CA2112132C

CA2112132C - Photodynamic stimulation device

Info

Publication number: CA2112132C
Application number: CA002112132A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Eric Larsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-11-20
Filing date: 1992-11-20
Publication date: 2003-04-01
Anticipated expiration: 2012-11-20
Also published as: CA2112132A1; NO20010373L; NO20010373D0; DE59209638D1; AU2929492A; GR3030199T3; ATE176874T1; EP0568666A1; DK0568666T3; EP0568666B1; CH685148A5; US7033381B1; WO1993009847A1

Abstract

An improved device, which uses cold red and infra-red radiation for the photodynamic stimulation of cells, specially cells of human tissue. The described improved device produces a constant energy radiation by help of semiconductor- and/or laser - diodes, which furthermore radiate light in more separate wavelengths due to a special operation mode. With help of sensors the advanced controller-system is able to test the patients for the needed radiation doses in order to avoid over-stimulation. Furthermore the radiation openings in the applicators are advantageable covered of a polarisation filter, whereby the absorption of the irradiated tissue is increased. The basic equipment consists of a moveable stand, with which machine-applicators are connected with a joint-arm. The machine-applicators are invented for the treatment of large area tissues, for example, the back of humans. The stand freely moveable on wheels consists of a control mechanism, whereby the different needed data for therapy can be adjusted and switched ON and OFF. The moveable stand is also connected with a hand-applicator designed for the treatment of small tissue-areas, e.g.
acupuncture points. Another version of hand-applicator is especially invented for dental treatment, whereby the head-piece of the hand-applicator can be connected with an expander containing an optical fiber.
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Description

