Abstract: The present invention relates to the structural modification of human tissue comprising collagen by irradiation of tissue with UV photons. The present invention discloses methods of altering the structural and mechanical properties of the tissue by treatment of the tissue with thermal energy and/or UV photons. The present invention further discloses an apparatus for the treatment of tissues with thermal energy and/or UV photons.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method, comprising acts of determining the transmissivity of at least a portion of a bandage to ultraviolet light, and selecting an intensity of ultraviolet light to be applied through at least a portion of the bandage. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of sterilizing or disinfecting a region underneath a bandage on a patient. A further embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region of tissue of a patient. The apparatus comprises an ultraviolet light-emitting lamp and a bandage adapted to transmit at least some of the ultraviolet light emitted by the lamp. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bandage, comprising an ultraviolet light-transmissive film, and a color-changing material coupled to the film to indicate an exposure of the film to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The controller 6 in the apparatus 10 for thermotherapy automatically computes the power P of the laser beam and the flow volume Q of the refrigerant forwarded to the main body 110 as the therapeutic conditions required for effecting the thermotherapy. The controller 6 delivers control signals to the laser beam generating device 2 and the refrigerant circulating device 4, depending on the therapeutic conditions obtained as described above. The therapeutic conditions thus set are displayed on the monitor 7 together with the input information introduced into the operating part 8. The controller 6 is further capable of automatically computing the therapeutic conditions required for effecting the thermotherapy based on the minimum distance d1 and the maximum distance d2 between the laser beam emitting terminal 111a, namely the surface of the surface layer 21, and the target site 30.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating Barrett's tissue by removal of the mucosa through PhotoDynamic Therapy(PDT) is provided. A viscous gel is the medium used to carry the photosensitizer to the treatment site and allow sufficient time to transfer to the tissue. The gel's viscosity will allow it to adhere to the tissue for a sufficient amount of time to transfer the photosensitizer or sufficient time for a mechanical device such as an expanding balloon to press the gel into the tissue. The photosensitizer within the gel is activated by the corresponding wavelength of radiation. An extended multi-balloon system limits the area of treatment and localizes the spread of the gel. An endoscope with fiber optics may be used to view the operation. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus contains a catheter with at least two balloons, one to block drainage of the photosensitizer into the stomach and one to limit the height of the treatment area and to press the gel into the tissue.