is going to be a benefit.
  • the light source capable of distributing light over an area of a patient to be treated may therefore only activate when the sensing element measures and/or detects a specific level of light being emitted from an area of skin which may be pre-set or pre-determined.
  • the treatment has started the light being emitted from the light source causes the fluorescent drug to react with oxygen in the blood to treat the area of skin. This reaction occurs until either the drug runs out and/or the oxygen runs out. Once the reactants have been depleted, further light illumination is clinically useless. Being able to monitor the quantity of drug and/or oxygen means that the apparatus can be switched off once they are depleted allowing their concentrations to build before the reactivating the light source.
  • any suitable type of light source and light detection means may be used.
  • any suitable type of drug and/or antiseptic may be delivered using apparatus according to the present invention.
  • Any suitable type of control means may also be used to allow the apparatus to be self-controlled.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Radiation-Therapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil (100, 200) utilisable dans le cadre d'un traitement thérapeutique et/ou cosmétique. L'invention concerne, plus précisément, un appareil, comprenant un dispositif émetteur de lumière (110, 210) et une unité de commande (122, 232), qui est utilisable dans le cadre d'un traitement thérapeutique et/ou cosmétique impliquant l'exposition d'une partie de la surface corporelle d'un patient à une source de lumière (112, 212).
PCT/GB2009/051112 2008-09-03 2009-09-03 Appareil à émission de lumière dirigée WO2010026422A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0816027.7 2008-09-03
GB0816027A GB0816027D0 (en) 2008-09-03 2008-09-03 Controlled light emitting apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010026422A1 true WO2010026422A1 (fr) 2010-03-11

Family

ID=39866175

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2009/051112 WO2010026422A1 (fr) 2008-09-03 2009-09-03 Appareil à émission de lumière dirigée

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB0816027D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2010026422A1 (fr)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012004399A1 (fr) * 2010-07-09 2012-01-12 Photocure Asa Compositions sèches et dispositifs les contenant destinés à être utilisés dans la thérapie photodynamique ou le diagnostic photodynamique
CN104174119A (zh) * 2014-09-19 2014-12-03 重庆海睿科技有限公司 一种多光谱理疗智能控制方法及装置
WO2016080096A1 (fr) * 2014-11-19 2016-05-26 シャープ株式会社 Dispositif de thérapie photodynamique
WO2017084534A1 (fr) * 2015-11-17 2017-05-26 冼光 Dispositif d'excitation à rayonnements infrarouges lointains capable d'améliorer le sommeil et de soulager les douleurs
WO2017093972A1 (fr) * 2015-12-03 2017-06-08 Sabic Global Technologies B.V. Dispositif de photothérapie flexible pour traitement des plaies
US9974974B2 (en) 2013-04-09 2018-05-22 Photocure Asa Irradiation device
US10737110B2 (en) 2011-11-09 2020-08-11 John Stephan Light therapy apparatus
US10874875B2 (en) 2009-01-12 2020-12-29 Photocure Asa Irradiation device
US11458329B2 (en) 2016-07-27 2022-10-04 Z2020, Llc Componentry and devices for light therapy delivery and methods related thereto

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005048831A1 (fr) * 2003-11-18 2005-06-02 Qinetiq Limited Sources de lumiere flexibles et detecteurs et leurs applications
US20060173514A1 (en) * 2005-02-02 2006-08-03 Advanced Photodynamic Technologies, Inc. Wound treatment device for photodynamic therapy and method of using same
WO2007047892A1 (fr) * 2005-10-20 2007-04-26 Light Sciences Oncology, Inc. Systèmes portables externes de traitement de luminothérapie
WO2007106856A2 (fr) * 2006-03-14 2007-09-20 Allux Medical, Inc. Dispositif de luminotherapie et procede pour pratiquer une luminotherapie sur une surface corporelle

