Abstract: A pharmaceutical liposomal formulation for photodynamic therapy comprising a non-polar porphyrin photosensitizer and one or more phospholipids, which are stable in storage without requiring freeze-drying is described. The liposomal formulation provides therapeutically effective amounts of the photosensitizer for intravenous administration. The phospholipids may be modified by pegylation, i.e. they contain poly ethylene glycol as an integral part of the phospholipids. The formed liposomes contain the non-polar photosensitizer within the membrane and are useful for the combined targeting of a non-polar photosensitizer and a second polar substance. When a formulation includes the presence of monosaccharides or polyalcohols, it can be efficiently freeze-dried preserving the size of the liposomal vehicles and the content of a therapeutically effective amount of the photosensitizing agent. The invention also relates to the liposome composition formed upon reconstitution with an aqueous vehicle.

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 wavelength range. The lenses are for protection and generally do not provide vision correction. Because different lenses may protect against different wavelengths and are thus suitable only for certain applications, and because it is desirable to be able to visually confirm that all those in vicinity of the radiation are wearing the proper lenses, 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. 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.

Abstract: A plasma reactor and accompanying method for thin film deposition is disclosed, comprising a system of input means and exhaust means that produce an adjustable spiral flow of precursor gas used in creating a spatially stable plasma over large substrate surface areas. The flow of gas created by this configuration of input and exhaust means results in a plasma that remains uniform as it extends radially from the center to the edges of the substrate and is capable of high quality depositions and high deposition rates. In a preferred embodiment, the input means is in the form of a ring jet with a tangential flow component surrounding the substrate. Gas exhausts through exhaust means located at a preselected distance above the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, gas exhausts through a central exhaust aperture and a number of surrounding apertures located at a preselected distance from the central exhaust aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for improved biostimulative effect through the use of single mode fibers to transport coherent light to a treatment site. Single mode fibers or groups/bundles of single mode 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: 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 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: A system and method for controllably releasing laser radiation in percutaneous laser treatment is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an optical fiber is inserted below the skin or into a vascular lumen to a predetermined point. The fiber is connected to a source of electromagnetic radiation such as a laser. Radiation is then delivered to the treatment site while the fiber is simultaneously drawn out to the entry point. The fiber is manually withdrawn at a predetermined rate and radiation is administered in a constant power or energy level. To maintain a constant proper energy density, the speed of withdrawal is measured and sent to a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism modifies the power emitted, pulse length or pulse rate to ensure that the vein or tissue receives a consistent dose of energy. In one preferred embodiment, an imaging device provides the controlling device with speed information based on fiber surface textural properties or based on a series of bar code like markings.

Abstract: An illuminating emergency device or system having indicators that effectively communicate escape routes in highly dangerous industrial environments and commercial safety systems is disclosed. An optical fiber is manufactured in a way to emit controlled and patterned radiation along its length. This is realized by coupling a predefined amount of radiation guided by the fiber per length unit out of the fiber core into the cladding and jacket. The present invention advances a concept of partially illuminating fibers, especially partially illuminating fibers providing one or more illumination colors and illuminating fibers capable of changing illumination color to indicate the status of an emergency route. The invention further provides the inclusion of novel fiber lasers for illumination purposes and methods to obtain a relatively homogeneous illumination at the diffusion sites, as well as discreet illumination patterns.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for improved treatment of oral tissues using 980 nm laser radiation and a handpiece with means for concurrently delivering the laser radiation and a liquid/gas spray onto the treatment area to improve the treatment effects. Unwanted heating and carbonization of surrounding tissues is reduced. The liquid/gas spray may be mixed inside the handpiece or in a separate device. The combination of cooling sprays with radiation wavelengths having high absorption in water has previously been avoided due to the thought that energy absorption by the cooling fluid would render the energy delivered to the tissue uncontrollable and of minimal benefit. Preferably, pulsed laser light provides a localized energy deposition and heating to avoid unwanted heating of underlying tissue. The liquid spray flushes away tissue debris in addition to cooling the treated tissue.

