WO2011137471A1

WO2011137471A1 - Device for irradiating tissue using light pulses

Info

Publication number: WO2011137471A1
Application number: PCT/AT2011/000194
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walter Toriser
Original assignee: Relux Lichtmedizintechnik Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-05-03
Filing date: 2011-04-20
Publication date: 2011-11-10
Also published as: AT509193A4; AT509193B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) having light pulses, with at least two light units (2), respectively with one housing (5) and respectively with at least one light source (3) for emitting the light pulses with a pulse frequency between 1 and 10 Hz and with a wavelength between 600 nm and 660 nm, and with a power output element (6) connected to the light sources (3) of each light unit (2). In order to obtain an optimally applicable irradiation device (1) and optimal therapeutic success with, at the same time, short irradiation times, the light units (2) are preferably interconnected by a holder (15) and the light sources (3) from each light unit (2) are connected to a control apparatus (7) for alternately activating the light sources (3).

Description

Device for irradiating tissue with light pulses

The invention relates to a device for irradiating tissue with light pulses having at least two light units each having a housing and at least one light source for emitting the light pulses with a pulse frequency of 1 to 10 Hz and a wavelength of 600 nm to 660 nm and one with the light sources each power unit connected power level.

A device for irradiating tissue with light is known from AT 505 280 Bl. This device is outstandingly suitable for the treatment of a number of skin or Gewebserkrankun- gene, especially inflammatory diseases. The pulsed light can be used for the irradiation of skin, connective and muscle tissue as well as joints.

The device according to AT 505 280 Bl is at best placed under fixation with the aid of elastic bands on the body part containing the tissue to be treated and kept correspondingly quiet during the treatment period of a few to a maximum of 30 minutes.

Other radiation devices, such as e.g. a heat radiation device according to DE 298 11 137 Ul, have complex supporting frames, on which the light sources or radiation sources are arranged. Such devices are particularly inflexible and suitable only for use in a hospital or an ordination.

GB 294 509 A shows an irradiation device with two light units, which are connected to each other and can be operated separately or together. The two light units, a switch device is assigned to each of the lamps either on or off.

Since the subject irradiation device can be used in a variety of ways both in humans and in animals, there is a great need for a simple applicability with the highest possible therapeutic effect at the shortest possible treatment times. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an abovementioned irradiation device, which is optimally applicable as a function of the tissue to be irradiated and at the same time has the highest possible therapeutic effect with short treatment times. Disadvantages of the prior art should be prevented or at least reduced.

The inventive object is achieved by a top genann ^¬ te irradiation apparatus, wherein the light units are connected to one another and the light sources, each light unit with a control device for the alternating activation of the

Light sources are connected. The subject device comprises at least two light units whose light sources are activated alternately, so that the tissue to be treated can be irradiated alternately by different light sources from different directions. Depending on the body part containing the tissue to be irradiated, the

Light units are optimally aligned in order to achieve an optimal therapeutic effect. The alternating control of the light sources of each light unit prevents localization of the tissue due to excessive power densities of the light sources, which could lead to unpleasant sensations or even pain for the patient.

Depending on the number of light units, it is advantageous if all the light sources of a light unit are activated simultaneously and the duty cycle, which is the ratio of the pulse duration to the pulse period, of the light sources of a light unit is at most l: n, where n is the number of light units. Thus, during a pulse period at most all light sources ^¬ all light units be activated once. As a result, the power stage need only be designed for one light unit, since the light sources of two light units are never activated at the same time. As a result, a smaller size and lower consumption is expected.

If the at least two light units are connected via at least one Bü ^¬ gel or the like. Anor- and around the tissue to be irradiated Denbar are particularly good opportunities for the irradiation of joints, since the at least two light units can be arranged on both sides of the joint to be treated. The at least one bracket or the like. can be optimally arranged on jeweili ^¬ gen body part, so that during the

Treatment time holding the irradiation device or the arrangement of the same on a suitably trained stand is not required. In addition, the appropriately designed device allows certain movements of the patient, without the treatment success is endangered thereby.

If the at least two light units are connected via at least one strap or the like., And can be arranged side by side over the area to bestrah ^¬ lumbar tissue, an optimal result can be obtained for surface irradiation. In this way, for example, the light units can be placed side by side over the respective body region. This arrangement is particularly suitable for large-area irradiation of the skin or in ^¬ play irradiation of parts of the spine.

If the at least two light units are adjustably arranged on the at least one bracket or the like, optimal adaptation and optimal alignment of the light units to the tissue to be irradiated can be undertaken. The adjustable ^¬ speed is preferably tool-free and quick and easy to carry out.

To enable even greater flexibility of the orientation of the Lichtein ^¬ units and for example, the arrangement of the light units next to each other, it is advantageous if the

at least two light units are pivotally mounted on the at least one bracket or the like. Are arranged. In order to enable an independent holding of the light units in the desired direction, corresponding fixing elements or latching devices can be provided at specific angular intervals relative to one another.

