WO2013005156A1 - Dispositif et méthode de traitement des infections unguéales provoquées par des champignons - Google Patents

Dispositif et méthode de traitement des infections unguéales provoquées par des champignons Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013005156A1
WO2013005156A1 PCT/IB2012/053352 IB2012053352W WO2013005156A1 WO 2013005156 A1 WO2013005156 A1 WO 2013005156A1 IB 2012053352 W IB2012053352 W IB 2012053352W WO 2013005156 A1 WO2013005156 A1 WO 2013005156A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
nail
frequency
demonstrative embodiments
type
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2012/053352
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Elchanan Gal GOTLIEB
Moshe POVOLOSKY
Original Assignee
Medical Quant Ltd.
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 Medical Quant Ltd. filed Critical Medical Quant Ltd.
Publication of WO2013005156A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013005156A1/fr
Priority to IL230215A priority Critical patent/IL230215B/en
Priority to US14/142,050 priority patent/US9950190B2/en

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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
    • A61N5/0613—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
    • A61N5/0624—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment for eliminating microbes, germs, bacteria on or in the body
    • 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 disclosure relates to devices and methods of treating fungal nail infections.
  • Fungal nail infections e.g., Onychomycosis
  • may affect one or more nails e.g., a toenail and/or a fingernail.
  • fungi may grow in warm and/or moist environments, e.g., tight footwear.
  • exercise may cause repeated minor trauma to the hyponychium, which may allow fungi infection.
  • Communal warm and/or humid places e.g., showers, saunas and the like, may expose the feet to fungi.
  • Fungal nail infections may also occur due to a genetic susceptibility or various health conditions such as diabetes, AIDS, psoriasis and/or due to a poor state of health.
  • fungi may infect a single nail, however, the fungi may spread to contaminate other nails.
  • fungal nail infections are usually painless; the nail may look thickened and may turn into a creamy or yellow color. Although these symptoms are painless they are not aesthetic. In some cases, fungal nail infections may be painful. If toenails are affected, walking may become uncomfortable.
  • Fungal nail infections may not always be curable, even when treated. About only 50 to 70 percent of fungal nail infections are actually cured. The treatment of the fungal nail infections may be relatively difficult. For example, the fungal nail infection may be embedded, e.g., underneath or within an infected nail, and as a result reaching and treating the fungal nail infection may be relatively difficult.
  • Fungal nail infections may be treated in various methods.
  • One treatment may include a medical treatment, for example, consumption of antifungal oral tablets.
  • this medical treatment may require a long period of time, e.g., between 3 to 6 months, for curing the fungal nail infection.
  • the medical treatment may affect the liver and/or blood cell count.
  • Another treatment for fungal nail infections may include the use of over the counter (OTC) creams and/or ointments. This treatment may not be very effective in curing the fungal nail infection.
  • OTC over the counter
  • Another treatment may include surgery for removing the infected nail. This treatment may be very painful and may result in restriction from daily routine. The fungal nail infection may reoccur in a new nail, which may replace the removed nail.
  • Some demonstrative embodiments may be configured to at least partially treat an area ("the treated area") infected by nail fungus, e.g., Onychomycosis.
  • the treated area may include, for example, at least part of a nail, e.g., a fingernail or a toenail.
  • Some demonstrative embodiments may include devices, systems and/or methods to enable a non-invasive treatment of the treated area, e.g., as discussed in detail below.
  • a device of treating fungal nail infections may include an irradiator configured to irradiate the treated area with light of at least two types, e.g., light of two different wavelengths and/or light of different colors.
  • a first type of light may be configured to at least partially eliminate and/or destroy the nail fungal infection.
  • a second type of light may be configured for skin therapy of the treated area, for example, by increasing and/or enhancing cell therapy and/or cell proliferation in the treated area.
  • the device may be positioned on an outer surface of the treated area. Accordingly, the device may provide a non-intrusive and safe treatment.
  • the device may include a portable lightweight device.
  • the device may be utilized for home and/or self-treatment.
  • a user having a nail fungal infection may use the device in a favored location, e.g., at home and/or at work, instead of attending a clinic for treatment.
  • the device may be utilized by the user at a convenient time, for example, while staying at home, or while being at work.
  • the device may be attachable to a finger or a toe, which is infected by nail fungus.
  • the device may include an attaching element configured to position the irradiator at a position suitable to irradiate the treated area.
  • Some demonstrative embodiments include a portable device of treating fungal nail infections, the device may include an irradiator configured to irradiate light of at least first and second types; and an attaching element configured to attach the radiator to a digit having a nail, which is infected by a fungal infection, and to position the irradiator at a position suitable to irradiate at least part of the nail.
  • the first type of light may include a light configured to at least partially eliminate the fungal infection.
  • the first type of light may include a blue light of a wavelength of between 450 nanometer (nm) and 500nm.
  • the blue light may include light of a wavelength of 470nm.
