Abstract: A method for applying energy to biological tissue. An electromagnetic energy source is directed to apply the energy to a region of the tissue, so as to ablate a portion of the tissue in the region. Preferably, cooling of tissue in the region is initiated subsequent to the ablation.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of a skin comprising. The system comprises an applicator having a cavity and one or more light sources configured to irradiate the cavity with optical energy simultaneously from at least two directions. The applicator is applied to the skin and a region of skin is made to protrude into the cavity. The protruding region of skin is then irradiated with optical energy from the one or more light sources simultaneously from at least two directions.

Abstract: A system and method for a reverse mounted light array. In one method embodiment, the present invention couples a reverse mounted light-generating source with a substrate. Additionally, the present invention couples an electrical portion of the reverse mounted light generating source with a conductive trace coupled to the reverse side of the substrate, wherein the coupling of the conductive trace with the substrate and the reverse mounted light generating source forms a reverse mounted light array.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the event of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity.

Abstract: To allow optimum adaptation of irradiation equipment, especially irradiation equipment for photodynamic therapy, to the individual anatomy of a patient, an irradiation head (1) is provided with a plate-shaped middle section (2) and plate-shaped lateral leaves (3), mounted on the middle section (2) in such a way that they can swivel. The irradiation head can be rotated about two perpendicular axes (U, W), and its height can be adjusted. With its lateral leaves (3) extended, the irradiation head (1) has a plane configuration formed by the middle section (2) and the extended lateral leaves (3). The configuration is suitable for areal irradiation of the trunk or extremities of a patient. It can also be configured to a rectangular U shape suitable for three-sided irradiation, when the lateral leaves (3) are swivelled 90°. Radiation sources, e.g.

Abstract: A pad like device adapted to be placed over a phototherapy light source contains a medium that provides a comfortable support for a patient during phototherapy treatment and allows a portion of the light emitted by the light source to pass through the pad for phototherapy treatment.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided generally in the form of a box which provides a controlled thermal environment for the occupant. The enclosure includes a horizontal base supporting four corner posts extending vertically up from the base, with a roof above the posts and parallel with the base. A rear wall extends in a vertical plane from the base up to the roof. A pair of side walls extend from the base up to the roof. The side walls preferably include surfaces to maximize maintenance of heat within the enclosure particularly near a position for an occupant's head. Thermal sources (i.e. incandescent light bulbs) are located within the enclosure to increase an amount of infrared radiation for heating within the enclosure. A width tuning system is provided to precisely position a distance of the side walls away from each other so that thermodynamic resonance between the side walls can be maximized.

Abstract: A light therapy system that exposes specific light frequencies to specific points on a patient's body. The light varies both in frequency and in length of exposure. A broad range of light frequencies are intermittently directed to chakra points on a patient's body. Selected light frequencies are sequenced for each chakra point. An adjustable apparatus is provided which can simultaneously expose multiple locations, with the ability to align each lamp to a specific location and at a specific distance from the patient's body.

Abstract: A radiant, infrared heat sauna with full spectrum, Neodymium or similar lighting. The sauna is portable and can be plugged in to run on standard household current. Radiant heating elements in the walls of the sauna emit infrared rays directly into a person's body, creating penetrating heat thus producing sweat and an overall warming sensation, as well as the provided overhead, adjustable full spectrum lighting which creates a sensation of sunlight on the body. At least one embodiment of the invention includes full spectrum lighting on the walls of the sauna. Embodiments of the invention can also include sound systems, video systems, and aromatherapy devices. The combination of the infrared heating and the full spectrum lighting comes close to recreating the feeling of warmth and well being of enjoying time in the sun, without the harmful UV rays.