PHOTODYNAMIC STIMULATION DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to electro-therapy devices and more particular to devices for photodynamic stimulation of the living cells, in particular human cells of both surface and underlying tissue.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Mitochondria within cells of protozoan and metazoa represent places of energy delivering vesicular respiration. They are moreover capable of synthesizing proteins, because they dispose from the nucleus of their cell an independent, self dependent genetic system of DNA and RNA.
The mitochondria's main function however is vesicular respiration, that is within the cells the transformation either supplied through the blood stream or in some other way of nutrient media and oxygen into energy and endogenous substances, whereby through this transformation, waste products like water, carbon dioxide, alcohol and lactic acid are produced. Of great importance is adenosine-triphosphorus acid (ATP), which is synthesized by the mitochondria into adenosine-diphosphorus acid (ADP) and orthophosphate. Complicated chemical compounds are of great importance as a reaction-catalyser.
Stimulation of the vesicular respiration, especially a stimulation of the ATP
production by cells are used therapeutically, preferably for the promotion of strong use of cell energy in the healing processes and by reduction of weight, healing of wounds and a reduction of pain sensitivity due to an illness or weakness caused by hypopolarisation or depolarization of the cell membrane. In general, weakening of cells caused by an increase of vesicular respiration due to stress, illness or by old age can be counteracted. In order to make a stimulation of the mitochondria possible through optic radiation, you have to fulfill two conditions.
First the radiation has to have a certain wave-length and secondly the radiation must consist of a certain pulse-frequency, which is able to induce the stimulation needed to penetrate a thick cross section of tissue. From the stimulating radiation it is furthermore required, that it neither causes any damage to the irradiated tissue nor pain.
A device is known (Pat.DE-U-8813852/Normed.E.Larsen), which uses infrared radiation for the photodynamic stimulation of energy in living cells, in particular not vegetable cells at the surface and especially not underlying tissues. The device consists of a supply- and control - mechanism and an applicator, on which infra-red radiation from 900 run ( 1 nm = 1 nanometer) radiating IR
(infra-red) semiconductor diodes are mounted with reflectors for the bundling of the IR radiation from the applicator. In this known device, a generator containing a controller mechanism supplies the semiconductor diodes with current-pulses of a certain frequency within the range of 500-5000 Hz. A disadvantage of the known device is, that the semiconductor diodes during use are overheated, which causes a decrease in the effectiveness of the device. The known device does not deliver a constant effect during use. Another disadvantage is that only infra-red radiation within a range of 900 nm is available. A decrease in effect and radiation within only one wavelength-range lessens the therapeutic possibilities of the device.
Considering that the inventor has tried to develop a device for the photodynamic energy stimulation of living cells, which during use produces a constant effect and for the expansion of the therapeutic possibilities, radiates a cold IR (infra-red) radiation of at least 2 wavelength - ranges.
This problem is solved through a type conformable device indications of claim no. l .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is provided an advanced device using red and infra-red radiation of at least two wavelength ranges for the photodynamic stimulation of the cell energy (ATP) in living cells, in particular human cells of both surfaces and underlying tissue. Furthermore, blue light is produced besides the red/infra-red radiation to increase the therapy possibilities with the device.
Stimulation of the vesicular respiration, especially a stimulation of the ATP
production in cells are used therapeutically, preferable for the promotion of strong use of cell energy in the healing processes and by reduction of weight, healing of wounds and a reduction of pain sen-sitivity due to an illness or weakness caused by hypopolarisation or depopolarisation of the cell membrane.
The device consists of a standpillar, with which machine-applicators are connected through a joint-arm. The stand, freely moveable on wheels, consists of control mechanism, whereby the desired therapy data can be adjusted and the device can be switched ON and OFF.
The plain surface applicators can consist of more applicators placed side by side, connected and moveable with each other through hinges, whereby the applicators are suitable for the treatment of large-area tissues, for example, the back of humans.
The applicators contain print-boards mounted with semiconductor diodes and/or laser diodes (in large numbers) and the diodes are mounted with reflectors, which collect the radiation and bundle them in front of the applicator. At least one of the applicators are equipped with sensors for controlling if the amount of radiation is suitable for the patient. The applicator contains a polarisation filter, which is placed directly in front of the diodes. The control mechanism is also connected with a hand-applicator, which is constructed for treatment of small tissue-areas, e.g.
acupuncture points and trigger points (pain points).The hand-applicator includes a cylindrical shaft, to which a head-piece is connected. At the head-piece a print-board is fastened mounted with semiconductor diodes or laser diodes. The light radiation emits from a cleft in the head-piece, which also has a light-radiation opening in the front. In the head-piece, in front of the opening, a lens for the focusing of the light rays and a polarisation filter is placed. A
second version hand-applicator, which is especially invented for dental treatment shows at the front end of the shaft a print-board, where an IR (infra-red) light semiconductor diode or laser diode and a blue light semiconductor diode are placed. The head-piece in front of the print-board can be rotated 180 ° so that the expander, which contains an optical fiber, can be positioned in front of either the one or the other radiation source. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended drawings, wherein:

I

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1: a drawing of the invention conformable device in perspective description, Fig. 1 a: a bloc diagram of the electronic controller mechanism, Fig. 2 a, b, c: details from the machine-applicator of the device conformable to, Fig. 3: a joint-arm used for the movable connection of the machine-applicators.
Fig. 4: a block-circuit diagram of a controller unit, which supplies the applicators.
Fig. 5: a hand-applicator, Fig. 6: an applicator conformable to fig. 5 with an axial light-emission, Fig. 7: an applicator conformable to fig. 5 with a radial light emission, Fig. 8: an applicator with a rotary headpiece, Fig. 9: details of a print-board for the applicator conformable to fig. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
According to fig. 1 the invention-conformable developed device 10 for the energy stimulation of cells consists of a moveable stand 11, with which machine-applicators 13 (in the following just called applicators 13) are connected through a joint-arm 12. The moveable stand is also connected by an electric circuit 14 with hand-applicator 15. The moveable stand 11, freely movable on wheels, consists of control mechanism 16 (described in fig.4), whereby the function of the control mechanism 16 can be adjusted and switched ON/OFF at a control-board 30 (also called description-equipment 30).
The fig. 2a, 2b and 2c show plain surfaced applicators 13, which can be used in the working model according to fig. 2a to 2c individually, side by side (in large numbers) or in combination with an applicator. According to fig. 2 a , the applicators 13 in the working-model are mounted in a shifting order with semiconductor-diodes 17 and 17a (in the following called diodes), whereby shifting the order of diodes 17 means, that the respective diode 17a of one row is placed at the point of intersection of the two diagonals through the two respective diodes 17, which are placed adjoining on both sides. The diodes 17 and 17a are mounted with reflectors 18, which collect the radiation and bundle them in front of the applicator 13. The applicator contains a polarisation filter, which is placed directly in front of the semiconductor diodes 17 and 17a, whereby the radiation can be better absorbed by the irradiated tissue.
According to fig. 2b and 2c the diodes 17 are placed in regular row-arrangements that is, equidistant to each other, whereby, according to fig. 2c, one applicator 13 additional to the diodes 17 has a light source 19. The diodes 17 radiates light in 3 wavelengths which are 600, 900 and 1200 nm, that is red and infra-red (IR) radiation. The light source 19 formed as a cylinder as well as the diode's 17a (fig. 2a) radiate light with a wavelength of 350-500 nm, that is blue light.