  • the device may include at least one blue light emitting diode (LED) to generate the blue light.
  • LED blue light emitting diode
  • the device may include three blue LEDs to generate the blue light.
  • the second type of light may include a light configured for therapy of skin surrounding the fungal infection.
  • the second type of light may include a red light of a wavelength of between 600nm and 950nm.
  • the red light may include light of a wavelength of 905nm.
  • the device may include at least one red laser diode to generate the red light.
  • the device may irradiate the second type of light according to a frequency scheme including a first sequence of frequencies increasing continuously from a first frequency to a second, greater, frequency, and a second sequence of frequencies decreasing continuously from the second frequency to the first frequency.
  • the first frequency may include a frequency of 100 Hertz (Hz), and the second frequency may include a frequency of 3000Hz.
  • the irradiator may irradiate the first type of light during a first irradiation period, and may irradiate the second type of light during a second irradiation period.
  • the first and second irradiation periods may at least partially overlap.
  • the attaching element may include a clip.
  • the irradiator may be housed within the clip.
  • the attaching element may include an elastic strap.
  • the attaching element may include an adhesive bandage, and the irradiator may be integrated on an integrated chip.
  • Some demonstrative embodiments may include a method including attaching and positioning an irradiator to a digit having a nail, which is infected by a fungal infection, at a position suitable to irradiate at least part of the nail; and operating the irradiator to irradiate light of at least first and second types on the at least part of the nail.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a device, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • FIGs. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of a device of treating fungal nail infections and an engagement portion of the device, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • FIGs. 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations of two different configurations of a device of treating fungal nail infections, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • FIGs. 4A, 4B and 4C are schematic illustrations of an isometric view of a device of treating fungal nail infections, a utilization of the device on a toenail of a user and an electronic circuit of the device, respectively, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • FIG. 5 is schematic illustration of a frequency scheme, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • FIG. 6 is schematic illustration of an irradiation scheme, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic flow-chart illustration of a method of treating fungal nail infections, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • plural and “a plurality” as used herein include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”.
  • a plurality of items includes two or more items.
  • Some demonstrative embodiments may be configured to at least partially treat an area ("the treated area") infected by nail fungus, e.g., Onychomycosis.
  • the treated area may include, for example, at least part of a nail, e.g., a fingernail or a toenail.
  • Some demonstrative embodiments may include devices, systems and/or methods to enable a non-invasive treatment of the treated area, e.g., as discussed in detail below.
  • a device of treating fungal nail infections may include an irradiator configured to irradiate the treated area with light of at least two types, e.g., light of two different wavelengths and/or light of different colors.
  • a first type of light may be configured to at least partially eliminate and/or destroy the nail fungal infection.
  • a second type of light may be configured for skin therapy of the treated area, for example, by increasing and/or enhancing cell therapy and/or cell proliferation in the treated area.
  • the first type of light may include blue light, for example, light of a wavelength of between 450 nanometer (nm) and 500nm.
  • the blue light may destroy infections associated with the nail fungus.
  • a nail infected by nail fungus may be deformed, crumbled and/or broken.
  • the nail may be vulnerable to different types of injuries, e.g., from hits, wearing tight shoes and/or the like.
  • Such injuries may wound a nail bed and may expose the nail bed to the fungal nail infections.
  • a wounded nail bed combined with the fungal nail infections may be very painful.
  • irradiating the treated area with the blue light may activate substances called porphoryns.
  • the porphoryns may destroy, at least partially, the fungal nail infection, e.g., without causing substantial damage to the skin in the treated area.
  • irradiating the treated area with the blue light may damage a DNA structure of the fungal nail infection, which may prevent the fungal nail infection from being able to replicate.
  • irradiating the treated area with the blue light may create free radicals, which may split bonds between molecules of the fungal nail infection, resulting in at least partially destroying the molecules.
  • irradiating the treated area with the blue light may have a sanitizing and/or sterilizing effect on the nail bed and may ease and cure one or more symptoms associated with the fungal nail infections.
  • the blue light may be safe for patients of various ages and/or having various health conditions.
  • the second type of light may include a red light, for example, light of a wavelength of the visible and near infra-red (IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example, a wavelength of between 600nm to 950nm, e.g., 905nm.
  • IR visible and near infra-red
  • irradiating the skin in the treated area with the red light may increase circulatory flow, enhance lymphatic drainage and/or improve metabolic function of damaged, e.g., infected, injured and/or depressed, cells in the treated area.
  • the red light may have a relatively low power level, e.g., a power of 25 Watt (W). Irradiating the red light having the low power level may not cause any side effects, which may be related to using laser of a relatively high power and/or bandwidth, e.g., a wavelength above lOOOnm and/or an ultraviolet light. Therefore, utilizing the red light having the relatively low power level may be safe for use.
  • the red light may not cause any side effects on the skin surrounding the treated area, e.g., burn marks, blisters, scars, redness of skin and/or the like. Moreover, irradiating the treated area with the red light may not cause any pain during and/or after the treatment.
