Abstract: Compositions of dendrimer-photosensitizer complexes including therapeutic molecules, and methods for their synthesis and use are disclosed. The therapeutic molecules and the photosensitizers are each covalently attached to the dendrimer at its end-groups, essentially randomly. Upon exposure to radiation of a suitable wavelength, the photosensitizers are activated to break up the dendrimer structure and thus release the therapeutic molecules. In a preferred embodiment, the end-groups of the dendrimer are replaced with or covalently connected to therapeutic molecules and photosensitizers. In a further preferred embodiment, targeting molecules may also be attached to the dendrimer to create a more accurate treatment.

Abstract: A method and formulation are disclosed for improving the results of corneal refractive surgery, and generally reducing post-operative scarring and scarring arising from other traumas. In the vision examples, after completion of a procedure, including Photorefractive Keratotomy (PRK) or Laser-In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), a photosensitizer or photosensitizer precursor is applied to the treatment site. After allowing sufficient time for the photosensitizers to accumulate among proliferating cells that occur as a result of ablation, radiation appropriate to activate the photosensitizers is administered to the treatment site. The photosensitizer is thus activated to destroy only those proliferating cells. In this way, proliferating tissue is eliminated and the cornea maintains the shape created during the surgery. As a result, instances of regression and the need for follow-up treatments, is minimized.

Abstract: A low concentration formulation for hydrophobic photosensitizers (PS) and method for photodynamic therapy (“PDT”) using the disclosed low concentration formulations provide for more accurate, more efficient and more convenient dosing. The inventive formulation (1) reduces the time for a therapeutically effective level of photosensitizer to accumulate in diseased tissue and (2) reduces the time for achieving a sufficient ratio of photosensitizer in diseased tissue vs. healthy tissue. The inventive formulation reduces the time interval between PS application/administration and irradiation (the drug-light interval or “DLI”) and can provide for a “same day” PDT treatment option. 0.08 mg/ml to 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for medicinal treatment, in particular for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH, for use in the event of tumor resection or for use in thoracic surgery. The system comprises a diode laser device for producing a laser beam and to an application system based on optical wave guides that can be endoscopically introduced into a patient. Said system is designed in such a manner that the laser beam, produced by the diode laser device is guided through the application system and is emitted by said application system so that biological tissue can be treated in a selective manner with the emerging laser beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for microstructuring an optical waveguide having a first cross-sectional region with a first refractive index, a second cross-sectional region with a second refractive index, and a boundary region in the transition from the first to the second cross-sectional region, in which the optical waveguide is exposed to laser radiation in the form of at least one ultra-short single pulse or a sequence of pulses with a defined energy input, whereby the radiant exposure takes place in such a manner that a modification of at least one optical property of the optical waveguide takes place at at least one defined portion of the boundary region.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical liposomal formulations are described for photodynamic therapy comprising a, hydrophobic porphyrin photosensitizer, a monosaccharide and one or more synthetic phospholipids, which are stable in storage especially through freeze-drying process. The liposomal formulations provide therapeutically effective amounts of the photosensitizer for intravenous administration. In particular derivatives of chlorins and bacteriochlorins, such as temoporfin, are, hydrophobic photosensitizers whose efficacy and safety are enhanced by such liposomal formulations. The formulation can be efficiently freeze-dried preserving the size of the liposomal vehicles, and the content of a therapeutically effective amount of the photosensitizer, due to the selection of phospholipids and monosaccharides. The invention also relates to liposome compositions formed upon reconstitution with an aqueous vehicle.