In order to enable an optimal arrangement of the irradiation device on which the body part containing the tissue to be irradiated and an optimal alignment of the light units to the tissue to be irradiated, it is advantageous if the at least one Bracket or the like. shaped according to the body part. In ^¬ play, the strap can during irradiation of the shoulder joint to the support at the shoulder and for irradiating the

Knee joint to be worn on the thigh. It is also conceivable that different brackets for different appli ^¬ tions or different patients or animals made and applied accordingly.

It is advantageous if the at least one bracket or the like is provided on the side facing the tissue to be irradiated with an elastic support, preferably foam abutments. This avoids bruises that could lead to pain during treatment.

When at least one light unit is detachable from the bracket or the like, further flexibility of the system can be achieved. In particularly inaccessible regions of the body, an even better alignment with the tissue to be treated can thereby be achieved.

Advantageously, the control device for alternately activating the light sources is arranged in a housing of a light unit. The light sources of the further light unit or

Light units are connected to this control device via corresponding lines.

Spacer elements may for producing a defined distance of the at least be provided a light source from the upper ^¬ surface of the tissue to be treated on the side facing the tissue to be irradiated side at least of a housing. The distance between the light sources and the surface of the tissue to be treated can be adjusted according to the disease to be treated and also to the light sources used. A ge ^¬ wisser distance of the light sources from the skin surface is particularly useful in the treatment of skin diseases. In order to use the device optimally for a wide variety of applications, it is also possible to make the spacer elements adjustable.

Advantageously, a common power supply for supply provided all the light sources of all light units and this common power supply preferably arranged in a housing of a light unit. The power supply is then connected with a corre sponding ^¬ cable with the corresponding voltage source.

If at least the removably designed light unit at least one device for the arrangement of fasteners, handles or the like. is provided, a further improvement in flexibility is achieved. Thus, the respective light units, at least the detachable, on the corresponding body parts via, for example, elastic

Fastening straps are mounted or held with the help of a handle by staff at the desired location.

Advantageously, a timer is provided in the control device, which determines the corresponding treatment time and then automatically switches off the device.

Since the light units, which are preferably formed by light-emitting diodes, also have losses, the light units preferably have cooling means, such as e.g. Fans, up. About these cooling devices, the heat can be removed accordingly and the light sources and arranged in the housing electronics are protected from overheating.

A display is preferably arranged on at least one housing of a light unit. About this display, which may be formed by an LED in the simplest case, for example, the operational readiness of the device is displayed. The display can also be formed by seven-segment or LCD displays and serve to represent the treatment time, the remaining treatment time or error messages or the like ..

When the control device is connected to a loudspeaker, the patient or staff may also be given acoustic signals, e.g. the end of treatment time, to be displayed.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show in it

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a Bestrah ^¬ averaging device;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the irradiation apparatus;

FIG. 3 shows the irradiation device according to FIG. 2 with pivoted light units; FIG.

4 shows the irradiation device according to FIG. 2 with the light unit removed.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a device 1 for irradiation of tissue with light pulses, wherein two light units 2, each comprising four light sources 3, are provided. The light sources are preferably formed by light-emitting diodes in the visible red region (wavelengths from 600 nm to 660 nm). For cooling the light sources cooling means 4 are arranged for example in the form of corresponding heat sinks and fans. The respective light units 2 are arranged in corresponding housings 5. The light sources are designed to emit light pulses having a wavelength of 600 nm to 660 nm and a pulse frequency of 1 to 10 Hz and generate a peak power density of preferably = 2 50 mW / cm ² in order to trigger the effect of frequency doubling in the irradiated tissue. The frequency doubling leads to an ultraviolet vibration in inflammation-controlling mediator molecules of the tissue to be treated, which is so vigorously excited that it comes to inhibiting the ent ignition-demanding effect. For driving the light sources 3 ^¬ each light unit 2 is a corresponding power stage 6 is provided. The power stage provides the power required for the desired light output for the light sources 3. A controller 7, which may be formed by, for example, a corresponding microcontroller, is connected to the light sources 3 of each light unit 2 and allows alternate activation of the light sources 3 each Light unit 2. A power supply 8 supplies the

corresponding components with electrical voltage. A timer 9 serves to specify the desired treatment time. About a control element 10, such as a button, the device is activated. A display 11 can be connected to the control device in order to allow the patient or personal information, such as the set treatment time, the remaining time or error messages.

Furthermore, it is possible to have a speaker 12, buzzer or the like. to provide for the output of acoustic signals and to connect with the control ^{¬ device} 7 accordingly. In this way, the patient or the staff, for example, the end of the treatment time can be displayed. Via temperature sensors 13, which are also connected to the control device 7, the temperature of the light sources 3 of each light unit 2 can be measured and, for example, in the event of overheating, an automatic shutdown can be initiated.

Preferably, all electronic components are arranged in a housing 5 of a light unit 2 (not shown).