  • the red light may change the biochemical behavior of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules and may relatively increase the production of ATP.
  • ATP molecules may be the "fuel” that drives protein production, and hence cell proliferation.
  • ATP molecules store chemical energy and release chemical energy to the biochemical processes occurring in the cell.
  • increasing the production of ATP molecules may enhance biological work, which requires chemical energy, e.g., movement, protein synthesis, active transport and/or the like.
  • irradiating the treated area with the red light may reduce a time period, which is required for growing new and healthy nails. For example, irradiating the treated area with the red light may reduce a treatment time from about 9 months to about 3 months or less.
  • the device may be configured to generate the red light according to a suitable frequency scheme.
  • the frequency scheme may include frequencies suitable for irradiating various depths of the treated area, e.g., as described below with reference to Fig. 5.
  • the device may generate the blue and/or red lights according to a suitable irradiation scheme.
  • the irradiation scheme may define one or more first irradiation periods for irradiating the red light and one or more second irradiation periods for irradiating the blue light.
  • the first and second irradiation periods may at least partially overlap .
  • the device may be configured to irradiate the red and blue lights, substantially simultaneously, for a predefined period of time, for example, about seven minutes, e.g., as described below with reference to Fig. 6.
  • the device may be configured to irradiate the red and blue lights during different time periods.
  • the device may be configured to irradiate the red light for a first predefined time period, e.g., 5 minutes, and the blue light for a second predefined period, which may be, for example, different from, e.g., longer than, the first time period.
  • the second time period may include a period of at least 5 minutes.
  • the first and second time periods may at least partially overlap.
  • the device may simultaneously irradiate the red and blue lights during an initial time period, e.g., five minutes, followed by an additional time period, e.g., about one minute, during which only the blue light is irradiated.
  • an initial time period e.g., five minutes
  • an additional time period e.g., about one minute
  • any other suitable irradiation scheme may be utilized.
  • irradiating the red and blue lights substantially simultaneously may cause a symbiotic effect for treating the fungal nail infection.
  • irradiating the red and blue lights substantially simultaneously may enable reaching deeper depths of the treated area, e.g., compared to the depths reached, when irradiating the blue light or the red light separately.
  • irradiating the red and blue lights substantially simultaneously may enable the red and blue lights to penetrate through an infected nail, e.g., to treat the nail bed.
  • the device may optionally include a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field around the treated area.
  • the magnetic field may enhance the treatment to the fungal nail infection.
  • the magnetic field may cause a symbiotic effect for treating the fungal nail infection, in which a penetration of the red and blue lights may be at a deeper depth of the treated area.
  • the device may not utilize the magnetic field.
  • the device may be positioned on an outer surface of the treated area. Accordingly, the device may provide a non-intrusive and safe treatment.
  • the device may include a portable lightweight device.
  • the device may be utilized for home and/or self-treatment.
  • a user having a nail fungal infection may use the device in a favored location, e.g., at home and/or at work, instead of attending a clinic for treatment.
  • the device may be utilized by the user at a convenient time, for example, while staying at home, or while being at work.
  • the device may be attachable to a finger or a toe, which is infected by nail fungus.
  • the device may include an attaching element configured to position the irradiator at a position suitable to irradiate the treated area.
  • the attaching element may include a clip, e.g., as described below with reference to Fig. 2A.
  • the attaching element may include an elastic strap, e.g., as described below with reference to Fig. 3A.
  • the attaching element may include an adhesive bandage, e.g., as described below with reference to Fig. 3B.
  • the attaching element may include or may be implemented as part of any other suitable element or mechanism capable of positioning the irradiator at a suitable position for irradiating the treated area.
  • one or more elements of the device may be housed within the attaching element, e.g., as described below.
  • the device may be configured for reuse, e.g., for repeated treatment on the same finger or toe and/or on a different finger or toe of the same user or of a different user.
  • Fungal nail infections are highly contagious and may be transferred between the fingers and the toes, e.g., between treatments and/or between several infected fingers or toes.
  • the device may include a separator configured to at least partially separate the irradiator and/or other portions of the device from the treated area.
  • the separator may include a replaceable separator, which may be replaced between treatments of the same nail and/or between treatments of different nails. Accordingly, the separator may reduce the risk of, or even prevent, contamination by the nail fungi of the treated area.
  • the device may enable non-invasive treatment of the nail fungal infection without any need to use any traditional medical treatment, e.g., medicines, chemical substances, medical tests, visit at a clinic and follow up visits at the clinic and/or the like.
  • any traditional medical treatment e.g., medicines, chemical substances, medical tests, visit at a clinic and follow up visits at the clinic and/or the like.
  • device 101 may include an irradiator 102 configured to irradiate a treated area with light of at least two types, e.g., light of two different wavelengths and/or light of different colors.
  • a first type of light may be configured to at least partially eliminate and/or destroy the fungal nail infection.
