Abstract:
One aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus which has a light emitting portion for directing light radiation from the apparatus onto the lining of a body cavity for treating an ailment in a body cavity of a patient. For example, the ailment may be a gastrointestinal ailment of a patient, such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer, gastric lymphoma, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease. The apparatus may also be used for treating diseases of the circulatory system, urogenital systems and other body cavities. In one embodiment, the apparatus is inserted into a body cavity, e.g., stomach or colon, of the patient to place the distal tip of the apparatus in the desired position. A balloon is then inflated around the light-emitting portion of the apparatus, e.g., an array of optical fiber ends. The body cavity of the patient is then irradiated with light radiation so as to kill or debilitate microorganisms lining the body cavity without significant destruction of the body tissue of the patient, thereby improving or alleviating one or more of the symptoms associated with the ailment. Following treatment, a probiotic may be administered to the patient to reestablish the growth of normal microbial flora after treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.
Abstract:
One aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus which has a light emitting portion for directing light radiation from the apparatus onto the lining of a body cavity for treating an ailment in a body cavity of a patient. For example, the ailment may be a gastrointestinal ailment of a patient, such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastric cancer, gastric lymphoma, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease. The apparatus may also be used for treating diseases of the circulatory system, urogenital systems and other body cavities. In one embodiment, the apparatus is inserted into a body cavity, e.g. , stomach or colon, of the patient to place the distal tip of the apparatus in the desired position. A balloon is then inflated around the light-emitting portion of the apparatus, e.g. , an array of optical fiber ends. The body cavity of the patient is then irradiated with light radiation so as to kill or debilitate microorganisms lining the body cavity without significant destruction of the body tissue of the patient, thereby improving or alleviating one or more of the symptoms associated with the ailment. Following treatment, a probiotic may be administered to the patient to reestablish the growth of normal microbial flora after treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.
Abstract:
A semiconductor device system includes a chamber, one or more semiconductor devices disposed within the chamber and operable to emit light, and an insulator fluid disposed within the chamber. The insulator fluid may be in contact with the semiconductor devices and operable to decrease the temperature of the semiconductor devices. The insulator fluid may comprise deionized water.
Abstract:
A semiconductor device system includes a chamber, one or more semiconductor devices disposed within the chamber and operable to emit light, and an insulator fluid disposed within the chamber. The insulator fluid may be in contact with the semiconductor devices and operable to decrease the temperature of the semiconductor devices. The insulator fluid may comprise deionized water.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density or power density, and the amount of time required for energy delivery. A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring an inner diameter of a body lumen, where a balloon is inflated inside the body lumen at a fixed pressure.
Abstract:
A toothpick for the application of light treatment at a body structure is provided. The toothpick distinguishes a handle and an element. The handle hosts one or more light sources each capable of delivering a light beam with a unique light treatment. The element is optically connected to the light source(s) such that the light beam(s) could radiate through the surface of the element at a body structure. This radiation is not limited to radiation through the tip of the element, but would radiate in multiple directions. The element of the toothpick could be used in direct or not in direct contact with a body surface as long as the light treatment can be applied to the body structure. In case the element is in contact with a body structure, then the element could add a massaging effect to the body structure.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the meaningful suppression of the growth potential of a pathogen in-vivo, the apparatus including an electromagnetic radiation source capable of providing broad-spectrum electromagnetic radiation, wherein the broad-spectrum electromagnetic radiation has wavelengths of from about 190 nm to about 1200 nm, the broad-spectrum electromagnetic radiation having an intensity sufficient to achieve meaningful suppression in the growth potential of the pathogen in-vivo and wherein at least part of the apparatus is adapted for placement proximate to the in-vivo location of the pathogen.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a device (100) for irradiating internal cavities of the body comprising a flexible catheter (11), made of transparent material, containing an optical fibre (13) whereof an end section (18) is arranged for radially diffusing light derived from a source provided at the fibre other end, and an inflatable balloon (140) fixed at one end of the catheter so as to cover the optical fibre (13) diffusing section (13). The balloon (140) is made of elastomer material partially diffusing light and prefabricated by moulding of a specific print of the cavity to be treated, so as to match its form. It is properly pressed against the cavity wall, the thickness of the wall remains constant after the balloon has been inflated, and the pressure required for said inflating is low and cannot damage the cavity tissues.
Abstract:
A method for treating a human or animal patient amenable to organ augmentation with gastro-intestinal tissue (30) which is, or will be, surgically transplanted into the patient's organ. The gastro-intestinal tissue (30) is sensitized with an effective amount of a photosensitive composition. The sensitized tissue is exposed to a source of electromagnetic radiation energy (28) for a predetermined time, wavelength and intensity sufficient to cause cellular and/or mucosal tissue function of the sensitized tissue to diminish or cease.