Abstract: An active endoscopic system is disclosed containing an electromagnetic radiation system located at the distal end of the endoscopic device allowing for variable intensity application of desired wavelengths in the application of PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) over a broad area. The power sources are varied according to the needs of a specific application. Various attachments and configurations may be used to enhance performance of a desired application, including but not limited to multi-balloon systems for centering the apparatus or limiting the treatment area, fiber optics for directly viewing the treatment area, vacuum systems for waste removal, tubes for delivering aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or other photosensitizers, and other fiber optics for illumination of treatment area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for improved biostimulative effect through the use of low mode/oligomode fibers to transport coherent light to a treatment site. Oligomode fibers or groups/bundles of oligomode waveguides for the relevant irradiation wavelength are used for radiation transport. Selective leakage of the radiation from this delivery system is achieved at the desired application sites of the biostimulation by suitable means, one being evanescent wave decouplers. The result is a low intensity exposure of coherent light to tissue or organic material that is more effective than conventional biostimulative procedures. Delivery systems based on such waveguides can cover large areas due to the low transmission losses of the waveguide. The waveguide can be inserted into hydrocultures or earth to provide radiation and thus biostimulation of seeds and cuttings in situ. Coherent radiation can also improve the health, healing and fertility of animals.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for improving the safety of directionally sensitive medical and industrial applications, such as laser applications, and cutting or surfacing tools. A system of electromagnetic radiation safety beam emitters and detectors is used to prevent a user from directing or positioning an application device, such as an electromagnetic beam source or high-power water jet, to areas outside a predefined application area and also to prevent operation of an application beam should persons or objects intersect a security boundary. In a first preferred embodiment, one or more safety beam emitters are placed in or near a treatment area, and a “safety beam” produced by the emitter is preferably directed toward the preferred position of the source of the application beam. In a second preferred embodiment, the safety beam emitter(s) is directed toward the application area of the source, and the detectors detect radiation reflected from the application area.

Abstract: A waveguide and radiation delivery system is disclosed to be used in topical applications of photodynamic therapy. One preferred embodiment consists of a rectangular waveguide that delivers electromagnetic radiation to a flexible conducting sheet that can be molded to the contours of the treatment sight. The sheet is surrounded by a reflective material or foil, except for the portion of the sheet in contact with the treatment area. That portion is covered with a semi-reflective sheet that is at least translucent with respect to the wavelength used in the treatment. This invention increases the speed and efficiency of the procedure by reducing energy loss due to reflection from the skin surface. It also increases safety by protecting sensitive areas of the body, and is particularly useful for head and neck procedures. Other embodiments include the use of a bladder-type applicator or a rectangular applicator designed to keep the optical fiber a specified distance from the treatment site.

Abstract: Briefly stated, the present invention discloses a novel device that automatically calibrates and adjusts the intensity, dosage, and other parameters of a radiation delivery system and radiation source based on selected or detected radiation delivery systems. Such radiation delivery systems include optical fiber systems, and any type of diffuser, as well as bare fiber tips. The functions of a radiation source and a calibration device are combined by storing the characteristics of a wide variety of delivery system types and brands and calibrating the radiation based on those stored characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, a calibration sheath is provided that fits over a delivery system, such as a bare fiber tip or a diffuser at the distal end of a fiber, to both protect the system during calibration and direct output radiation to a detector.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the manufacture of optical fiber preforms using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The invention consists of a cylindrical reactor in which material such as flourine-doped silica glass is deposited on a cylindrical silica rod. A furnace for regulating reactor temperature encases the reactor. A microwave generator coupled with a resonator and an H10 waveguide delivers microwave energy to the reactor, producing simultaneously symmetrical excitations in the E010 mode and a plasma surface wave in E01 mode located at the surface of the rod. A microwave plasma is scanned along the length of the rod through a slit in the reactor to deposit a homogeneous film of a desired thickness. The benefits of the present invention over the prior art include increased absorption of delivered power, and the ability to uniformly deposit films such as flourine-doped silica on rods with diameters of up to 30–35 mm and thus produce optical fiber preforms with diameters greater than 40 mm.

Abstract: A novel device and method for preventing restenosis and streamlining the angioplasty procedure. The device and method provide a fiberoptic guidewire, or, alternatively, a light-conducting catheter, to decrease the size of the angioplasty device, decrease the overall time of the procedure, and increase the safety of the procedure. The present invention delivers radiation to a sclerotized area after balloon angioplasty treatment to prevent restenosis Radiation delivered via the catheter or fiberoptic guidewire discourages the cell proliferation and cell growth after angioplasty, thereby improving the chances of avoiding restenosis.