Abstract: A method for firming and removing cellulite comprising: exfoliating an area of a body for treatment of the cellulite; applying an anti-cellulite/firming agent to the area of a body for treatment of the cellulite; and administering light treatment to the area of a body for treatment of the cellulite.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to treat unwanted dermatological conditions on a specific area of the body. The area of treatment is exposed to a specific pattern of multi-wavelength light which may have an added infusion of a particular wavelength from a unique non-collimated laser rod optical insertion. The light is generated by specific gas mixture multiple flashlamps that allow simultaneous, overlap, or consecutive firing with quasi-logarithmic spacing between pulses. Pre/Post low level optical heating increases lesion temperature to optimize pulsed treatment. The optimum fixed specific wavelength distribution pattern allows the treatment of various skin conditions by adjusting the intensity of light, and delay between pulses. The need for skin cooling and damage to skin treatment areas is eliminated by the quasi-logarithmic pulse spacing in conjunction with optimum length and characteristic shape of the individual pulses of light.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used to stimulate and/or restore hair growth in areas of hair loss. Methods and compositions relating to PDT treatment for alopecia are disclosed. In light of PDT use to remove unwanted hair by inactivating or destroying hair follicles or destroying the tissue feeding the hair follicles, such methods and compositions relate to a surprising and unexpected discovery. PDT permits a means to treat conditions relating to hair loss such as androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata and drug-induced alopecia.

Abstract: A device for irradiating tissue includes a fluorescent element for receiving pump radiation and responsively emitting radiation having different spectral characteristics than the pump radiation. A redirector receives emitted radiation promulgated in a direction away from a tissue target and redirects the radiation toward the target. The pump radiation may be supplied, for example, by a flashlamp or frequency-doubled neodymium-doped laser. Use of the device provides an inexpensive and effective alternative to conventional dye laser-based systems for various medical therapies, including treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions, tattoo and hair removal, and photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Abstract: Therapeutic devices and methods for applying therapy. In an exemplary embodiment, a therapeutic device generally includes one or more light sources for emitting therapeutic light. The therapeutic device can also include means for applying hot therapy and/or cold therapy to a user's body when the therapeutic device is positioned on the user's body. The therapeutic device can further include a massager and/or an adhesive bandage strip for attaching the lighted therapeutic device to the user's body.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

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: An apparatus for aesthetic manipulation of the skin having a large pulsator with plurality of light emitting diodes of at least two different wavelengths and a small pulsator with one light emitting diode is disclosed. A frequency modulator automatically modulates the emitting frequency of the tight emitting diodes to a plurality of different frequencies. A power output modulator is provided to modulate the power output of the light emitting diodes. A phase switching subsystem allows selection between a plurality of operating phases, each operating phase operating the frequency modulator and power output modulator in a different predetermined manner. Calibration subsystem connected in circuit with the light emitting diodes calibrates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A vibrator is provided to vibrate the large pulsator. A vibration switching subsystem selectively activates the vibrator.

Abstract: A leg tanning apparatus including a tanning module and a support module. The tanning module has a length that is on the order of a length of legs on a human body. The tanning module includes an outer shell and a plurality of tanning bulbs that are mounted in the outer shell. The plurality of bulbs are capable of emitting ultraviolet light. The support module maintains the tanning module at an acute angle.

Abstract: A method of prevention and treatment of microbial infections that occur on, or just below, the skin and nails consisting of the application of electromagnetic radiation to an infected area of skin or nails for a time and at a proximity and intensity sufficient to render the microbes substantially inactivated and incapable of reproducing.

Abstract: A scanning optical system for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be treated is cooperative with a lightguide or optical fiber. Radiation to be delivered is provided by a source thereof via the optical fiber. The optical system includes an optical projection arrangement comprising a plurality of lenses cooperatively arranged with the lightguide. A first of the lenses is arranged to receive radiation emerging from the lightguide. The beam of radiation is passed through the projection arrangement to form a treatment spot the radiation on the tissue. Scanning is effected by causing relative motion between the exit-end of said lightguide and at least the first lens, transverse to the optical axis of the projection arrangement. The treatment spot undergoes a related transverse motion over the tissue. In one example scanning is effected by moving the first lens with the lightguide fixed. The first lens is moved using an arrangement of piezo-electric actuators.

