Abstract: A treatment system includes a treatment device adapted to contact a vulvar or vaginal tissue of a body and includes a treatment mechanism configured to apply a treatment to the tissue and at least one sensor configured to provide objective sensor data related to the tissue. An external device is configured to receive subjective information provided by a user or a third party and to receive the objective sensor data from the treatment device. The external device includes a processor configured to use the subjective information and the objective sensor data in a decision matrix to issue commands to at least the treatment mechanism that correspond to treatment instructions based on the subjective information and the objective data. The treatment instructions include instructions related to controlling the treatment mechanism and its application of treatment to the tissue and a treatment duration.

Abstract: A device including a semi-rigid shell forming an external surface with at least part of the shell adapted to contact tissue of a body cavity. The shell includes a treatment band formed around the shell, a first portion forming a rounded end of the device that is distal to the treatment band, and a second portion formed around the circumference of the shell and located proximal to the treatment band. The device further includes a vibration mechanism configured to case the shell to vibrate, a sensor configured to provide sensor data upon contact with the tissue, and a processor configured to receive the sensor data and to use the sensor data to produce parameters of the tissue.

Abstract: A device including a semi-rigid shell forming an external surface with at least part of the shell adapted to contact tissue of a body cavity. The shell includes a treatment band formed around the shell, a first portion forming a rounded end of the device that is distal to the treatment band, and a second portion formed around the circumference of the shell and located proximal to the treatment band. The device further includes a vibration mechanism configured to case the shell to vibrate, a sensor configured to provide sensor data upon contact with the tissue, and a processor configured to receive the sensor data and to use the sensor data to produce parameters of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention presents a method of preventing vertical transmission of an infectious disease comprising: (a) applying a photosensitizing composition to host tissues of birth canal of a mother during the intrapartum period; and (b) applying light to the host tissues after the step (a) at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizing composition so as to inhibit or eliminate infectious disease microorganisms that come into contact with the host tissues. The infectious disease may be caused by human immunodeficiency virus type 1, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, Group B Streptococcus, cytomegalovirus, Listeria monocytogenes, Chiamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli, herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Toxoplasma gondii, human papilloma virus, and Candida.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of treating a wound that includes both disinfecting the wound using light and welding the tissue of the wound using light. In a preferred embodiment, the tissue welding occurs substantially immediately after disinfection. The method includes applying a photosensitizer to the wound, illuminating the wound with light, closing the wound, and illuminating the wound a second time. A solder is optionally applied to wound after the first illumination and before the closing of the wound.

Abstract: The present invention presents devices, kits, systems and methods that can be used to otitis externa. For example, a method of present invention includes applying a photosensitizing composition to treatment site within ear cavity where microbes causing otitis externa are located; inserting at least a portion of a light delivery device into the cavity; and applying light to the treatment site at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizing composition so as to inhibit or eliminate the microbes and/or to reduce inflammation at the treatment site but without causing physiological damage to host tissue within the ear cavity; wherein the light is delivered by the light delivery device to the treatment site and the light delivery device is in light communication with a light source via a waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention presents devices, kits, systems and methods that can be used to deliver and activate a photosensitizing composition in a cavity. For example, a device of the present invention includes a member having a base portion, an insert portion adapted for insertion into the cavity, and a pocket adapted for communication with a waveguide which is connected to a light source for delivering light to the device, wherein the pocket includes a light dispersing section that is adapted for light communication with distal end of the waveguide and desired illumination pattern for photodisinfection of the cavity is provided by at least one of the elements selected from the group consisting of: surface finish of the light dispersing section, geometry of the light dispersing section, surface finish of the member, geometry of the member, and a combination thereof. The present invention can be used for humans, other animals, and inanimate objects.

Abstract: The present invention presents devices, kits, systems and methods that can be used for nasal decolonization of microbes and treatment of MRSA, E. coli, and E. fecalis. For example, it includes a method for nasal decolonization of microbes comprising: applying a photosensitizing composition comprising methylene blue to anterior nares; inserting at least a portion of a light delivery device into the nasal cavity; and applying light to the anterior nares at a wavelength ranges from about 650 nm to 680 nm; wherein the light is delivered by the light delivery device to the anterior nares; the light delivery device is in light communication with a light source via a waveguide; and over 90% of the microbes at the anterior nares is eliminated by the nasal decolonization.

Abstract: An elongated optical fiber apparatus for transmitting a light signal toward a first end of the apparatus situated within a fluid to be analyzed, and for transmitting a returning light signal that is indicative of a specified characteristic of the fluid toward a second end of the apparatus that is situated outside the fluid. The optical fiber apparatus includes a light conductive cable capable of transmitting light with a hole formed in its first end. Disposed substantially entirely within this hole is a reactive element that reacts with the fluid to alter a property of the light that is indicative of a specified characteristic of the fluid.