For the treatment of large-area tissues according to fig. 1, more applicators 13 are connected and movable with each other through hinges 10, respectively connecting one edge with the other, whereby the applicators are suitable for the treatment of, for example, the back of humans and so become adjustable for an equidistant positioning of the applicators 13. The joint-arm 12, shown at fig.3, connects one or more applicators) 13 with the moveable stand 11. The joint-arm 12 has three joint-carriers, 21, 22, 23, where the joint-carrier 21, together with the moveable stand 11 and the joint-carrier 23 are moveable at a free end through a fixing joint 24 connected with one or more applicators 13. Another fixing joint 25 connects the joint-carrier 23 with 21, while the joint-carrier 22 is connected with the joint-carrier 21 with a hinge 26. The joint-Garner 21 is connected with the moveable stand 11 through a joint 27. The joint-arm 12 thereby allows the positioning of the applicators 13 in front of, or above, a tissue area keeping a correct positioning distance. The joint-arm 12 also carries the electrical circuits 14 (not further described) from the control mechanism 16, which is integrated in moveable stand 11, to the applicators) 13.
According to fig. 4 the controller mechanism 16 consists of a generator 28, a Timer 29 and a display 30. With help of the generator 28 the current impulses necessary to the production of light are contributed, while over timer 29, all time fixnctions are adjustable, e.g.
the duration of treatment. Display 30 shows desired treatment data, as current pulse-frequency, pulse-length and pulse-amplitude. With help of the controller mechanism 16 the invention-conformable device with reference to length, amplitude and frequency of surge of current is adjustable within a relatively large range, so that the diodes 17, 17a the cylinder 19, as well as laser diodes with the same realization as diode 17, can be used as light-sources. For that purpose the controller mechanism is equipped with a change-over switch for operating either with semiconductor-diodes 17 or with laser diodes.