2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an irradiation device 1 comprising two light units 2 each having four light sources 3. The light units 2 are each arranged in a housing 5. The housing 5 has Schlit ^¬ ze 14 for dissipating the heat loss. The light units 2 are connected to each other in the manner of a headphone via a bracket 15, so that the at least two light units 2 can be aligned oriented to the tissue to be irradiated. In this way, for example, the shoulder joint, knee joint or the like can be optimally irradiated with the light pulses. The light units 2 or housing 5 are preferably adjustably connected to the bracket 15, which can be accomplished with corresponding VerStellein ^¬ directions 16. On the inside of the bracket 15, an elastic support 17 may be arranged to avoid pressure points in the application of the irradiation device 1.

It is advantageous, furthermore, if the light units 2 or the housings 5 are pivotally connected to the bracket 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the light units 2 are at one fork-shaped element 18 rotatably or pivotally mounted. This allows an arrangement of the at least two light units 2 next to each other, as shown in Fig. 3. In this way, flat areas, such as the spine, opti ^¬ times be irradiated. On at least one housing 5 of a light unit 2, the operating element 10, such as a button, and a display 11, for example, to display the duration of treatment, may be provided.

In addition, means 19 for arranging fastening elements can be provided on the housings 5 of the light units 2. This means 19, for example elas ^¬ diagram bands with the body part can be connected and the irradiation device 1 are fixed accordingly.

In particular, when the light unit 2 is designed detachable from the bracket 15, such devices 19 are advantageous for the arrangement of fasteners. Such a situation is shown in FIG. Here, the right light unit 2 has been removed from the bracket 15 and a normally covered with a cover 20 device 19 with a handle 21 verbun ^¬ the. Thus, the light unit 2 can be operated manually and placed over the tissue to be irradiated.

The device 1 according to the invention is characterized by particularly optimal applicability to the irradiation of tissues of most different body parts or body regions. In addition to the illustrated variant of the irradiation device 1 with two light units 2 are also embodiments with a plurality of light units 2, which via one or more bracket 15 or the like. are connected, conceivable. It is important that all light sources 3 of each light unit 2 are driven alternately, so that the tissue to be irradiated is always irradiated alternately by the light sources 3 of a light unit 2. In the pauses of the irradiation, the regeneration or the removal of components that occur in inflammatory diseases, made possible through the bloodstream and prevents the occurrence of pain or reduced. In addition, by the alternate driving of the light sources 3 of each light unit 2, only one power stage 6 with a correspondingly reduced power than it is the case would be if all light sources 3 all light ^¬ units 2 would be activated simultaneously, necessary. As a result, the size and power consumption of the device 1 can be reduced.

Claims

Claims:

1. Device (1) for irradiation of tissue with light pulses, with at least two light units (2) each having a housing (5) and in each case at least one light source (3) for emitting the light pulses with a pulse frequency of 1 to 10 Hz and with a Wavelength from 600 nm to 660 nm, and one with the

Light sources (3) of each light unit (2) connected to the power stage (6), characterized in that the light units (2) are interconnected, and the light sources (3) each

Light unit (2) are connected to a control device (7) for the alternate activation of the light sources (3).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that all the light sources (3) of a light unit (2) are activated simultaneously and the duty cycle of the light sources (3) of a light unit (2) maximally l: n, where n is the number of the light units (1).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two light units (2) via at least one bracket (15) or the like. connected and can be arranged around the tissue to be irradiated.

4. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two light units (2) via at least one bracket (15) or the like. Connected and can be arranged side by side over the tissue to be irradiated.

5. Device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the at least two light units (2) are adjustably arranged on the at least one bracket (15) or the like.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the at least two light units (2)

pivotally mounted on the at least one bracket (15) or the like. Are arranged.

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the at least one bracket (15) or the like. Ent speaking a body containing the tissue to be irradiated ^¬ part is formed.

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the at least one bracket (15) or the like. at the side facing the tissue to be irradiated is provided with an elastic support (17).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized ge ^¬ indicates that at least one light unit (2) from the bracket (15) or the like. Detachable.

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control device (7) in a housing (5) of a light unit (2) is .angeordnet.

11. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that on the side facing the tissue to be irradiated at least one housing (5) spacer elements for producing a defined distance of the at least one

Light source (3) is provided from the surface of the tissue to be treated.

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a common power supply (8) for supplying all the light sources (3) of all light units (2) is provided, which common power supply (8) preferably in a housing ( 5) of a light unit (2) is arranged.

13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that on the housing (5) at least the detachable from ^¬ formed light unit (2) at least one means (19) for the arrangement of fasteners, handles (21) or the like ., is provided.

14. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in the control device (8), a timer (9) is provided.

15. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the light units (2) have cooling devices (4), preferably fans.

16. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least one housing (5) of a light unit (2) has a display (11) is arranged.

17. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the control device (7) is connected to a ^{loudspeaker ¬} (12).