  • a second type of light may be configured for skin therapy of the treated area, for example, by increasing and/or enhancing cell therapy and/or cell proliferation in the treated area.
  • the first type of light may include a blue light, for example, light of a wavelength of between 450 nanometer (nm) to 500nm, e.g., 470nm.
  • the blue light may destroy infections associated with the nail fungus.
  • a nail infected by nail fungus may be deformed, crumbled and/or broken.
  • the nail may be vulnerable to different types of injuries, e.g., from hits, wearing tight shoes and/or the like.
  • Such injuries may wound a nail bed and may expose the nail bed to the fungal nail infections.
  • a wounded nail bed combined with the fungal nail infections may be very painful.
  • irradiating the treated area with the blue light may activate substances called porphoryns.
  • the porphoryns may destroy, at least partially, the fungal nail infection, e.g., without causing substantial damage to the skin in the treated area.
  • irradiating the treated area with the blue light may damage a DNA structure of the fungal nail infection, which may prevent the fungal nail infection from being able to replicate.
  • irradiating the treated area with the blue light may create free radicals, which may split bonds between molecules of the fungal nail infection, resulting in destroying the molecules, at least partially.
  • irradiating the treated area with the blue light may have a sanitizing and/or sterilizing effect on the nail bed and may ease and cure one or more symptoms associated with the fungal nail infections.
  • the blue light may be safe for patients of various ages and/or having various health conditions.
  • device 101 may include at least one blue light source 121 configured to generate the blue light.
  • blue light source 121 may include at least one blue Light Emitting Diode (LED).
  • the blue LED may generate light of the wavelength of 470nm.
  • the second type of light may include a red light, for example light of a wavelength of a visible and near IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example, a wavelength of between 600nm to 950nm, e.g., 905nm.
  • irradiating the skin in the treated area with the red light may increase circulatory flow, enhance lymphatic drainage and/or improve metabolic function of damaged, e.g., infected, injured and/or depressed, cells in the treated area.
  • the red light may have a relatively low power level, e.g., a power of 25W. Irradiating the red light having the low power level may not cause any side effects, which may be related to using laser of a relatively high bandwidth, e.g., a wavelength above lOOOnm and/or an ultraviolet light. Therefore, utilizing the red light having the relatively low power level may be safe for use.
  • the red light may not cause any side effects on the skin surrounding the treated area, e.g., burn marks, blisters, scars, redness of skin and/or the like.
  • irradiating the treated area with the red light may not cause any pain during and/or after the treatment.
  • the red light may change the biochemical behavior of ATP molecules and may relatively increase the production of ATP.
  • ATP molecules may be the "fuel” that drives protein production, and hence cell proliferation.
  • ATP molecules store chemical energy and release chemical energy to the biochemical processes occurring in the cell.
  • increasing the production of ATP molecules may enhance biological work, which requires chemical energy, e.g., movement, protein synthesis, active transport and/or the like.
  • irradiating the treated area with the red light may reduce a time period, which is required for growing new and healthy nails. For example, irradiating the treated area with the red light may reduce a treatment time from about 9 months to about 3 months or less.
  • device 101 may include, at least one red light source 122 configured to generate the red light.
  • red light source 122 may include at least one red laser light diode.
  • the red laser light diode may generate light of the wavelength of 905nm.
  • red light source 122 may be configured to irradiate the red light at the relatively low power level, e.g., a high peak power of 25 W.
  • device 101 may include a controller 103 configured to control the functionality and/or the operation of device 101 and/or irradiator 102, e.g., as described below.
  • controller 103 may control irradiator 102 to generate the red light according to a suitable frequency scheme, e.g., as described below.
  • a depth of the treated area affected by the red light may depend on the frequency of the red light. For example, red light at a first frequency may affect an area at a first depth, and red light at a second frequency, greater than the first frequency, may affect an area at a second depth, lesser than the first depth.
  • controller 103 may control irradiator 102 to generate the red light according to a frequency scheme configured to irradiate the treated area with the red light throughout a predefined range of depths, e.g., as described below.
  • a frequency scheme configured to irradiate the treated area with the red light throughout a predefined range of depths, e.g., as described below.
  • Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a frequency scheme 500, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • frequency scheme 500 may be implemented by device 101 (Fig. 1).
  • frequency scheme 500 may include a first sub-sequence 503 of frequencies, e.g., increasing continuously, from a first frequency 501, e.g., 100 Hertz (Hz), to a second frequency 502, e.g., 3000Hz, during a predefined time period 505, e.g., 3.5 seconds.
  • sub-sequence 503 may be followed by a second sub-sequence 504 of frequencies, e.g., decreasing continuously, from second frequency 502, e.g., 3000Hz, to first frequency 501, e.g., 100 Hz, during a predefined time period 506, e.g., 3.5 seconds.
  • frequency scheme 500 may be repeated, e.g., throughout at least a portion of an irradiation period for irradiating the red light.
