Abstract: A catheter/stent has multiple LEDs set in it along its length, connected to a voltage source such as a medical battery. The catheter/stent is inserted into the bile duct, to provide relief for tumor in growth that would otherwise obstruct the flow of bile through the bile duct. The LEDs perform photodynamic therapy to keep the lumen of the catheter free of tumor cells and bacteria.

Abstract: An instrument for photodynamic therapy applies treatment light from a dye laser, white light, and ultraviolet fluorescence excitation light from an LED onto a lesion and surrounding areas in a time-multiplexed manner. The reflected white light is analyzed in a spectrometer to determine a correction for the dynamic optical spectral properties of the patient's tissue. Light emitted by fluorescence from the lesion and the surrounding areas is analyzed in another spectrometer, and the results are corrected in a computer, using the correction. An optical switch has been developed for the instrument, using a bistable solenoid and a sled.

Abstract: A medical device containing a device for connecting the medical device to a substrate, for furnishing electrical impulses from the medical device to the substrate, for ceasing the furnishing of electrical impulses to the substrate, for receiving pulsed radio frequency fields, for transmitting and receiving optical signals, and for protecting the substrate and the medical device from currents induced by the pulsed radio frequency fields. The medical device contains a control circuit comprised of a parallel resonant frequency circuit.

Abstract: A medical device containing a device for connecting the medical device to a substrate, for furnishing electrical impulses from the medical device to the substrate, for ceasing the furnishing of electrical impulses to the substrate, for receiving pulsed radio frequency fields, for transmitting and receiving optical signals, and for protecting the substrate and the medical device from currents induced by the pulsed radio frequency fields. The medical device contains a control circuit comprised of a parallel resonant frequency circuit.

Abstract: A device for conforming photodynamic therapy to a specific anatomic location (e.g., in the oral cavity) conforms the radiation to the target tissue surface and avoids delivering light to the rest of the oral cavity. Embodiments can include a body of oral impression material molded to conform to the anatomic surface, a light pipe, a freeform reflector formed on a surface of the optical body, or a light guide having a textured surface to direct light to an opposing output window. The light guide can be made of flexible plastic to conform the output window to the lesion.

Abstract: A medical device containing a device for connecting the medical device to a substrate, for furnishing electrical impulses from the medical device to the substrate, for ceasing the furnishing of electrical impulses to the substrate, for receiving pulsed radio frequency fields, for transmitting and receiving optical signals, and for protecting the substrate and the medical device from currents induced by the pulsed radio frequency fields. The medical device contains a control circuit comprised of a parallel resonant frequency circuit.

Abstract: A method for delivering photodynamic therapy (PDT) while performing dose metric monitoring and treatment feedback-driven control is presented. Photodynamic therapy is initiated with irradiation of light at a first irradiance. A set of fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopic measurements are taken at prescribed intervals during the therapy of the treatment region. Spectra are analyzed to determine dose metrics of the therapy such as fluorescence photobleaching of the sensitizer and blood oxygen status and optical properties of the treatment region. This information is then used to determine an optimal fluence rate given those parameters and the region is irradiated with a second irradiance. This process is continued until either the entire prescribed fluence is delivered to the region or a predetermined extent of photosensitizer bleaching is achieved.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, there is no monitoring, and instead light is delivered according to a predetermined ‘recipe.’ In a second embodiment, the instrumentation provides a means for making the reflectance measurements during therapy without requiring the brief interruption. This device may therefore allow more accurate measurement of treatment-induced changes to the reflectance measurement. In a third embodiment, an adjustable aperture is used to constrict the area of a treatment beam.

Abstract: An instrument for photodynamic therapy applies treatment light from a dye laser, white light, and ultraviolet fluorescence excitation light from an LED onto a lesion and surrounding areas in a time-multiplexed manner. The reflected white light is analyzed in a spectrometer to determine a correction for the dynamic optical spectral properties of the patient's tissue. Light emitted by fluorescence from the lesion and the surrounding areas is analyzed in another spectrometer, and the results are corrected in a computer, using the correction. An optical switch has been developed for the instrument, using a bistable solenoid and a sled.

