US 9,723,991 B2
Illuminator for photodynamic therapyGeneral
US 9,723,991 B2
Illuminator for photodynamic therapy
Tech Center:
2800 Semiconductors/Memory, Circuits/Measuring and Testing, Optics/Photocopying, Printing/Measuring and Testing
Examiner:
Joseph L Williams
Art Unit:
2879 Optics
Agent:
Inventors:
Scott LUNDAHL; Rebecca Kozodoy; Ronald Carroll; Elton Leppelmeier
Assignee:
Priority:
05/01/98
Filed:
05/20/14
Granted:
08/08/17
Expiration:
05/16/19
Abstract
An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity. A light sensor monitors output from the U-shaped tubes to provide a signal for adjusting the output from the tubes.
Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)
A61A61N2005/0655A61B2017/00057A61N