  • controller 103 may control red light source 122 (Fig. 1) to generate the red light according to frequency scheme 500, which may be repeated, for example, throughout a red- light irradiation period.
  • controller 103 may control irradiator 102 to generate the blue and/or red light according to a suitable irradiation scheme, e.g., as described below.
  • the irradiation scheme may define one or more first irradiation periods for irradiating the red light and one or more second irradiation periods for irradiating the blue light.
  • controller 103 may control red light source 122 and blue light source 121 to irradiate the red and blue lights, substantially simultaneously, for a predefined period of time, e.g., about seven minutes, or any other predefined period.
  • controller 103 may control red light source 122 to irradiate the red light for a first predefined time period, and control light blue source 121 to irradiate the blue light for a second predefined period, which may be, for example, different from, e.g., longer than, the first time period.
  • the first and second irradiation periods may at least partially overlap.
  • FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an irradiation scheme 600, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • controller 103 may control irradiator 102 (Fig. 1) to generate the blue and/or red light according to irradiation scheme 600.
  • irradiation scheme 600 may include a first irradiation period 606 for irradiating the red light and a second irradiation period 608 for irradiating the blue light.
  • both periods 606 and 608 may be aligned to begin at substantially the same time, such that the red and the blue lights may be irradiated, substantially simultaneously, during a time period 605, e.g., of seven minutes.
  • irradiator 102 may include any suitable combination of one or more light sources.
  • irradiator 102 may include three red light sources 122 and one blue light source 121 e.g., as described below with reference to Figs. 2B and/or 4C.
  • device 101 may optionally include a magnetic field generator 109 configured to generate a magnetic field around the treated area.
  • the magnetic field may enhance the treatment to the fungal nail infection.
  • the magnetic field may cause a symbiotic effect for treating the fungal nail infection, in which a penetration of the red and blue lights may be at a deeper depth of the treated area.
  • device 101 may not utilize the magnetic field.
  • device 101 may include a power supply unit 108 configured to supply power required for the operation of device 101, e.g., to provide electric power to light sources 121 and/or 122, to controller 103 and/or to any other suitable element of device 101, e.g., to a user interface as described below.
  • Power supply unit 108 may include any suitable portable power supply unit, e.g., a battery, a rechargeable battery, and the like.
  • device 101 may receive electric power from an outer supply source, e.g., via a suitable electric connector.
  • Fig. 2A schematically illustrates a device 201 for treating fungal nail infections
  • Fig. 2B schematically illustrates an engagement portion 209 of device 201, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • device 201 may perform the functionality of device 101 (Fig. 1).
  • device 201 may include an irradiator 202.
  • irradiator 202 may perform the functionality of irradiator 102 (Fig. 1).
  • engagement portion 209 may be configured to enable irradiator 202 to irradiate treated area 220, e.g., as described below.
  • device 201 may be formed in a shape of a clip 211 configured to position and/or maintain irradiator 202 at a suitable position to irradiate a treated area 220.
  • clip 211 may be configured to grip a digit 215, e.g., a finger or a toe. Attaching device 201 to digit 215 may increase user comfort, for example, by enabling the user to perform various daily activities without any substantial interference.
  • device 201 may be formed of any suitable material configured to perform the functionality of a clip, e.g., any suitable plastic material and/or rubber material and the like.
  • One or more elements of device 201 may be housed within clip 211.
  • irradiator 202 may be housed within clip 211, e.g., as described below.
  • device 201 may include a pair of gripping elements, e.g., a first gripping element 205 and a second gripping element 206 pivotally connected, e.g., in order to enable gripping of digit 215.
  • First gripping element 205 may be configured to engage a portion, e.g., an upper portion, of digit 215, including treated area 220.
  • Second gripping element 206 may be configured to engage an opposite side of digit 215, e.g. a lower portion of digit 215.
  • device 201 may include a hinge spring 207 positioned between first gripping element 205 and second gripping element 206.
  • Hinge spring 207 may be configured to maintain gripping elements 205 and 206 in a closed position, e.g., tight around digit 215.
  • the user may simultaneously press gripping elements 205 and 206 to pivotally separate gripping elements 205 and 206, e.g., to enable placing of digit 215 to be placed between gripping elements 205 and 206.
  • device 201 may be formed in a shape configured to firmly maintain digit 215.
  • gripping element 205 may be curved in a shape of an arch, e.g., corresponding to an outer surface of digit 215.
  • an inner surface of device 201 e.g., an area surrounding digit 215 may be made from any suitable material configured to enable a convenient and comfortable use of device 201.
  • the inner surface may be made of a soft rubber gasket and/or the like.
  • device 201 may include a separator element 219 configured to at least partially separate irradiator 202 and/or other elements of device 201 from treated area 220.
  • Separator 219 may be positioned between device 201 and treated area 220.
  • separator 219 may cover engagement portion 209.