Abstract: A cover equipped to hold three pairs of ultraviolet tanning lamps is pivotally attached to a base in which the ballasts, starters, timer and other electrical equipment for energizing the lamps are housed. A transparent acrylic bezel is provided for each pair of tanning lamps to protect the user's feet. A pair of ankle receiving openings are provided in the cover, and a foot-receiving platform is provided in the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rectangular frame arrangement with one to two discoid radiation filters, as well as to a tanning module having such a frame arrangement. The rectangular frame arrangement has four corners and four lateral edges and, on a first lateral edge at least a first spring clip, and on a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge at least a second spring clip, the first and the second spring clip being joined together by at least one lateral bar, and at least the first spring clip being U-shaped with a first body portion, a first upper projection and a first bottom projection, a first radiation filter being arranged in a first marginal area between the at least one lateral bar and the first lower projection.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which is therapeutically beneficial to the well-being of living organisms such as humans, animals, and/or plant life, using photon or light waves. The device is intended to lie against the skin or surface, near the skin/surface, and/or from a distance ranging up to several feet from the skin/surface. The device is intended to be used for: general relaxation and detoxification of an organism; stimulating the healing process in an organism which is ill, diseased or injured; aiding in the elimination of pain and inflammation in an organism; stimulating/sedating the acupressure meridian system of an organism and rebalancing the electromagnetic energy-field surrounding the organism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treatment of skin disorders. More particularly, the disclosed invention is directed toward the treatment of acne and acne scarring by treating sebaceous oil glands and the surrounding tissue with an exogenous chromophore composition and then exposing the target tissue to visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light to inhibit the activity of the oil gland and eliminate acne bacteria. The treatment method of the present invention may be futher augmented by enhancing the penetration of the topical composition into the oil gland and surrounding tissue through the use of procedures including enzyme peeling, microderm abrasion, or ultrasound.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides flat panel or planar lamps suitable to be placed in a body illuminating device and emitting fluorescent, ultraviolet radiation such that a person or user may be exposed to electromagnetic radiation suitable for tanning. In preferred embodiments, the invention includes a tanning device or system comprising at least one fluorescent, ultraviolet emitting planar lamp, and in certain embodiments the system uses an array of fluorescent, ultraviolet emitting planar lamps. In certain preferred embodiments, the lamp comprises at least one planar surface made of a material substantially transparent to ultraviolet radiation. A fluorescent or phosphor material is applied to the planar surface. An envelop is hermetically sealed over the planar surface to define a sealed volume containing the fluorescent material. A gas is dispersed within the volume, wherein the gas interacts with the fluorescent material when electrically excited to emit ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: An LED fixation device that is secured to a patient's face and covers the patient's fellow eye during eye surgery to provide a lighted fixation target. The fixation device includes an eye shield, a battery, a switch and an LED light source secured to the eye shield. The light source is switched on, and the patient is directed to look at the light source during the surgical procedure. The eye shield can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic and paper, and can be disposable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tanning module with optimized guidance of the cooling air, having a housing, a three-dimensional reflector, and at least one windowpane-shaped radiation filter. The housing has on the side of the housing opposite the radiation filter the shape of a gable roof, a hip roof, or a false hip roof, the roof ridge being flattened and facing away from the radiation filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the phototherapy of different skin conditions, particularly acne vulgaris and seborrhea. The invention consists of a combined treatment with violet/blue light source with a spectral emission in the range of 405-440 nanometer and possible additional spectral bands in the green and red part of the spectrum and the topical application of oxygen transporting compounds, and/or a methylene blue solution. The apparatus includes at least one narrow spectral band light source with spectral emittance concentrated in the violet/blue spectral band and an optical system for controlling spectra and beam parameters of said light source and a mechanical fixture for holding the said light source at an adjustable distance and direction related to the skin treated area, and an electronic unit to control the duration and power and spectral bands of the emitted radiation.

