Abstract:
A device is provided for illuminating a tissue surface to be treated. The device includes a catheter, a light emitting diode in the distal tip of the catheter, and a distal cap disposed over the distal end of the catheter. The device includes a handle connected to the proximal end of the catheter. An external source of energy is provided for supplying energy to the light emitting diode and for controlling the light emitting diode.
Abstract:
A method and treatment device for inducing vasodilatation in a target vasculature of a patient. The method can include introducing an energy-supplying treatment instrument to a sinus cavity which provides access to a parasympathetic ganglion neurologically associated with the target vasculature. The method can also include applying non-electrical stimulant energy from the treatment instrument into the sinus cavity in a manner to stimulate the parasympathetic ganglion. The treatment device can be used to practice the method.
Abstract:
According to the present invention, a light diffuser capable of efficiently and uniformly irradiating a wide area of a biological tissue with a light beam such as a laser light beam, which can be readily produced at low cost, and a light-diffusing device comprising the same are provided.Specifically, a coiled light diffuser consisting of a portion for attachment to an optical fiber and a portion for diffusing light transmitted from an optical fiber, which is attached to a light transmission end of an optical fiber for diffusing light transmitted from the optical fiber in a direction differing from the light transmission direction, and which is formed by coiling a wire rod at least the surface of which comprises a light-reflective metal into a cylindrical shape for the irradiation of a biological tissue with a light beam, and a light-diffusing device to which the coiled light diffuser is attached are provided.
Abstract:
An optical fiber, an optical fiber device, and an optical fiber bundle, which are applied to an organic tubular tissue, for the medical application for removing a thrombus part deposited on an internal wall of tubular tissue are provided.The optical fiber (20) which can be inserted in a tubular tissue (15) in an organism comprises a glass core layer (11), a covering core layer (12) which covers the glass core layer (11), and a cladding layer (13) which covers the covering core layer (12) and includes a plurality of apertural areas (23) in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber (20). The width of the apertural area (23) in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber (20) is narrowly formed in an entrance part of the optical fiber (20), and is widely formed as to be distanced in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber (20) from the entrance part. The optical fiber device applies such the optical fiber. The optical fiber bundle bundles a plurality of such the optical fibers.
Abstract:
An inflatable device to be used in treatment of stenotic lesions includes external optical fibers with a segment capable of emitting substantially uniform radial energy. The design of the optical fibers ensures a high optical coupling factor and a high efficiency in delivering light-energy to the adjacent tissue volume. A light source is connected to the optical fibers during the inflation of the device. The parameters of the light source: wavelength, waveform and intensity and the design of the optical fibers ensure that the light-tissue interaction depth is within a thin layer of stenotic lesion without inducing irreversible damage to the vessel wall. During the inflation of the device, the external optical fibers pressure the same tissue volume that interacted with the radial emitted light-energy. The confined radial light energy and the mechanical effects induced by the optical fibers create an opto-mechanical effect that facilitates the dilatation of stenotic lesions and reduces the risk of restenosis. The external optical fibers can also facilitate endoluminal drug activation, wherein light activated drugs are used to prevent restenosis or to treat cardiovascular, system, benign and malignant stenosis and other diseases. Various combinations of optical fibers with different capabilities can be used in the same device. The device can be used in treatment of stenosis in the vascular system and in non-vascular systems (such as the urinary or biliary systems). The design of the device ensures that the attachment of the external optical fibers does not obstruct the advancement and maneuvering of the device through tortuous anatomical structures such as stenotic or partially occluded blood vessels.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the use of low-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) to prevent, treat, inhibit or reduce restenosis in blood vessels. The present invention may be used in combination with any angioplastic procedure to prevent restenosis or to decrease the intima thickness, and thus luminal narrowing.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to methods for selectively targeting Photodynamic Therapy (“PDT”) to inflammatory components of vulnerable plaques. As such, the present invention provides methods for the identification of vulnerable plaques, using fluorescent compositions, which include photosensitizer compoisitions, and/or radiolabeled compounds, as well as methods to treat vulnerable plaques by selectively targeting and/or eliminating the inflammatory components of vulnerable plaques.
Abstract:
Systems for enabling delivery of very high peak power laser pulses through optical fibers for use in ablation procedures preferably in contact mode. Such lasers advantageously emit at 355 nm wavelength. Other systems enable selective removal of undesired tissue within a blood vessel, while minimizing the risk of damaging the blood vessel itself, based on the use of the ablative properties of short laser pulses of 320 to 400 nm laser wavelength, with selected parameters of the mechanical walls of the tubes constituting the catheter, of the laser fluence and of the force that is applied by the catheter on the tissues. Additionally, a novel method of calibrating such catheters is disclosed, which also enables real time monitoring of the ablation process. Additionally, novel methods of protecting the fibers exit facets are disclosed.
Abstract:
Naphthalimide compounds as used in tissue bonding and protein cross-linking applications. When activated by an activating agent, such as light in the 400-500 nm absorption range, the naphthalimide compounds form chemically-reactive species that cross-link proteins, bond connective tissues together, and bone tissues and other biomaterials together. A naphthalimide-labeled biomolecule, such as a naphthalimide-labeled chitosan, is also capable of bonding tissues without subsequent direct illumination of the contacted tissue area. The naphthalimide compounds may be used in tissue or arterial repair, stabiliation of an expanded arterial wall after angioplasty, tethering pharmaceutical agents to tissue surfaces to provide local drug delivery, and for chemically bonding skin care products, sunscreens, and cosmetics to the skin.
Abstract:
Naphthalimide compounds as used in tissue bonding and protein cross-linking applications. When activated by an activating agent, such as light in the 400-500 nm absorption range, the naphthalimide compounds form chemically-reactive species that cross-link proteins, bond connective tissues together, and bone tissues and other biomaterials together. A naphthalimide-labeled biomolecule, such as a naphthalimide-labeled chitosan, is also capable of bonding tissues without subsequent direct illumination of the contacted tissue area. The naphthalimide compounds may be used in tissue or arterial repair, stabilization of an expanded arterial wall after angioplasty, tethering pharmaceutical agents to tissue surfaces to provide local drug delivery, and for chemically bonding skin care products, sunscreens, and cosmetics to the skin.