For the semiconductor diode operating diodes 17 and at the same time the diodes 17a or 19 for blue light, are supplied with current pulse frequencies from 200 to 20'000 Hz with current pulse-lengths between 2 and 200 microseconds, preferably between 2 and 20 microseconds, and current pulse-amplitudes from 12 to 25 Volts. Operating this way overheating is avoided because of the short current pulse-lengths, therefore operation with a constant effect is possible. At the same time you get, at each diode, 17 simultaneous light emissions within the three separate wavelengths 600, 900 and 1200 nm. Through a simultaneous stimulation of the blue-light diode's 17a, and 19, there are four radiation's with wavelengths of 350-500 nm (blue-light) as well as 600, 900 and 1200 nm which is available for therapeutic use. Light within the range of blue light stimulates activities within the cells and through that the regeneration of fatigued and sick tissue, especially the decomposition of fatty deposits during weight reduction therapy. The main radiation comes from the infrared semiconductor diodes 17. Radiation within the range of 600 nm stimulates above all the vesicular respiration of the upper tissue, while the radiation within the range of 900 nm causes a stimulation of cells from the tissue surface down to about 70 mm in the deeper lying tissue. The radiation within the range of 1200 penetrates even deeper into the tissue and stimulates especially the water-absorption in a living organism.
For the second operating mode the laser operating mode, laser diodes work as light sources 17 supplied with current pulses with a frequency from 200 and 20'000 Hz, a current pulse-length between 2 and 200 nanoseconds, preferable between 2 and 20 nanoseconds, and a current pulse-amplitude from 40 to 400 Volts. A monochromatic laser with a wavelength in the range from 800-980 nm is produced (depending of the choice of laser-diode type), it has the same therapeutic effect as light with the same wavelength produced by semiconductor-diodes 17, as long as the laser operating-mode keeps the current pulse-length for the photodynamic bio-stimulation within a range of 2-200 nanoseconds. Adjustment to short pulse-lengths within the range of 2 to 20 nanoseconds combined with a high operating-potential, results in a double-photon radiation of the laser diode, which again causes a blue-light radiation within the wavelength-range of 350-500 nm.
With the help of this two-photon tool in the right infra-red range the relatively large energy of the blue-light, which normally is akeady absorbed at the skin s surface, can be transported much deeper down into the tissue. During the absorption of the double-photons ( 2,8 e.v.) cytochromes within the range of blue-light are made active. Moreover the double-photons stimulate the activity of the chymotrypsin-enzymes.
The applicators 13, according to the fig. 2a, 2b and 2c are equipped with sensors 32 arranged between diodes 17, the semiconductor- or the laser- diode 17. For therapeutic causes it is, for example intended to insert a given amount of energy ( Joule/ per cm2 ) per irradiated surface of tissue, which can be adjusted at the controller mechanism 16. Sensors 32 measure the amount of energy, adjusted in advance, partly radiated away from the skin-surface. The amount of energy, adjusted in advance, minus the amount of energy radiated away from the skin-surface, gives the total energy, which penetrates into the tissue. Individual from patient to patient this amount of energy has to be increased by the irradiated amount of energy, so that the correct amount of therapeutic energy ( Joule/cm2 ) reaches the tissue.
An increase of the registered amount of energy can be achieved by the invention-conformable device by increasing the operating-potential (pulse-amplitude) or the pulse-frequency and/or a prolonging of the duration of the treatment time through an adjustment of the controller-mechanism 16.
While the applicators 13 according to fig.'s 2a, 2b and 2c, are constructed for the treatment of larger tissue-areas, the hand-applicator's 15a, 15b according to figs. 5 and 8 are constructed for the treatment of small tissue-areas.

The hand-applicator 15a includes a cylindrical shaft 34, to which a headpiece 35 is connected. At the head-piece 35 a print-board 36 is fastened with light sources mainly from semiconductor-diodes 17 (not described). At the print-board 36 there can also be placed a blue light semiconductor-diode 17a, which is stimulated in the same way as the diodes of the applicators 13, so that light 38 of wavelength from 400, 600, 900 and 1200 manometers is available, and according to fig. 7, radiates from a cleft 37 in the head-piece. For the polarisation of the light rays, a polarisation filter 41 is placed in front of the print-board 36, the use of the polarisation filter has the advantage, that the radiation can be better absorbed by the treated tissue. The head-piece 35 also has a radiation opening in the front 39. In headpiece 35, in front of the opening 39, a lens for the focussing of the light rays 30 and a polarisation filter 41 is placed, whereby a light source (not described), according to fig. 6, radiates light 38 in an axial direction through lens 40 and polarisation filter 41. The device with this kind of light 38 emission is especially designed for the treatment of small tissue-areas, e.g. acupuncture points.
Fig. 8, in connection with fig. 9, describes a hand-applicator 15b, which is especially invented for dental treatment. The applicator 1 Sb shows at the front end of the shaft 42 a print-board 43, where an IR semiconductor diode ( IR infrared light) 44 and a semiconductor diode ( blue light ) 45 are placed, where the diode 44 is stimulated to the radiation of light with the described three wavelengths and the diode 45 is stimulated to radiation of the described wavelength range of 350 -500 mm. In front of the print-board 43 a head-piece 46 is placed, connected with a 47 fastened hollow expander, in which an optical fibre is sealed (not described). The head-piece 46 is in front of the print-board 43 so it can be rotated 180°, so that the expander 47 can be positioned in front of either the diodes 44 or 45. If the expander 47 is positioned for example in front of the diode 44, light with the wavelengths 600, 900 and 1200 manometer is transmitted through the optical fibre in expander 47 and finally hits the tissue, e.g. gum tissue, through which painful gingival diseases can be eliminated. Through a positioning of the expander 47 in front of the blue light semiconductor-diode 45, blue light is conducted through the expander 47, with which plastic fillings in teeth can be hardened. It is obvious that the light rays with this form of executism can also be conducted through polarisation filters. Furthermore, the two hand applicators are equipped with sensors 32 for the same purpose as described for the applicators 13.