Abstract: A system and method for the light activation of healing processes uses a light source that is directed onto the body of a subject. The light source may generate monochromatic light and/or coherent light. The subject is positioned within a chamber having interior reflective surfaces that permit the reflection of photonic energy emitted from the body of the subject to be reflected back to the subject. The light source activates the photonic emission process. In an alternative embodiment, reflective surfaces may be brought into proximity or into direct contact with the subject and the light source directed onto the subject. The light source may be held in fixed position with respect to the subject or moved so as to be directed to an area of the subject. The light source may have a fixed intensity or varying intensity, such as by pulsing or modulating light source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rectangular frame system with one to two discoid radiation filters, as well as a tanning module with such a frame system. The rectangular frame system has an upper plate, a lower plate and two to three margin members, two margin members being opposite one another and joining the upper plate to the lower plate, the upper plate having a first opening whose perimeter describes a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle or a polygon, and the lower plate has a rectangular second opening, the second opening having a greater area than the first opening, and at least two double spring clips are arranged at the two opposite margin members, which border on side of the frame system at which no margin member is provided, such that between the lower plate and the double spring clips a first radiation filter is clamped.

Abstract: A tanning bed formed a plurality of modular components that are integrated in a knock-down fashion that allows easy shipment of tanning beds in less than complete form, but allows the rapid assembly without the need of special training or tools.

Abstract: A decal for tanning a body part over the course of a series of tanning sessions. The tanning decal has a first transparent sheet and a second opaque sheet having a design. In a first exemplary embodiment, the second sheet is removably adhered to the first sheet so that the first sheet can be removed from the second sheet for tanning the design on the body part. In a second exemplary embodiment, the second sheet is adhered to or formed into the first sheet so that it can be left on the body part for tanning the design on the body part. Methods for tanning the body part using the first and second exemplary embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An infrared ray generating unit for sauna facility is provided. The unit includes a heater that generates a first infrared ray, a first reflector that surrounds the heater in a half circle, and a second reflector behind the first reflector. The first reflector has a reflecting layer and an infrared ray generating layer that is laminated to the reflecting layer. The reflecting layer reflects the first infrared ray. The reflecting layer is heated by heat transferred from the heater, and in turn, transfers heat to the infrared ray generating layer, and the infrared ray generating layer generates a second infrared ray with the heat transferred from the reflecting layer. The second reflector reflects the second infrared ray.

Abstract: A UV treatment comprises an upper case 2 of a size allowing right and left feet to be placed thereupon, a bottom case 2 that supports the upper case 2, and a cover 3 attached to the upper case 2. Two front position UV radiation ports 10L and 10R that open in the up-down direction are provided on both the right and left sides at the front of the upper case 2. Central UV radiation ports 15L and 15R that open in the left and right direction are provided in the left-right direction center toward the back of the upper case 2. UV lamps 20L and 20R are disposed on the bottom case 3 in positions corresponding to the front position UV radiation ports 10L and 10R, and a UV lamp 20 is disposed at a position corresponding to the central UV radiation ports 15L and 15R. When left and right feet are placed above the front radiation ports 10L and 10R of the upper case 2, both the front of a foot and the inner sole can be irradiated simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for regenerating and retaining hair wherein one or more regions of the scalp of a human head may be selectively and repeatedly exposed to low-level light (“LLL”) having a wavelength between about 400 nm and about 1000 nm and delivering an irradiance between about 100 mJ/cm2 and about 900 mJ/cm2 over variable exposure times. The LLL is emitted from a light source disposed upon a head covering for covering the scalp of a human head, and is directed toward the scalp when the head covering is worn upon the head. The head covering may be worn alone in one of several embodiments, or it may be disposed within one of several secondary means for covering a human head. The light source is chosen from the group consisting of light-emitting diodes, light-emitting diode arrays, laser diodes, laser diode arrays, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the event of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity.

Abstract: A light-ray therapeutic apparatus having: a xenon illuminating lamp including a lamp body, a lamp holder provided in the lamp body, a xenon lamp held by the lamp holder, a reflecting mirror for reflecting light emitted from the xenon lamp, and a multilayer film coating-type spectral correction filter provided in a front portion of the lamp body; wherein, of the light from the xenon lamp, energy of ultraviolet rays having a wavelength not longer than 280 nm is cut off by the spectral correction filter, and spectral coincidence in an ultraviolet wavelength range of 280-400 nm, in a visible wavelength range of 380-780 nm, and in an infrared wavelength range of 780-2,500 nm are made 100±30% respectively, while the spectral coincidence is defined as a ratio of relative energy distribution of the light of the xenon lamp to relative energy distribution of the reference sunlight.