Abstract: A process for identifying and treating cells in a living organism. The cells are labeled, circulated within the organism, detected with an implanted detector, and then either isolated or ablated.

Abstract: An electromagnetic immune tissue invasive system includes a primary device housing. The primary device housing having a control circuit therein. A shielding is formed around the primary device housing to shield the primary device housing and any circuits therein from electromagnetic interference. A lead system transmits and receives signals between the primary device housing. The lead system is either a fiber optic system or an electrically shielded electrical lead system.

Abstract: A method for operating a confocal microscope system includes deflecting a light beam on a specimen with at least one beam deflection device. The position of the light beam is stepped with at least one beam deflection device across the specimen. A sample of emitted fluorescent light from the specimen is captured in synchronization with each of the stepped positions of the light beam. An image is obtained from the captured samples of emitted fluorescent light.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device containing a device for connecting the cardiac assist device to a heart, for furnishing electrical impulses from the cardiac assist device to the heart, for ceasing the furnishing of electrical impulses to the heart, for receiving pulsed radio frequency fields, for transmitting and receiving optical signals, and for protecting the heart and the cardiac assist device from currents induced by the pulsed radio frequency fields. The cardiac assist device contains a control circuit comprised of a parallel resonant frequency circuit.

Abstract: An electromagnetic immune tissue invasive system includes a primary device housing. The primary device housing having a control circuit therein. A shielding is formed around the primary device housing to shield the primary device housing and any circuits therein from electromagnetic interference. A lead system transmits and receives signals between the primary device housing. The lead system is either a fiber optic system or an electrically shielded electrical lead system.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a stepper motor system includes selecting a size for at least one step to be taken by the stepper motor system and selecting a direction for the at least one step. Once the size and direction of the at least one step are selected, then at least one trigger signal for the at least one step of the selected size and in the selected direction is generated. The generated at least one trigger signal is transmitted to the stepper motor system to take the at least one step at the selected size in the selected direction. A calibrated display keeps track of the current position of the stepper motor system in response to at least one of the selected size and the selected direction.

Abstract: A method for operating a confocal microscope system includes deflecting a light beam on a specimen with at least one beam deflection device. The position of the light beam is stepped with at least one beam deflection device across the specimen. A sample of emitted fluorescent light from the specimen is captured in synchronization with each of the stepped positions of the light beam. An image is obtained from the captured samples of emitted fluorescent light.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a light probe is provided for treating a patient through the use of ultraviolet light activated gene therapy. Embodiments of the present invention include a light probe structure for the utilization of light activated gene therapy to repair and/or rebuild damaged cartilage or a component of a functional spinal unit (FSU) by introducing a desired gene into a patient's tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a stepper motor system includes selecting a size for at least one step to be taken by the stepper motor system and selecting a direction for the at least one step. Once the size and direction of the at least one step are selected, then at least one trigger signal for the at least one step of the selected size and in the selected direction is generated. The generated at least one trigger signal is transmitted to the stepper motor system to take the at least one step at the selected size in the selected direction. A calibrated display keeps track of the current position of the stepper motor system in response to at least one of the selected size and the selected direction.

Abstract: A TTL controller system includes at least one timer system that generates a timing signal and at least one trigger system coupled to the at least one timer system and to each of the devices. The trigger system in response to the timing signal triggers with a trigger signal at least one operation in at least one of the devices. A time period for executing the at least one operation in at least one of the devices is adjustable.

Abstract: A method for operating a confocal microscope system includes deflecting a light beam on a specimen with at least one beam deflection device. The position of the light beam is stepped with at least one beam deflection device across the specimen. A sample of emitted fluorescent light from the specimen is captured in synchronization with each of the stepped positions of the light beam. An image is obtained from the captured samples of emitted fluorescent light.