  • Separator 219 may be used to prevent, or reduce the chances of, the fungal nail infection being transferred from treated area 220 to engagement surface 209, e.g., if device 202 is reused for treating the same treated area 220 or another treated area, of the same user or of another user, e.g., as described above.
  • separator 219 may be formed of any suitable transparent material, e.g., plastic, tracing paper and the like, for example, to enable the irradiation from irradiator 202 to reach treated area 220.
  • separator 219 may be configured to transmit the light irradiated by irradiator 202 to treated area 220, e.g., without substantially affecting the irradiated light.
  • separator 219 may include a replaceable separator, which may be replaced between treatments of the same nail and/or between treatments of different nails of the same user r of different users.
  • device 201 may include a controller 203 housed within gripping element 205.
  • controller 203 may perform the functionality of controller 103 (Fig. 1).
  • device 201 may include a power supply unit 208 housed within gripping element 206.
  • supply unit 208 may perform the functionality of power supply unit 108 (Fig. 1).
  • device 201 may be configured to prevent the exposure of the user or another person, e.g., the eyes of the user or another person, to the irradiation generated by irradiator 202, for example, when device 201 is not engaged with treated area 220, e.g., for reasons of safety.
  • device 201 may prevent direct exposure of the eyes of the user to the red light generated by irradiator 202.
  • device 201 may be configured to disconnect power supply unit 208 from irradiator 202 and/or from one or more light sources of irradiator 202, e.g., when griping element 205 is opened apart from gripping element 206 at an opening angle, which is equal to or greater than a predefined opening angle.
  • irradiator 202 may be configured to irradiate treated area 220 with light of at least two types, e.g., light of two different wavelengths and/or light of different colors.
  • a first type of light may include at least one blue light and a second type of light may include at least one red light, e.g., as described above with reference to Fig. 1.
  • irradiator 202 may include three light sources 230, 231 and 232 of the first light type, e.g., the blue light. Light sources 230, 231 and 232 may perform the functionality of blue light source 121 (Fig. 1).
  • irradiator 202 may include a light source 235 of the second light type, e.g., the red light.
  • Light source 235 may perform the functionality of red light source 122 (Fig. 1).
  • light sources 230, 231 and 232 may be arranged in a shape of a triangle, e.g., having each light source 230, 231 and 232 located in a respective edge of the triangle as shown in Fig. 2B.
  • light source 235 may be located at the center of the triangle, e.g., as shown in Fig. 2B.
  • irradiator 202 may include any other suitable combination of light sources, for example, two red light sources and four blue light sources, and the like.
  • the blue and red light sources may be arranged in any suitable arrangement, e.g., in the form of a rectangle, a circle, and the like.
  • separator 219 may be placed over engagement portion 209 to at least partially cover light sources 230, 231, 232 and 235, and/or engagement portion 209, e.g., as described above.
  • FIGs. 3 A and 3B schematically illustrate different configurations of a device of treating fungal nail infections, e.g., a device 310 and a device 320, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • devices 310 and/or 320 may perform the functionality of device 101 (Fig. 1).
  • device 310 may be positioned on a treated area 312 using a strap 318 configured to maintain an irradiator 302, e.g., corresponding to irradiator 101 (Fig. 1), at an orientation suitable to irradiate treated area 312.
  • Strap 318 may be connected to both sides of device 310. Strap 318 may tighten and/or maintain device 310 in location, e.g., placed over treated area 312, to enable treatment of treated area 312.
  • Strap 318 may be implemented using any suitable material, for example, an elastic material, e.g., rubber, and/or any other suitable material, e.g., Velcro, or the like.
  • device 320 may be implemented in the form of an adhesive bandage 301.
  • Bandage 301 may be configured to adhere to a digit 315.
  • irradiator 302 and/ or one or more other elements of device 320 may be implemented in a reduced size, e.g., a size of a nail, a finger or a toe.
  • irradiator 302 and/ or one or more other elements of device 320 may be implemented on an integrated chip (IC), which may be attached to bandage 301.
  • IC integrated chip
  • a suitable adhesive material e.g., adhesive tape, may be utilized to secure irradiator 302 to digit 315.
  • FIG. 4A schematically illustrates an isometric view of a device 401 for treating fungal nail infections
  • Fig. 4B which schematically illustrates utilization of device 401 on a toenail of a user
  • Fig. 4C schematically illustrates an electronic circuit 450 of device 401, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • device 401 may perform the functionality of device 201 (Fig. 2).
  • device 401 may be formed in a shape of a clip 411 configured to grip a finger or a toe, e.g., as shown in Fig. 4B.
  • One or more elements of device 401 may be housed within clip 411, e.g., as described below.
  • clip 411 may perform the functionality of clip 211 (Fig. 2A).
  • clip 411 may include a pair of gripping elements, for example, a first gripping element 405 and a second gripping element 406, which may be pivotally connected.
  • gripping elements 405 and 406 may perform the functionality of gripping elements 205 and 206, respectively (Fig. 2A).
  • device 401 may include a hinge spring 407 positioned between gripping elements 405 and 406.