Abstract: An improved device and method to pump fiber lasers in order to enhance performance and reliability is provided. A fiber laser is bent into a coil having a moderate curvature so as to avoid radiation losses. A cladding is partly polished to produce coupling surfaces along the length of the spring-like coil. Radiation emitters are imaged with one or more micro lenses that are attached to the coupling surface. In a preferred embodiment, banks of high power laser diodes are utilized as pump sources. Coupling surfaces are preferably created along the length of the fiber at intervals where pump radiation from the previous pump edge has been absorbed. Although the system may be used to pump single mode fibers, the preferred application is to pump multimode fibers, having greater core diameters and higher luminescent capacity, wherein only a single cladding can be used.

Abstract: A safe connection system for coupling radiation from radiation sources, such as lasers, into optical fibers is provided. The system prevents the accidental use of standard optical fibers with radiation sources that require fibers capable of transmitting high power or other radiation with unique characteristics. Because often the fibers for use with high power lasers, for example, may also be used with standard lasers, the system preserves the interchangeability of standard connection systems such as SMA by providing connectors that can properly fit both in standard receptacles and in the receptacles of the present invention. Thus, this connection system preserves the advantages of a standard laser-fiber connection system while increasing the safety of such systems, where it is necessary.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of photosensitizers to provide antibacterial surfaces on consumer and industrial items. This approach avoids the used of chemicals and solutions that may be toxic. The inventions also avoids the use of chemical compositions that might form degradation products which may be unacceptable to healthy persons or irritating to persons who may have allergies or are otherwise sensitized. According to the invention, photosensitizers with specific properties and specific design features are selected to make practical use of photosensitizers in the consumer and industrial market place. It is important to select a photosensitizer with an activation spectrum that is matched to the environmental conditions under which the surface to be protected is required to exhibit its antimicrobial properties. This means that the illumination energy and intensity levels expected need to yield enough singlet oxygen to destroy the targeted microbes.

Abstract: Individually marked contact lenses for protection of one's eyes from harmful radiation are provided. Contact lenses are coated or treated to be absorptive or reflective to a preselected wavelength or wavelengths. The lenses contain one or more identification areas on each lens to demonstrate that the lenses are being worn and to indicate the proper applications with which the lenses should be used and/or the wavelengths for which the lens is protective. The identification area, which should be visible when worn to third parties and/or the person wearing the lenses, consists of markings such as colored bands or shaded areas in the region around the iris. Different colors or color patterns of the markings indicate which wavelengths the lens protects against. Other safety features may include fluorescent markers, added features and devices to facilitate placement and retention in the eye, pick-up or release.

Abstract: Water-soluble mono-PEGylated tetrapyrrole derivatives are disclosed, having a formula given by formula 1, 2, or 3 in the specification. A method to produce the above water-soluble mono-PEGylated compounds is also disclosed, comprising an interaction of a tetrapyrrole with an aminopolyethylene glycol containing a functionalized terminal fragment, as well as their use as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to accurately treat sites on an eye's retina employing computer based image generation, processing and central control means in conjunction with diode laser sources and optical fibers. The system and method accurately determine geometry of a treatment zone of a specific eye's fundus and adjust a treatment beam to irradiate the treatment zone with minimal coverage of adjacent well tissue. The treatment zone or zone is accurately determined with digital processing of angiographic data and slit lamp image data. This information is integrated with information on the treatment beam characteristics to better match treatment beam coverage with minimal overlap with healthy areas of the fundus. Additionally preferred embodiments also have the ability to automatically track eye movement and switch the beam source depending on eye movement, adjusting the beam spot area in real time.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for manufacturing optical fiber preforms utilizing microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition. Precursor gas is introduced to the face of a vertically mounted dielectric rod, and a plasma is struck by means of simultaneous excitation of an E01 type wave and an H type wave with rotating linear polarization. The silica rod is positioned so that its face is at the bottom of the tube. Precursor gas is delivered from a position below the face of the silica rod, and microwave energy, which travels through the rod to the rod face, is delivered from a source positioned above the rod. With this configuration, a uniformly dense plasma localized on the face of the rod can simultaneously deposit both a pure or doped core and a doped cladding. It is also useful for creating waveguides, preform cores for use as substrates in creating optical fiber preforms, capillaries and ceramic rods.