Abstract: A balanced blue spectrum therapy lighting fixture is provided. The lighting fixture comprises a light source and a mixture of blue light and white light within the light source having a range between approximately 90% 420-490 nm blue light and approximately 10% white light to approximately 10% 420-490 nm blue light and approximately 90% white light.

Abstract: An irradiation device which is suitable, in particular, in the field of medicine for photodynamic diagnosis or therapy, comprises a plurality of flat luminous segments (1-4) which respectively generate radiation directed towards a particular irradiation surface (A). The individual luminous segments (1-4) are arranged at an angle to one another so that, when the irradiation device is arranged at a particular distance (D) from the irradiation surface (A), the directed radiations of the luminous segments (1-4) overlap essentially fully on this irradiation surface (A). In this way, homogeneous irradiation of the irradiation surface (A) with a high irradiation intensity will be achieved even in the event that each individual luminous segment (1-4) only has a relatively low irradiation intensity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tanning module with optimized guidance of the flow of cooling air, with a housing, a reflector, and at least one discoid radiation filter. The housing has the shape of a quadrilateral pyramid with a rectangular base on a first side opposite the radiation filter and a flattened pyramid apex, the rectangular base facing toward the at least one radiation filter.

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: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the event of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity.

Abstract: A pad like device adapted to be placed over a phototherapy light source contains a medium that provides a comfortable support for a patient during phototherapy treatment and allows a portion of the light emitted by the light source to pass through the pad for phototherapy treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating various dermatalogical conditions using electromagnetic radiation. Particularly preferred are narrowband, multichromatic electromagnetic radiation emitters having a dominant emissive wavelength corresponding to the peak absorption wavelength of the mammalian tissue targetted for treatment. Topical compositions are disclosed for pretreating the targetted tissue to alter the peak absorption wavelength of the tissue.

Abstract: A tanning booth generally has rectangular wall panels, a floor frame, a ceiling frame and a fan that is mounted to the ceiling. The wall panels are interconnected in the shape of a figure-8 in order to form a front section or room defined by front wall panels and a back section or room defined by back wall panels. In use, the front room is a changing area that provides privacy for the user to dress and undress, and the back room is the tanning area. An inside door is provided to separate the front room from the back room. The front section and the back section are each hexagonal-shaped rooms that together form the rough figure-8 shape. Tanning lamps are provided to surround the user in the tanning room. The floor has a pattern of holes that permit air to be drawn through the tanning room by a fan mounted on the ceiling to sufficiently cool the user and lamps during tanning.

Abstract: A method of stimulating the hair follicles of a skin area by radiation of light. The method including the following steps: a. arranging a number of sources of light in a way so as to expose a portion of the area of skin to a field of light in the shape of a band, and b. moving the band shaped field of light repeatedly over the area of the skin to be treated in order to create a pulsating stimulation of the hair follicles of the skin area. The invention also relates to a device useable when carrying out the method.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for the photomodulation of living tissue. When photomodulated, living tissue will exhibit bioactivation or bioinhibition according to the present invention and, when using the disclosed sources of narrowband multichromatic radiation can cause significant dermatologic advantages such as hair removal, hair growth stimulation, wrinkle reduction, acne reduction and scar removal, vitiligo, etc. This invention may be applied to non-dermatological medical treatments including tumor growth inhibition, cell regeneration, the stimulation of tissue in organs, etc.

Abstract: A tanning bed has an array of closely spaced ultraviolet-emitting, fluorescent lamps in which each lamp is longitudinally offset from an adjacent lamp to allow space for grasping of one end to rotate the lamp for removal of the lamp from its sockets.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting overheating in an optical device before harmful consequences, such as severe local heating, can result. In one embodiment of the invention, a blackbody emitter is disposed in close proximity to a therapeutic optical fiber to absorb therapeutic radiation at a fault and re-emit blackbody (infrared) radiation. The emitter can be coupled to the fiber but, during normal operation, lies outside the optical path between the output of the laser radiation and the site of treatment. Systems and catheters incorporating such emitters are also described for effective monitoring of the laser power transmitted along the optical fiber within the phototherapy device.