  • Hinge spring 407 may be configured to maintain gripping elements 405 and 406 in a closed position.
  • hinge spring 407 may perform the functionality of hinge spring 207 (Fig. 2A).
  • device 401 may be formed in a shape configured to grip a toe or a finger of a user.
  • gripping element 406 may be curved in a shape of an arch 413, corresponding to a shape of an outer surface of digit 215 (Fig. 2A).
  • device 401 may include a controller, e.g., housed within gripping element 405.
  • the controller may perform the functionally of controller 203 (Fig. 2A).
  • device 401 may include a user interface configured to enable the user to operate device 401 and/or to indicate to the user a mode of operation of device 401.
  • the user interface of device 401 may include an on/off power button 424 configured to operate device 401, e.g., to switch device 401 between a first mode ("on") and a second mode ("off).
  • Power button 424 may include any suitable button, switch or the like.
  • device 401 may switch to the second mode automatically, e.g., without any intervention of a user of device 401. For example, device 401 may switch device 401 to the "off mode after a predefined time period after turning on device 401, e.g., 7 minutes.
  • the user interface of device 401 may include at least one indicator 421.
  • Indicator 421 may be configured to indicate the mode of operation of device 401 and/or a mode of operation of one or more light sources of device 401.
  • device 401 may include two separate indicators, e.g., a first indicator which may indicate an operational mode of the blue light source, and a second indicator which may indicate an operational mode of the red light source.
  • Indicator 421 may include any suitable indicator, e.g., a two-color LED, and the like.
  • device 401 may include a power supply unit, e.g., housed within gripping element 406.
  • the power supply unit may perform the functionally of power supply unit 208 (Fig. 2A).
  • device 401 may include a battery charger connector 422, configured to be connected to an external battery charger, e.g., in order to charge the power supply unit.
  • Charging the power supply unit may be implemented using any suitable method, e.g., via wireless charging and/or a charging pad.
  • device 401 may be configured to prevent the exposure of the user of device 401 or another person, e.g., the eyes of the user or another person, to the irradiation generated by device 401, for example, when device 401 is not engaged with the treated area, e.g., for reasons of safety.
  • electronic circuit 450 may include a laser diode 435 configured to generate the red light. Laser diode 435 may perform the functionality of red light source 122 (Fig. 1). [00154] In some demonstrative embodiments, electronic circuit 450 may include three blue LEDs 430, 431 and 432, configured to generate the blue light, e.g., blue LEDs 430, 431 and 432 may perform the functionality of blue light source 121 (Fig. 1). [00155] In some demonstrative embodiments, electronic circuit 450 may include a main board 404 configured to electrically connect between elements of device 401. Electronic circuit 450 may include for example, suitable electronic elements, e.g., resistors, capacitors, diodes and/or transistors, for example, as listed in the following table:
  • VT1 Termal area 1 Transistor PBSS5540Z (SOT-223) VT1
  • Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a method of treating fungal nail infections, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.
  • one or more of the operations of the method of Fig. 7, may be performed by any suitable device for treating fungal nail infections e.g., device 101 (Fig. 1), device 201 (Fig. 2A), device 310 (Fig. 3 A), device 320 (Fig. 3B) and/or device 401 (Fig. 4A).
  • the method may include attaching and positioning an irradiator to a digit having a nail, which is infected by a fungal infection, at a position suitable to irradiate at least part of the nail.
  • an irradiator may attach and position irradiator 202 (Fig. 2A) to digit 215 at a position suitable to irradiate treated area 220 (Fig. 2A), e.g., as described above.
  • the method may include operating the irradiator to irradiate light of at least first and second types on the at least part of the nail.
  • device 201 Fig. 2A
  • irradiator 202 Fig. 2A
  • treated area 220 Fig. 2A
  • operating the irradiator to irradiate the light of at least first and second types may include irradiating the first type of light during a first irradiation period.
  • device 101 Fig. 1
  • irradiating the first type of light may include irradiating light configured to at least partially eliminate the fungal infection.
  • irradiator 102 (Fig. 1) may irradiate light configured to at least partially eliminate the fungal infection, e.g., as described above.
  • irradiating the first type of light may include irradiating a blue light.
  • irradiator 102 (Fig. 1) may irradiate the blue light, e.g., as described above.
  • operating the irradiator to irradiate the light of at least first and second types may include irradiating the second type of light during a second irradiation period.
  • device 101 Fig. 1
  • irradiating the second type of light may include irradiating light configured for therapy of skin surrounding the fungal infection.
  • irradiator 102 (Fig. 1) may irradiate light configured for therapy of skin surrounding the fungal infection, e.g., as described above.
  • irradiating the second type of light may include irradiating a red light.
  • irradiator 102 (Fig. 1) may irradiate the red light, e.g., as described above.
  • irradiating the second type of light may include irradiating the second type of light according to a frequency scheme.