Claims

Claims:

1. A device for photodynamic stimulation of human cells comprising:
a base housing containing a control mechanism, a generator to supply pulses at a frequency of between 200 and 20,000 Hz, and a pulse length between 2 and 20 microseconds;
and at least one applicator equipped with at least one pulsed first light source with at least one reflector to focus the output of the first light source;
wherein at least one of the first light sources is a semiconductor diode which emits light of about 900 nanometers, further wherein the generator supplies electrical pulses of 2 to 25 volts to the at least one first light source and the at least one first light source emits light radiation at approximately 600, 900, and 1200 nanometers;
further where the at least one applicator comprises several single applicators connected together with hinges so as to be adjustable at angles with respect to each other.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein further at least one of the first light sources is a semiconductor diode which emits blue-light radiation in the range of 350 to 500 nanometers.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein further at least one of the first light sources is a tube which emits blue-light radiation in the range of 350 to 500 nanometers.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one applicator comprises sensors connected to the control mechanism for measurement of reflected light for feedback control and automatic adjustment.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one applicator is mounted to the base housing by means of a movable-joint arm.

6. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a hand-held applicator comprising at least one second light source and at least one light outlet.

7. A device according claim 6, wherein the hand-held applicator is equipped with a shaft and a head and a print-board equipped with semiconductor diodes.

8. A device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one light outlet is equipped with a mounted lens.

9. A device according to claim 7 wherein:
at least a first semiconductor diode on the print board radiates red and infrared light at wavelengths of approximately 600, 900, and 1200 nanometers;
at least a second semiconductor diode on the print board radiates blue light in the range of approximately 350 to 500 nanometers;
the head comprises an expander rotatable to selectably conduct blue light or red and infrared light to said at least one light outlet.

10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the expander includes a fiber optic cable.

11. A device for photodynamic stimulation of human cells comprising:
a base housing containing a control mechanism, a generator to supply pulses at a frequency of between 200 and 20,000 Hz; and at least one applicator equipped with at least one pulsed first light source with at least one reflector to focus the output of the first light source;
wherein at least one of the first light sources is a laser diode which emits light of about 900 nanometers, further wherein the generator supplies electrical pulses of 40 to 400 volts to the at least one first light source with a pulse length of 2 to 20 nanoseconds to stimulate double photon release;
further where the at least one applicator comprises several single applicators connected together with hinges so as to be adjustable at angles with respect to each other.

12. A device according to claim 11, wherein further at least one of the first light sources is a laser diode which emits blue-light radiation in the range of 350 to 500 nanometers.

13. A device according to claim 11, wherein further at least one of the first light sources is a tube which emits blue-light radiation in the range of 350 to 500 nanometers.

14. A device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one applicator comprises sensors connected to the control mechanism for measurement of reflected light for feedback control and automatic adjustment.

15. A device according to claim 11, wherein the at least one applicator is mounted to the base housing by means of a movable-joint arm.

16. A device according to claim 11, further comprising a hand-held applicator comprising at least one second light source and at least one light outlet.

17. A device according claim 16, wherein the hand-held applicator is equipped with a shaft and a head and a print-board equipped with laser diodes.

18. A device according to claim 16, wherein the at least one light outlet is equipped with a mounted lens.

19. A device according to claim 17 wherein:
at least a first laser diode on the print-board radiates red and infrared light at wavelengths of approximately 600, 900, and 1200 nanometers;
at least a second laser diode on the print-board radiates blue light in the range of approximately 350 to 500 nanometers;
the head comprises an expander rotatable to selectably conduct blue light or red and infrared light to said at least one light outlet.

20. A device according to claim 19, wherein the expander includes a fiber optic cable.