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005048831A1 (fr) * 2003-11-18 2005-06-02 Qinetiq Limited Sources de lumiere flexibles et detecteurs et leurs applications
US20060173514A1 (en) * 2005-02-02 2006-08-03 Advanced Photodynamic Technologies, Inc. Wound treatment device for photodynamic therapy and method of using same
WO2007047892A1 (fr) * 2005-10-20 2007-04-26 Light Sciences Oncology, Inc. Systèmes portables externes de traitement de luminothérapie
WO2007106856A2 (fr) * 2006-03-14 2007-09-20 Allux Medical, Inc. Dispositif de luminotherapie et procede pour pratiquer une luminotherapie sur une surface corporelle

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10874875B2 (en) 2009-01-12 2020-12-29 Photocure Asa Irradiation device
AU2011275695B2 (en) * 2010-07-09 2014-07-31 Photocure Asa Dry compositions and devices containing such dry compositions for use in photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis
WO2012004399A1 (fr) * 2010-07-09 2012-01-12 Photocure Asa Compositions sèches et dispositifs les contenant destinés à être utilisés dans la thérapie photodynamique ou le diagnostic photodynamique
US11273323B2 (en) 2011-11-09 2022-03-15 John Stephan Light therapy apparatus
US10737110B2 (en) 2011-11-09 2020-08-11 John Stephan Light therapy apparatus
US9974974B2 (en) 2013-04-09 2018-05-22 Photocure Asa Irradiation device
CN104174119A (zh) * 2014-09-19 2014-12-03 重庆海睿科技有限公司 一种多光谱理疗智能控制方法及装置
JPWO2016080096A1 (ja) * 2014-11-19 2017-06-22 シャープ株式会社 光線力学治療装置
JP2018065058A (ja) * 2014-11-19 2018-04-26 シャープ株式会社 光線力学治療装置
CN109939361A (zh) * 2014-11-19 2019-06-28 夏普株式会社 光动力学治疗装置
CN109939361B (zh) * 2014-11-19 2021-04-06 夏普株式会社 光动力学治疗装置
WO2016080096A1 (fr) * 2014-11-19 2016-05-26 シャープ株式会社 Dispositif de thérapie photodynamique
WO2017084534A1 (fr) * 2015-11-17 2017-05-26 冼光 Dispositif d'excitation à rayonnements infrarouges lointains capable d'améliorer le sommeil et de soulager les douleurs
WO2017093972A1 (fr) * 2015-12-03 2017-06-08 Sabic Global Technologies B.V. Dispositif de photothérapie flexible pour traitement des plaies
US11458329B2 (en) 2016-07-27 2022-10-04 Z2020, Llc Componentry and devices for light therapy delivery and methods related thereto

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0816027D0 (en) 2008-10-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11617895B2 (en) Systems and methods for phototherapeutic modulation of nitric oxide
WO2010026422A1 (fr) Appareil à émission de lumière dirigée
JP5378204B2 (ja) 治療処置および／または美容治療に用いられる発光装置
US8246666B2 (en) Phototherapy garment
EP1986742B1 (fr) Dispositif thérapeutique et système pour réduire l'exposition nocive à un rayonnement électromagnétique
US20060217787A1 (en) Light therapy device
AU2010270038B2 (en) Improved medical apparatus
US20070239232A1 (en) Light guide based light therapy device
US20050177093A1 (en) Joint / tissue inflammation therapy and monitoring device
US20130178919A1 (en) Disposable skin care device
US20210370090A1 (en) Devices and related methods for phototherapeutic treatment of skin
TW201208730A (en) Phototherapy method and device
CA2576102A1 (fr) Dispositif therapeutique et accessoires connexes, compositions et methodes de traitement
WO2012011042A2 (fr) Améliorations en photothérapie
AU2009323894A1 (en) Medical apparatus
WO2012011013A2 (fr) Améliorations relatives à la photothérapie
WO2012011009A1 (fr) Améliorations apportées à la photothérapie
US20230059845A1 (en) Phototherapeutic treatment of skin disorders
Shekhar Novel body-conforming photonic textile material for therapeutic application of wound healing

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 09785571

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 09785571

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1