  • irradiator 102 (Fig. 1) may irradiate the second type of light according to frequency scheme 500 (Fig. 5), e.g., as described above.
  • operating the irradiator to irradiate the light of at least first and second types may include irradiating the first type of light and second type of light at irradiation periods that at least partially overlap.
  • device 101 Fig. 1
  • a nail infected by fungal nail infections which was treated by the device, showed an improvement of the nail health and esthetic appearance after a relatively short period of time, e.g., compared to common treatments of fungal nail infections.
  • a fungal nail infection caused a nail to become thick and to change color to a mirky yellow. After treating the nail with the device the nail grew to be healthy and the nail appearance returned to normal, e.g., to a normal color and a normal thickness.
  • a treatment by the device improved a color and clarity of a nail infected by fungal nail infection and decreased a thickness of the nail to a normal thickness.

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

Abstract

Certaines formes de réalisation de la présente invention comprennent des méthodes et des dispositifs de traitements des infections unguéales provoquées par des champignons. Dans une forme de réalisation, un dispositif portatif de traitement des infections unguéales provoquées par des champignons peut comprendre un émetteur de lumière conçu pour émettre de la lumière d'au moins des premier et second types, et un élément de fixation conçu pour fixer l'émetteur de lumière sur un doigt comportant un ongle qui est infecté par une infection unguéale et pour positionner ledit émetteur de lumière en un endroit approprié pour qu'il émette de la lumière en direction d'au moins une partie de l'ongle.
PCT/IB2012/053352 2011-07-03 2012-07-02 Dispositif et méthode de traitement des infections unguéales provoquées par des champignons WO2013005156A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL230215A IL230215B (en) 2011-07-03 2013-12-26 Device for treating fungal nail infections
US14/142,050 US9950190B2 (en) 2011-07-03 2013-12-27 Device and method of treating fungal nail infections

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161504212P 2011-07-03 2011-07-03
US61/504,212 2011-07-03

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2749317A1 (fr) * 2012-12-27 2014-07-02 Medical Quant Ltd. Dispositif portable pour traiter des infections d'ongles
WO2015184336A1 (fr) * 2014-05-29 2015-12-03 New Skin Therapies, LLC, d/b/a/ NST Consulting, LLC Méthode et appareil de traitement non thermique des mycoses des ongles, des pieds et des mains
US11358002B2 (en) 2014-05-29 2022-06-14 Raymond R. Blanche Method and apparatus for non-thermal nail, foot, and hand fungus treatment

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US20060206173A1 (en) * 2005-03-14 2006-09-14 Michael Gertner Devices, Methods and Kits for Radiation Treatment via a Target Body Surface
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US20080058905A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-06 Wagner Darrell O Method and apparatus utilizing light as therapy for fungal infection
US20090143842A1 (en) * 2007-11-02 2009-06-04 Cumbie William E Phototherapy Treatment and Device for Infections, Diseases, and Disorders
US20090234270A1 (en) * 2008-03-11 2009-09-17 Ondine International, Ltd. Therapy and device for treatment of nail infections
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US20060229690A1 (en) * 2001-03-02 2006-10-12 Shanks Steven C Device that emits laser beams at automatically-changing pulse frequencies
US20070255266A1 (en) * 2002-02-11 2007-11-01 Cumbie William E Method and device to inactivate and kill cells and organisms that are undesirable
WO2006076506A2 (fr) * 2005-01-13 2006-07-20 Candela Corporation Traitement d'un ongle malade
US20110015549A1 (en) * 2005-01-13 2011-01-20 Shimon Eckhouse Method and apparatus for treating a diseased nail
US20060206173A1 (en) * 2005-03-14 2006-09-14 Michael Gertner Devices, Methods and Kits for Radiation Treatment via a Target Body Surface
US20070104664A1 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-05-10 California Institute Of Technology Treatment of toenail fungus
US20080058905A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-06 Wagner Darrell O Method and apparatus utilizing light as therapy for fungal infection
US20090143842A1 (en) * 2007-11-02 2009-06-04 Cumbie William E Phototherapy Treatment and Device for Infections, Diseases, and Disorders
US20090234270A1 (en) * 2008-03-11 2009-09-17 Ondine International, Ltd. Therapy and device for treatment of nail infections

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2749317A1 (fr) * 2012-12-27 2014-07-02 Medical Quant Ltd. Dispositif portable pour traiter des infections d'ongles
WO2015184336A1 (fr) * 2014-05-29 2015-12-03 New Skin Therapies, LLC, d/b/a/ NST Consulting, LLC Méthode et appareil de traitement non thermique des mycoses des ongles, des pieds et des mains
US9555262B2 (en) 2014-05-29 2017-01-31 New Skin Therapies, LLC Method and apparatus for non-thermal nail, foot, and hand fungus treatment
US11358002B2 (en) 2014-05-29 2022-06-14 Raymond R. Blanche Method and apparatus for non-thermal nail, foot, and hand fungus treatment

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