Abstract: A medical radiation treatment system is disclosed for identifying and monitoring the use of disposable or reusable optical fibers or other optical accessories. The treatment system comprises a radiation source unit connected to a recognition/control unit, and a medical radiation delivery system connected to an identification/recordation unit. This forms a read-write system to ensure that radiation parameters conform to delivery device characteristics, and to prevent the use of overused or incompatible delivery devices. This is achieved by reading previously encoded information in the identification/recordation unit that provides all usage history, including number of uses or total duration of use. The encoded information is updated after use, and preferably frequently or continuously during use, to guarantee a complete usage history even after an incomplete treatment.

Abstract: A laser device and method for treating ophthalmic diseases is enclosed. The device comprises a system for irradiating the eye with electromagnetic irradiation with a wavelength in the range of 654-681 nm. The system preferably comprises a laser source and ancillary equipment to direct and regulate the radiation. The use of this wavelength range makes the device effective for a wide variety of ophthalmic indications. It is capable of providing photocoagulation treatments for diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The system is also useful for photodynamic therapy. Also disclosed are laser diodes with high beam quality and slit lamp adaptors to further enhance the versatility of the system.

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: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method to manufacture optical fiber in a way that produces controlled and patterned diffusion of optical radiation along its length. The novelty of the described invention is that the patterns of diffusion are produced at the time the optical fiber is manufactured. The “in-line” manufacturing method avoids the need for post-production treatment of the fiber, which makes the process highly efficient and economical. Light diffusing optical fibers of significant length can be produced. Several manufacturing configurations to achieve the desired effects and their inclusion in the fiber production process are described. The processes can be configured to process optical fibers constructed from a wide variety of known glass, polymeric or other materials. The partially diffusing optical fibers of this invention have applications ranging from illuminated fabrics and toys and to lighting systems and medical instruments.

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: A method and composition is disclosed for treating oral diseases, including inflammatory periodontal disease, by utilizing photosensitizing compounds in long term effect or timed release formulations, including local highly concentrated formulations in biofilms on teeth and implants and oral wounds as well as periodontal pockets, and activating the photosensitizers with radiation to selectively destroy bacteria and other microbial bodies. Photosensitizers in a timed release formulation are released over a prolonged period of time. In a version, photosensitizers are housed within nanoparticles, and can be gradually released through biodegradation or periodically released by such processes as brushing, irradiation, ultrasonic and chemically induced release. The formulation is applied to the oral cavity and allowed to settle on biofilms therein, in periodontal pockets formed by disease, or coated at the desired sites.

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 device and method is disclosed for permanent or semi-permanent removal of hair through the activation of microparticles introduced into hair follicles. Microparticles are incorporated into a composition that is topically applied to the skin. These microparticles containing or consisting of chromophores or chemically activated molecules are of a variety of shapes and sizes. Microparticles are within a size range of 1 micron to 70 microns, and preferably between 10 and 50 microns. Microparticles of this size and variety of shapes enter hair follicles on all areas of the skin without entering other areas of the skin, such as the stratum corneum or sweat gland channels. Treatment of the skin with electromagnetic radiation, ultrasonic radiation or chemical means activates the chromophore or chemically activated compounds, thus destroying the hair follicle without damaging other areas of the skin.

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 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 is designed such that different photocoagulation and photochemical treatment methods alone or in combination can be performed and controlled to for simultaneous or consecutive treatment. The system and method accurately determines 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 tissue. Accordingly, also “forbidden zones” which would be severely damaged by the treatment beam are determined and their irradiation is prevented. The treatment zone is accurately determined with digital processing of angiographic data and slit lamp image data. Such image processing includes matching or alignment of two distinct images.

Abstract: A drug delivery system and methods are provided wherein a therapeutic/diagnostic agent or a component of the immune system is directed to particular cells in a selected organ or a specific site. Such a system can be formed by a photoselective compound generally described as V-M-P-C. V is a vector component suitable to target particular cells in a selected organ or site, where the type of the cell or antigen does not have to be specific to the desired treatment site. M is a marker component that is capable of being targeted by a therapeutic/diagnostic agent or a component of the immune system. P is a photocleavable or photosensitive bond, and C is a cap component rendering M ineffective. C is connected to M by the photocleavable or photosensitive bond. The photoselective compound is administered and marks targets of a certain kind of cell or a specific site.