US5728090A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for irradiating living cells
Assignee: Quantum Devices Inc
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Filing: 1995-02-09
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Granted: 1998-03-17
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Expires: 2015-02-09
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is provided having a substantially cylindrical support to which is attached a removable, multi-sided head. Each side of the head has an array of light-emitting diodes that provide monochromatic light to activate a photosensitive dye. The apparatus may be used in invasive surgery to treat brain tumors and the like. The apparatus may be used for topical treatments by providing a removable reflector over the light-emitting head. The temperature of the head is controlled, and the head is cooled by circulating cooling fluid through the head. The use of the cooling fluid allows the LEDs to be driven beyond their rated capacity. The catheter may also include an expandable light diffuser that is affixed over the light-emitting head and that is filled with a diffuser fluid such as a lipid solution. The apparatus may also be used to provide radiant energy to plants or to patients in non-PDT applications.
Inventors
- 👤 Todd S. Martin
- 👤 Ronald W. Ignatius
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/06; A61N5/0601; A61N5/0613; A61N5/062; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00743; A61B2017/00747; A61B2017/00761; A61N2005/002; A61N2005/005; A61N2005/065; A61N2005/0651; A61N2005/0652
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
Apparatus used in photodynamic therapy to provide radiant energy to living cells, comprising: a thermally-conductive support member having a proximal end; a radiation transmitting head interconnected with said proximal end, said head including: at least three side faces arranged to encircle said proximal end; a substantially non-electrically conductive layer disposed on each of said faces; a plurality of optoelectronic devices on each of said layers such that radiant energy may be provided by said devices in a 360 degree arc around said head; means for limiting the surface temperature of said head, including a first passageway in said support member that receives and carries a cooling fluid to said head; and a second passageway in said support member that carries said cooling fluid away from said head.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus used in photodynamic therapy to provide radiant energy to living cells, comprising: a thermally-conductive support member having a proximal end; a radiation transmitting head interconnected with said proximal end, said head including: at least three side faces arranged to encircle said proximal end; a substantially non-electrically conductive layer disposed on each of said faces; a plurality of optoelectronic devices on each of said layers such that radiant energy may be provided by said devices in a 360 degree arc around said head; means for limiting the surface temperature of said head, including a first passageway in said support member that receives and carries a cooling fluid to said head; and a second passageway in said support member that carries said cooling fluid away from said head.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support member comprises an elongated rigid member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said head includes an array of light emitting diodes on each of said faces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of said arrays includes a plurality of optoelectronic devices connected in parallel, and wherein said arrays are connected in series to each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said surface temperature limiting means further comprises: a temperature sensor that senses the surface temperature of said head; and means for reducing the electrical power to said optoelectronic devices if said sensed temperature exceeds a set level.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a continuously-variable power source that supplies electrical power to said optoelectronic devices.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said optoelectronic devices emit substantially monochromatic light having a wavelength of between 300 and 1300 nanometers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a removable reflector disposed around said head.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a temperature sensor, mounted to said head, that senses the surface temperature of said head.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said faces is a flat surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said head further comprises: an end face; a substantially non-electrically conductive layer disposed on said end face; and a plurality of optoelectronic devices on said end face layer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
109 words
A radiation-transmitting head used in photodynamic therapy to provide radiant energy to living cells, said head comprising: a substantially closed thermally-conductive substrate having at least three side faces arranged to encircle said head; a substantially non-electrically conductive layer disposed on each of said faces; a plurality of optoelectronic devices disposed on each of said layers such that radiant energy may be provided by said devices in a 360 degree arc around said head; a cooling system, including a first passageway in said head that receives and carries a cooling fluid to said head; and a second passageway in said head that carries said cooling fluid away from said head.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
109 words
A radiation-transmitting head used in photodynamic therapy to provide radiant energy to living cells, said head comprising: a substantially closed thermally-conductive substrate having at least three side faces arranged to encircle said head; a substantially non-electrically conductive layer disposed on each of said faces; a plurality of optoelectronic devices disposed on each of said layers such that radiant energy may be provided by said devices in a 360 degree arc around said head; a cooling system, including a first passageway in said head that receives and carries a cooling fluid to said head; and a second passageway in said head that carries said cooling fluid away from said head.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The head of claim 12, wherein each of said devices emits substantially monochromatic light having a wavelength of between 300 to 1300 nanometers.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The head of claim 12, wherein each of said devices is a substantially monochromatic light emitting diode.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The head of claim 12, wherein said substrate has at least eight side faces and an end face, and wherein an array of optoelectronic devices is disposed on each of said side faces and on said end face.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The head of claim 12, wherein each of said pluralities of optoelectronic devices includes devices connected in parallel, and wherein said pluralities are connected in series to each other.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of said faces is a flat surface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The head of claim 12, further comprising: an end face; a substantially non-electrically conductive layer disposed on said end face; and a plurality of optoelectronic devices on said end face layer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-03-16 | 2001-09-15 | 2002-03-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-03-16 | 2005-09-15 | 2006-03-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-03-16 | 2009-09-15 | 2010-03-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |