1. Field of the Invention
This disclosure is generally related to medicinal or therapeutic treatment systems, and more particularly to external wearable light therapy treatment systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
Light therapy devices that are intended for home-use typically require the user to accurately position the device, particularly for joint treatments. Light therapy devices often have very localized light sources that require precise positioning, thus requiring placement by highly-trained personnel. These types of devices are not suitable for self-administered light therapy by the average user because it is often difficult to ensure proper compliance, and the average user is not properly trained to administer light therapy. Other types of light devices, such as “light blankets,” do not require accurate placement, but they do not provide sufficient energy to the target for an effective therapeutic treatment.
In one embodiment, this problem is resolved by providing a structure that accommodates a joint of the subject or end user as a self-locating feature, to correctly position an array of lights sources for providing light therapy, for example, for pain relief. The structure may be sized, shaped and/or dimensioned to receive the joint when the joint is partially or fully bent or articulated. Bending the joint (e.g., knee) slightly may also expand the joint and improve the ability of the light to reach the targeted areas. In addition, this allows the targeting of the synovium, a novel target for light therapy for joint pain.
In one embodiment, a light therapy device is coupled to a brace, which conformally receives a joint of the subject, and thereby provides a desired alignment between the light sources and a treatment area. The light therapy patch conforms to a non-planar portion of a subject's body at a treatment site to which the therapy is to be administered. The light therapy patch includes a flexible substrate formed of a dielectric material. Included within the flexible substrate are a plurality of open perforations that extend therethrough to provide ventilation paths enabling movement of air and moisture.
A power source is coupled to the patch for supplying an electrical current at a desired voltage to a plurality of flexible conductive traces that are applied to at least one surface of the flexible substrate. The flexible conductive traces define an electrical circuit for conveying an electrical current provided by the power source to portions of the flexible substrate. A plurality of light emitting sources are mounted to the flexible substrate in a spaced-apart array and are electrically coupled to the conductive traces to receive the electrical current. The electrical current energizes the plurality of light emitting sources so that they emit light to provide the light therapy at the treatment site.
The plurality of conductive traces may be produced by applying a conductive material, media, or fluid (e.g., a conductive ink) to the surface of the flexible substrate. If a conductive fluid is used, the conductive traces may be formed when the conductive fluid sets, becoming a flexible solid.
An adhesive may be provided to secure the flexible substrate to the non-planar portion of the subject's body and/or to the brace or other structure, so that the flexible substrate conforms to the non-planar portion. Adhesive may be applied to a surface of the flexible substrate opposed to the non-planar portion of the subject's body, to adhere the flexible substrate to the brace or other support. Adhesive may also be applied either to the non-planar portion of the subject's body before applying and conforming the flexible substrate to said non-planar portion, or is disposed on a surface of the flexible substrate that faces toward the non-planar portion of the subject's body when the flexible substrate is applied thereto.
Optionally, a light reflective layer disposed over an outwardly facing surface of the flexible substrate is provided to reflect light emitted by the light sources back toward the treatment site. Also, an optically transparent coating is preferably applied over the plurality of light sources mounted on the flexible substrate to provide protection.
The power source may comprise a flexible polymeric battery. A lead connects the flexible polymeric battery to the plurality of conductive traces, and the flexible polymeric battery is carried by the subject separate from the flexible substrate during administration of the light therapy.
The plurality of light emitting sources may emit a broad spectrum light. The plurality of light emitting sources may, for example, take the form of incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, electroluminescent sources, or some type of light emitting diodes, such as polymeric light emitting diodes, organic light emitting diodes, and/or metallic light emitting diodes.
The electrical circuit on the patch may comprise a plurality of parallel circuits conveying the electrical current to groups of the light sources, so that each group is separately energized by the electrical current. A microcontroller may be coupled to the electrical circuit for separately controlling the electrical current supplied to each group of light sources to control an intensity of the light administered to different regions of the treatment site.
Another embodiment is directed to a method of aligning and administering a light therapy to a particular treatment site.
In one embodiment, a device for providing light therapy includes a conformal flexible light emitting patch and a brace or wrap for positioning the conformal flexible light emitting patch with respect to a treatment site. The brace or wrap may, or may not include a hinge, and may or may not include fasteners, for example one or more straps, with or without hook and loop fasteners. The straps can form a mounting system.
In some embodiments, a light therapy treatment system comprises a power source and a wearable positioning structure. The positioning structure is configured to receive a body part and to engage at least one anatomical feature of the body part so as to position itself with respect to the body part. A light emitting system is coupled to the power source. The light emitting system is positioned relative to the positioning structure such that, when the body part is received by the positioning structure and the light emitting system receives energy from the power source, the light emitting system is positioned (e.g., due to engagement between the positioning structure and the at least one anatomical feature) to deliver a therapeutically effective amount of light to a target site in the body part.
In some other embodiments, a treatment system for providing light therapy to a joint of a subject comprises a joint brace including a main body configured to be placed adjacent the joint and an activatable light emitting system coupled to the main body. The light emitting system is capable of delivering a therapeutic amount of light energy to the joint when the main body is placed adjacent the joint.
In other embodiments, a treatment system for providing therapy to a treatment site of a subject is provided. The system comprises a wearable main body configured to be placed at least proximate the treatment site and an activatable light emitting system coupled to the main body. The light emitting system is capable of delivering a therapeutic amount of light energy to the treatment site. The system further includes an activatable non-light penetrating energy system coupled to the main body. The activatable non-light penetrating energy system is capable of delivering a therapeutic amount of non-light energy to the treatment site.
In some embodiments, a method of providing light therapy to at least one target site in a body part of a subject is provided. The method includes determining at least one anatomical feature of the body part based on a location of the at least one target site. The body part is placed in a positioning structure of a therapy treatment system. The positioning structure has a characteristic configuration. The light emitting system of the therapy treatment system is aligned with the at least one target site in the body part by engaging the positioning structure with the at least one anatomical feature of the body part. The light emitting system is operated to deliver a therapeutically effective amount of light to the at least one target site while the positioning structure maintains its characteristic shape to align the light emitting system with the target site.
In some other embodiments, a method of providing light therapy to a joint of a subject is provided. The method includes placing a joint having arthritis in proximity to a wearable therapy treatment system and delivering a dose of high intensity light to the joint. The dose comprises a therapeutically effective amount of high intensity light to substantially inhibit progression of at least one condition associated with arthritis. In some embodiments, the at least one condition can include, without limitation, discomfort, pain, inflammation, warmth, or cartilage damage or destruction. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of high intensity light substantially prevents or reverses the progression of at least one condition associated with arthritis.
In some other embodiments, a method of providing light therapy to a joint of a subject is provided. The method includes delivering a dose of high intensity light to the joint. In some embodiments, the dose comprises a therapeutically effective amount of high intensity light to substantially inhibit progression or to decrease an inflammatory response of at least one condition associated with an inflammation of the joint.
In some other embodiments, a method of providing light therapy to a joint of a subject is provided. The method includes placing a joint in proximity to a wearable therapy treatment system and delivering a dose of high intensity light to the joint. In some embodiments, the dose comprises a therapeutically effective amount of high intensity light to inhibit cartilage destruction. In some embodiments, the dose comprises a therapeutically effective amount of high intensity light to induce cell proliferation in cartilage.
In some embodiments, a light therapy device comprises a conformable light therapy patch and a structure. The light therapy patch includes a substrate sufficiently flexible to conform to a non-planar portion of a subject that is to receive light therapy. A plurality of light emitting sources is coupled to the substrate, and at least one circuit electrically couples at least some of the light sources. The structure is configured to support the conformable light therapy patch while accommodating a joint of a subject that is to receive light therapy.
In yet other embodiments, a method of providing light therapy to a non-planar area of a subject comprises placing a conformable light therapy patch in a support structure. The support structure is secured to the subject with the opposed to the non-planar area of the subject. A plurality of light emitting sources of the conformable patch is operated to deliver light therapy to the non-planar area of the subject.
Noninvasive techniques can treat target sites at different depths and positions in an individual's body. The target sites can include, without limitation, damaged tissue, inflamed tissue, diseased tissues (e.g., cancerous cells), interstitial tissues, epithelial tissues, connective tissues (e.g., blood, cartilage, and/or bone), nerve tissues, or other regions of interest. The target site can be treated with or without using medicaments or treatment agents. For example, the disclosed embodiments can treat joint tissues with or without utilizing photosensitive agents or other energy activated agents. Joint tissue can include, without limitation, bone, cartilage, synovium, capsule, tendon, muscle, ligament, and/or nerve.
Light therapy, however, can involve treatment agents, e.g., photosensitive agents, energy activated agents, and/or drugs and compounds to specific target cells or compositions of a subject or patient. Light or non-light energy (e.g., ultrasonic energy) at a relatively low intensity rate can be administered over a prolonged period of time in order to activate these agents. These sources may achieve maximal cytotoxicity with minimal side effects.
Various types of light therapy treatment systems can be used for diagnostic, therapeutic, cosmetic, or other types of procedures. In some diagnostic applications, the light therapy treatment systems can emit light with a wavelength selected to cause the photo-reactive agent to fluoresce as a means to acquire information about the targeted cells without damaging the targeted cells. In some therapeutic and cosmetic applications, the wavelength of the light delivered to the targeted cells treated with the photo-reactive agent causes the agent to undergo a photochemical reaction with oxygen in the localized targeted cells, to yield free radical species (such as singlet oxygen), which cause localized cell destruction (e.g., cell lysis), size reduction, or necrosis, for example.
A photoreactive or photosensitizing agent having a characteristic light absorption waveband can be administered to the patient, either orally or by injection or even by local delivery to the treatment site. The photoreactive or photosensitizing agent is subsequently selectively absorbed by abnormal tissue much more so than by normal tissue. Once the abnormal tissue has absorbed or linked with the photoreactive or photosensitizing agent, the abnormal tissue can then be destroyed by administering light of an appropriate wavelength or waveband corresponding to the absorption wavelength or waveband of the photoreactive agent.
In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.
In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with light delivery devices, control circuits, power regulators and/or light emitting sources, for example incandescent light sources or light emitting diodes have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further more, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a light emitting patch including “a light source” includes a single light source, or two or more light sources. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein and in the claims, the term “subject” generally refers to any host or animal, and includes, without limitation, mammals, such as horses, dogs, cats, and particularly humans.
The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
The following description relates to treatment systems such as orthopedic appliances used to, for example, support, align, or hold a body part in a desired position. These treatment systems provide light therapy to the body part. Exemplary light therapy treatment systems include, without limitation, braces, supports, footwear, hand protectors, gloves, devices that support joints (e.g., normal and abnormal joints), devices that correct abnormal curves in the spine, devices that provide support to prevent injury or limit pressure on a joint to allow the joint to heal, and the like. For purposes of this description and for clarity, an external light therapy treatment system will be described and then a description of its components and methods of use will follow. Light therapy treatment systems are disclosed in the context of providing light therapy to movable joints because they have particular utility in this context. However, the light delivery systems can be used in other contexts to treat other regions of the body.
Light Therapy Treatment System
To enhance access to internal tissue, for example, within a knee 134, the treatment system 104 is configured to maintain the knee 134 at a predetermined position, or within a predetermined range of positions, to improve the efficacy of the therapy session. The position of the knee 134 can be adjusted to perform different procedures on tissues at different locations. For example, the treatment system 104 can position the knee 134 at a first configuration to perform focused light therapy on cartilage. Another light therapy treatment system can be used to position the knee 134 at a second configuration different than the first configuration to perform focused light therapy on synovial tissue (e.g., the synovial membrane and/or synovial fluid) in the knee 134.
The illustrated treatment system 104 of
Traditional light delivery devices, such as light pads, rely on proper placement by a well-trained user. Additionally, these types of light delivery devices also have a tendency to migrate relative to treatment sites, especially when used for extended periods of time. The treatment system 104, however, conformally accommodates the bent knee 134, with the conformable flexible light emitting system 122 positioned on the front and rear of the knee. The size, shape and dimensions of the treatment system 104 assures that the conformable flexible light emitting system 122 is correctly positioned with respect to the treatment site. The size, shape and dimensions of the treatment system 104 may also ensure that the knee joint 136 is properly bent, neither under, nor over extended.
The self-aligning light apparatus 110 of
With continued reference to
The mounting system 140 is movable between an open position (
Referring to
The light therapy treatment system 104 can securely hold the leg 130 to reduce, limit, or substantially eliminate unwanted movement between the light emitting system 122 and the target sites, thereby minimizing misalignment. In some uses, it is important to keep the light emitting system 122 somewhat fixed relative to a target site for a threshold length of time for an effective treatment session. The mounting system 140 and positioning structure 144 can cooperate to generally fix the light emitting system 122 relative to the target tissue, thus providing an effective treatment session. Additionally, the light emitting system 122 can be pressed against the leg 130 to ensure efficient delivery of light to the treatment sites, as note above.
In the illustrated embodiment of
The illustrated self-aligning light apparatus 110 in
The self-aligning light apparatus 110 can also be used without the support member 118. For example, the light apparatus 110 alone may be used on the subject 100 in a sitting position. Thus, light therapy can be conveniently performed on a subject when the subject is at work, traveling, watching television, or performing other everyday activities.
The light therapy treatment system 104 of
Light therapy can be used to treat various types of conditions, diseases, symptoms, and/or problems to, for example, reduce or alleviate pain for pain management, slow or limit the progression of the condition or disease, promote healing, minimize unwanted symptoms, and the like. In some embodiments, light therapy may be used to cure a disease without any appreciable adverse side effects.
Generally, by using noninvasive light therapy techniques, the light therapy treatment systems disclosed herein can treat target sites at different depths and positions in the subject's body. The target sites can include, without limitation, diseased tissues (e.g., inflamed tissue), interstitial tissues, epithelial tissues, connective tissues (e.g., tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and/or bone), body fluids (e.g., blood), tissue attachments, muscles, nerve tissues, or other regions of interest. A target site can be treated with or without using medicaments or treatment agents.
Treatment parameters for the system 104 can be selected based on the diagnosis of the subject, and may include, without limitation, power density, treatment type, treatment duration or period, depth of penetration, pulse intensity, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, stop-start time, position and orientation of the light emitting system 122, and the like. Additional treatment parameters can also be used.
The controller 114 can be used to set the treatment parameters during the light therapy session. The treatment parameters can be based, at least in part, on dimensions or measurements (e.g., joint size, range of motion, optical measurement of arthritis markers, internal fluid pressures, tissue properties, tissue cartilage hardness, and the like) of the subject 100. Physical measurements can be used to determine an appropriate light therapy routine. Additionally, user feedback (e.g., level of pain or discomfort) can be used to optimize and develop an interactive therapy plan. The appropriate light dosages can also be determined using clinical variables, such as measurements of skin color, distance through tissue to target sites, composition of the tissue (e.g., fat, muscle, bone, etc.), degree of pain, and the like. Time variables can be used in course therapy treatments that require, for example, maintenance of dose.
In some embodiments, the power density in the target tissue can be maintained at or above a threshold level known to have beneficial responses at the target site. Threshold levels can vary for different types of tissues to account for properties (e.g., optical properties) of the tissues. The position of the treatment system 104 can be selected to achieve the power densities in the tissues based on their wavelength absorption properties or other physical characteristics.
Tissue edema (often associated with soft tissue strain, soft tissue stress, arthritis, blunt trauma, or surgical procedures) can be treated with light therapy. In some embodiments, the treatment system 104 can treat joints suffering from arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, mixed connective tissue disease, combinations thereof, and other related conditions or diseases leading to degeneration of a joint or loss of cartilage. Mixed connective tissue diseases include, without limitation, immune-related connective tissue diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis (noted above), scleroderma, and polymyositis. Light therapy can be used to promote cell regeneration or proliferation (e.g., cartilage proliferation), reduce inflammation of the joint, treat energy depleted tissue, and the like. Energy depleted tissue can result from tissue hypoxia, contusions (e.g., subcutaneous contusions), and the like.
Injured or unhealthy soft tissue and muscles can be a source of pain and discomfort. Light therapy can advantageously treat pain and discomfort often associated with, for example, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis (e.g., medial epicondylitis or lateral epicondylitis), tennis elbow, damaged rotator cuff, golfer's elbow, and other related conditions associated with tendons or other connective tissue. Light therapy can be performed either while the subject is active (e.g., playing sports, working, or performing activities that are closely associated with condition or disease) or while the subject is inactive (e.g., sleeping or resting).
In some embodiments, light therapy can be directed to spot inflammation (or a tender spot) often found with carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger point, or other similar conditions. The subject may actively aim the light energy towards the area or region of pain or discomfort. Even if an area or region of pain or discomfort has not been examined by a physician, the subject may still provide therapy that may reduce, limit, or substantially eliminate the pain or discomfort. Because light therapy does not adversely affect healthy tissue, users can employ light therapy to treat conditions, diseases, or symptoms that may not have been identified with a desired degree of certainty.
Light therapy can also be used to treat bones suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta, osteonecrosis, and other bone conditions or diseases reducing bone density, bone strength, and the like. Other known conditions, diseases, or problems can also be treated by using light therapy. The configuration of the light therapy treatment system can be selected based on the body part and type of light therapy to be performed.
With reference again to
The controller 114 of
The controller 114 can accurately control the output of the light emitting system 122 to achieve the desired light energy treatment. As used herein, the term “controller” is a broad term and includes, without limitation, a device or system that can command an electrically powered device. Controllers may include, without limitation, one or more processors, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), microcontroller circuit (see
The controller 114 of
The positioning structure 144 of
The illustrated positioning structure 144 of
The angle α can be selected based on the light therapy to be performed. The angle α can be in the range of about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees. The angle of the knee joint 136 can be between various angles in this range to target different regions of synovial tissue (e.g., the synovial membrane and/or synovial fluid). Such embodiments permit effective delivery of light to deep internal tissues, even tissues surrounding the femur, tibia, fibula, and/or the patella. In some non-limiting embodiments, the angle α is in the range of about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees to preventing locking of the knee 134 in a rigid, straight-leg position. A sufficient amount of blood flow can be maintained in the leg 130 for a long light therapy sessions. In other embodiments, the angle α is in the range of about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees. These embodiments are especially well suited for delivering light to both the periphery of the meniscus and at least one bursa while maintaining the knee 134 at a comfortable position. The subject 100 can use the light therapy treatment system 104 when sitting in a chair, for example. In other embodiments, the angle α is in the range of about 40 degrees to about 70 degrees to advantageously deliver a relatively large amount of light to the inner portion of the meniscus and cartilage and ligaments. Where the meniscus is worn or otherwise damaged, focused light can be delivered to the worn or damaged portions to facilitate tissue regeneration or cell proliferation. In other embodiments, for example, the angle α is in the range of about 70 degrees to about 90 degrees to advantageously deliver light energy to a significant portion of the synovial fluid and/or synovial membrane and cartilage and ligaments. An appropriate treatment position of the leg 130 can be selected based on the tissue to be treated.
Other angles α are also possible to obtain the desired optical access to internal tissues of interest. In some embodiments, the angle α is equal to or greater than about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 15 degrees, about 20 degrees, about 25 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees. The rate of energy delivery can be adjusted based on the position of the knee 134 and the position of the targeted tissue in the knee 134. In some embodiments, the knee is at full knee flexion during light therapy.
Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the positioning structure 144 has a generally semi-circular axial cross-sectional profile. The positioning structure 144 includes a pair of sidewalls 182, 184 and a curved base member 186 extending between lower ends of the sidewalls 182, 184. An upper surface 183 (
To provide the desired level of joint fixation, the positioning structure 144 can be configured to closely receive the leg 130. For example, the pair of sidewalls 182, 184 are spaced sufficiently apart to receive the leg 130 of the subject 100, and when the mounting system 140 is in the closed position, the two sidewalls 182, 184 are sufficiently proximate to secure the positioning structure 144 to the leg 130.
One or more metals (e.g., aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, and the like), plastics, polymers, composites, combinations thereof, or other similar materials can be used to form the illustrated positioning structure 144. In some embodiments, the positioning structure 144 is made of polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane, combinations thereof, and other polymers suitable for contact the subject's skin. One of ordinary skill in the art can select the materials to form a semi-rigid or rigid positioning structure 144.
In alternative embodiments, the positioning structure 144 can be in the form or one or more rods (e.g., flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid rods), stiffeners, or other elongated members that can position the leg 130 as desired. Mounting systems can couple such positioning structures to the leg 130.
The light emitting system 122 may have a posterior light system 190 and an anterior light system 192 for delivering light to and through a posterior portion and anterior portion, respectively, of the leg 130. The anterior light system 192 includes a lower light emitting patch 200 and an upper light emitting patch 202, each coupled to a face of the knee strap system 146 facing the positioning structure 144. As shown in
The illustrated elongate strip-like lower and upper light emitting patches 200, 202 are adapted to conform closely to contours of the skin, even non-planar regions of skin. The term “patch” is broadly construed to include, without limitation, a somewhat flat device or system capable of covering an area of skin, whereby that device or system, when energized, can deliver a selected amount of light (e.g., a therapeutically effective amount of light) to at least one target site. In some embodiments, the patch can be twisted, bent, folded, or otherwise manipulated into a desired configuration. Such flexible, conformable patches can accommodate various portions of the subject's body to perform phototherapy on different target sites. A highly flexible patch can conform closely to highly contoured portions of the subject's body and, consequently, can provide efficient light transmission to the body. The patches disclosed herein can be replaced or combined with other types of energy sources, arrays of light sources, lasers, single light sources, and the like, but these alternative light sources may not provide an effective light distribution as compared to light emitting patches. In some embodiments, patches can be semi-rigid or rigid. A rigid patch can have a preset shape for providing support to a body part.
The patches 200, 202 can be generally similar to each other and, accordingly, the following description of one of the patches applies equally to the other, unless indicated otherwise. The patches 200, 202, in some embodiments, can be generally similar to or the same as the patches discussed in connection with embodiments described below.
With respect to
The leg 130 shown in
Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 5, the posterior light system 190 includes a pair of light emitting patches 250, 252 and a base member 258 (
In some alternative embodiments, the posterior light system 190 can have a single continuous light emitting patch that extends continuously along the length of the base member 258. The number, sizes, shapes, and positions of the light emitting patches can be selected based on the number, sizes, shapes, and positions of the target sites.
The illustrated base member 258 fixedly couples the pair of patches 250, 252 to the upper surface 183 of the positioning structure 144. The base member 258 can be a substantially rigid mounting structure that limits or substantially prevents movement of the patches 250, 252 relative to the positioning structure 144. In some other embodiments, the base member 258 is a flexible mounting structure that provides a relatively large amount of movement of the patches 250, 252 relative to the positioning structure 144. Other types of coupling arrangements can also be used. The patches 250, 252, for example, can be directly coupled to the positioning structure 144 with fasteners (e.g., screws, nut and bolt assemblies, and the like), rivets, staples, adhesives, bonding agents, or other suitable coupling means.
In some embodiments, the light emitting system 122 may not include the posterior light system 190. The anterior light system 192 alone may be able to effectively treat the leg 130. Alternatively, the light emitting system 122 may not include the anterior light system 192. For example, the light emitting system 122 may include only the posterior system 190 for highly localized therapy on the posterior region of the leg 130.
The patches disclosed herein can include an array of light sources, such as an array of diodes. Edge emitting LEDs, surface emitting LEDs, super luminescent LEDs, laser diodes, or other suitable light energy sources can be used. Patches or other light sources disclosed herein can emit appropriate wavelength(s) or waveband(s) suitable for treating the patient, with or without using a treatment agent, as noted above. If a treatment agent (e.g., a photo-reactive or photosensitive agent) is utilized, the light therapy is performed with radiation wavelength(s) or waveband(s) that correspond with, or at least overlap with, the wavelength(s) or waveband(s) that excite or otherwise activate the target tissue. The light therapy can be performed with or without photosensitive agents. If photosensitive agents are administered in conjunction with the light therapy, the photosensitive agents can often have one or more absorption wavelengths or wavebands that excite them to produce substances which damage, destroy, or otherwise treat target tissues of the patient.
For example, the patch 200 of
The light emitting patches disclosed herein can have any number of light sources. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment of
In some embodiments, the light emitting patch 200 can output energy at energy levels equal to or greater than about 1 J/cm2, 5 J/cm2, 10 J/cm2, 20 J/cm2, 30 J/cm2, 40 J/cm2, 50 J/cm2, or ranges encompassing such energy levels. The intensity of the outputted energy can be equal to or greater than about 5 mW/cm2, 20 mW/cm2, 50 mW/cm2, or ranges encompassing such intensities. The intensity of the outputted energy can be equal to or greater than about 50 mW/cm2, 100 mW/cm2, 125 mW/cm2, 150 mW/cm2 or ranges encompassing such intensities. In yet other embodiments, the light emitting patch 200 outputs a high power density equal to or greater than about 160 mW/cm2, 180 mW/cm2, or 200 mW/cm2. The number and position of the light sources 220 can be selected based on, for example, the desired energy output levels and light distribution.
With continued reference to
An optional protective layer 234 can encapsulate the light sources 220, and can be optically transparent in order to transmit light generated by the light sources 220 to the protective layer 234 which, in turn, transmits the light to the subject. Various types of optically transparent materials can form the protective layer 234. Where the patch 200 is applied to a highly contoured region of a body part, the protective layer 234 can comprise a flexible material such that the patch 200 can conform closely to the highly contoured region, as noted above. The material(s) forming the patch 220 can be selected to achieve the desired structural properties, thermal properties, electrical properties, optical properties, wear characteristics, and durability.
Alternatively, the light sources 220 of
Various types of wire bonding techniques can interconnect the light sources 220 of
In some methods of using the treatment system 104, the system 104 can be configured to self-align to improve the accuracy of light delivery. Generally, the light therapy treatment system 104 can interact with the body part 130 to align the light emitting system 122 with the target site. In some embodiments, at least one anatomical feature or locator of the body part 130 is identified based on the location of the target site in the subject. Once a target site is determined, a corresponding anatomical feature can be identified and used for locating the light therapy treatment system 104. The body part 130 of the subject 100 is then placed in the positioning structure 144. The light emitting system 122 is aligned with the target site in the body part 130 by engaging the positioning structure 144 with the at least one anatomical feature. The emitting system 122 is then operated to deliver a therapeutically effective amount of light to the target site.
A variety of anatomical features of the leg 130 can be used to assist in the placement of the treatment system 104. Anatomical features can include, without limitation, joint motion, concave or convex surfaces, depressions, bend points, protruding features (e.g., protruding bones such as patella or fibula), physical relationships between body parts (e.g., the lower leg and thigh), and the like. Tapered or narrowed regions of the body are anatomical features that are especially well suited for receiving a mounting system 140. Other types of irregular surfaces or features on the subject can function as locators.
The joint motion and mechanical features of the light therapy treatment system 104 can be linked to assist in the placement and orientation of the light emitting system 122. The mechanical features can be anatomical feature locators, such as a conformable light patches or other structures, suitable for engaging the subject 100. Various types of mechanical features of the treatment system 104 can physically contact the subject 100 to facilitate proper positioning.
Once worn, the treatment system 104 is configured to maintain proper positioning with respect to the leg 130 before, during, and/or after the phototherapy procedure. The treatment system 104 can interact with one or more anatomical features to limit or substantially prevent unwanted migration of the light emitting system 122 relative to the target sites, thereby ensuring properly light delivery to the target sites. As noted above, the light therapy treatment system 104 can function as fixation device for generally fixating the knee joint 136. For example, the illustrated light therapy treatment system 104 of
It is anticipated that the treatment system 104 would be worn for greater than about 10 minutes. In some embodiments, the light therapy can be last about 10 to about 30 minutes. The therapy can be repeated once or twice a day, or 2-3 three times per week. In some treatment programs, therapy can be delivered for a treatment period in the range of about 15 minutes to about 30 minutes. This therapy can be performed once a day for about 2 weeks to about 3 weeks. If needed, the therapy can be performed multiple times a day (e.g., twice a day). The method of applying energy over an extended duration, rather than in discrete daily treatment sessions, may offer benefits. Typically, light therapy is delivered in a single dose which is repeated daily or 2-3× per week.
In some embodiments, the treatment system can deliver light at a high power density in the range of about 10 mW/cm2 to about 200 mW/cm2. Relatively large areas of tissue can be covered as compared to the prior art. For example, the treatment systems may be able to provide an area of coverage in the range of about 30 cm2 to about 100 cm2. Where the treatment system is used to treat a joint, a large portion or the entire synovium can be illuminated for a rapid and effective treatment.
The total energy delivered to the target site can be relatively high. In some embodiments, for example, the total energy delivered to the target site can be equal to or greater than about 200 J. In some embodiments, the total energy delivered to the target site is in the range of about 200 J to about 3000 J. In some embodiments, the total energy delivered to the target site is equal to or greater than about 1000 J.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) use has raised concerns over possible dangerous complications such as GI bleeding, liver damage, and increased risk of major cardiovascular complications like stroke or heart attack. Individuals may be unable to take anti-inflammatory pills due to their unfavorable side effects. People are increasingly looking for alternate therapies and treatments. Studies have shown the use of offloading knee braces for treatment in knee osteoarthritis (OA) can relieve or reduce the pain. While the use of an offloading knee brace may help alleviate the pain and possibly slow the progression of knee OA it has not been shown to provide healing properties. A unique method to provide reduction in pain, better mobility, and healing of the knee OA is to combine the offloading brace with a light therapy device. The light therapy device (e.g., conformable flexible light emitting patch) is incorporated into the offloading knee braces, which provides support to the joint while the integrated light therapy device can provide automated treatment at the injury site. The light therapy treatment system 140 may be battery powered and microprocessor controlled to provide treatment at specified intervals to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing of the injury, as noted above.
It is noted that the light therapy treatment system 104 has a characteristic shape that conforms to the knee when it is bent at a specific angle. The light therapy treatment system 104 may be designed to accommodate an angle to accommodate optimum joint access. The conformable flexible light emitting system 122 is integrated into the light therapy treatment system 104 to provide light at a precise location. These concepts can be applied to other types of orthopedic appliances.
Traditional light therapy systems do not effectively delivery a therapeutic dose of light to these types of target sites because they merely emit a low density uniform light field. Thus, high intensity light is not aimed and delivered to specific target sites that cause or contribute to problems associated with arthritis or other unwanted conditions, diseases, or symptoms of the joints. The illustrated light emitting system 122 is positioned to delivery a therapeutically effectively amount of light to these important target sites to noticeably reduce symptoms associated with arthritis and may, in some instances, promote healing of the joint 136. The patches 200, 202 deliver light toward the infrapatellar and suprapatellar bursae 293, 291, respectively, and the joint cavity 290. The pair of posterior light emitting patches 250, 252 deliver light toward the joint cavity 290.
The light 124 shown in
The light emitting system 122 can output energy at a high power density (e.g., a power density in the range of about 10 mW/cm2 to about 200 mW/cm2). The system 122 may illuminate a large portion (e.g., a treatment area in the range of about 30 cm2 to about 100 cm2) of the knee synovium 190, or other target site, if needed or desired. The total dose in the joint (including the synovium and surrounding tissue) can be in the range of about 200 J to about 3000 J. As such, a high therapeutic dose can be delivered to a large area to enhance overall effectiveness of the therapy.
Pulsing the light may improve the effectiveness of the therapy. In some embodiments, the light is pulsed in the range of about 10 Hz to about 100 Hz. In some embodiments, the light is pulsed at about 16 Hz. Other frequencies can also be used.
Light with more than one wavelength can be used concurrently, sequentially, or both during a therapy routine. The light 124 in
These parameter can also be used to treat other body parts. The total dose and treatment areas, however, can be adjusted in proportion to the target size (e.g., joint size) and target depth. For example, the total dose and treatment area for a hip joint may be substantially greater than the total dose and treatment area for a finger joint because of the relatively large size of the hip joint and its depth. Thus, the above parameters can be adjusted taking into account various factors, such as size of target area, depth to target area, optical properties of the tissue, and the like.
The power supply 310 and/or controller 315 may be removable from the pack 310 to allow easy replacement when not functioning or when a different control regime is desired, and/or to wash the pack 310. A power source 332 (
The wireless or wired interface 314 may provide power, communications and/or control for the conformable flexible light emitting system, and/or any sensors (e.g., temperature, moisture, light intensity, etc.) mounted to the light apparatus 304.
The treatment system 300 can be worn to perform ambulatory light therapy while the subject 100, for example, walks, runs, jogs, sits, sleeps, or performs other typical activities. Light therapy performed during movement can help facilitate light delivery to the target tissue by, for example, further distributing light, gaining greater coverage as compared to coverage in a generally static body part, adjusting (e.g., increasing and/or decreasing) the distance between the target tissue and the light energy source, and the like. When the illustrated knee 134 is moved, the synovial fluid in the knee may flow and therefore help distribute light to areas of inflamed tissue. Additionally, if a treatment agent is in the synovial fluid or other body fluid(s), movement of the knee 134 can promote movement and distribution of the treatment agent to increase the benefits of light therapy. Additionally or alternatively, moving tissue in the knee 134 can facilitate expansion of the internal treatment area, which in turn may facilitate illumination of the treatment area.
Clothing can conceal the treatment system 300. As such, the treatment system 300 can be worn at any time with minimal or an insignificant impact on normal daily life. For example, the treatment system 300 can be worn under a pair of pants without drawing attention to the user. In other embodiments, the treatment system 300 can be worn over clothing so that clothing does not have to be removed. Thus, light therapy can be conveniently performed any number of times throughout a day without altering or removing any clothing.
The pack 310 of
Alternatively, the treatment system 300 can be powered by an AC power source, such as a typical AC electrical power outlet. In some embodiments, the treatment system 300 is powered by an electric device (e.g., a PDA, computer, camera, music player, and the like) that can be used independently of the treatment system 300. For home or office uses, the treatment system 300 can have a connection configured to plug into port in a computer or other type of computing device, which can also function as a controller. Exemplary treatment systems 300 can have a cord (e.g., a USB cord) for connecting to a powered port (e.g., a USB powered port) of an electrical device, which outputs a sufficient amount of energy to power the light delivery apparatus 300 even if it is also operated to perform other tasks. Thus, various types of power sources can be used to power the treatment system 300.
The self-aligning light therapy treatment system 300, in some embodiments, can be a prophylactic brace, functional brace, or a rehabilitative brace. As used herein, the term “brace” is a broad term and may include, without limitation, a support that steadies or strengthens a portion of a subject's body. Braces can be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid based on their intended function. In some embodiments, the brace can allow substantial joint motion (e.g., joint articulation) during therapy. Where the brace is a knee brace, the user may be able to run, jog, walk, or perform other normal activities. Such braces can be hinged and may provide support (e.g., lateral support), stabilize the kneecap, and the like.
The prophylactic brace 300 can have one or more light emitting sources or patches that deliver light to target sites commonly injured during sporting activities, such as football. The prophylactic brace 300 can both reduce the likelihood of an injury and provide light therapy. The functional brace 300 can have one or more light sources or patches that deliver light to target tissues that the brace 300 is designed to help (e.g., joint tissue that the brace 300 is designed to protect). Rehabilitative braces can have one or more light sources or patches that deliver light to injured tissue or a surgery site. The rehabilitative brace 300 can both provide mechanical support to promote repairing of tissue and provide light therapy. The rehabilitative brace 300 can limit harmful knee movement while the light is delivered to the injured or damage tissue to accelerate the healing process, manage pain, and the like. Unlike traditional light therapy devices (e.g., light pads), these types of braces can improve joint functioning (e.g., joint mechanics), protect the joint, and/or bear loads to facilitate healing, as well as performing other functions known in the art. The braces can be in the form of a knee brace (described above), wrist brace, elbow brace, ankle brace, shoulder brace, back brace (e.g., a lower back brace), ankle brace, finger brace, toe brace, hip brace, jaw brace, and the like.
The brace 350 may further include a wireless or wired interface 360 to provide power, communications and/or control for the conformable flexible light emitting patch 348 and/or any sensors (e.g., temperature, moisture, light intensity, etc.) mounted to the brace 350.
Various components of the treatment systems described above can be incorporated into other types of braces. Light emitting systems, light sources, light arrays, patches, controllers, and other components disclosed herein can be coupled to or incorporated into traditional braces. The positions of the light sources or emitting systems can be selected based on the target treatment area. For example, the light emitting system shown in
The illustrated wrist brace 400 includes a light emitting system 402 in the form of a light patch and wearable positioning structure 406 extending along the forearm 410, the wrist 412, and partially surrounding the hand 416. The emitting system 402 is sandwiched between the subject and the positioning structure 406.
The light delivery system 400 is positioned to deliver light to tissue that can reduce, limit, or substantially eliminate pain or discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, the light delivery system 400 can target tissue that directly or indirectly causes pressure on the median nerve in the wrist 412. The median nerve enters the hand 416 by passing through the carpal tunnel formed by the carpal bones and transverse carpal ligament in the wrist 412. Light therapy can be performed on the median nerve and tissue (e.g., inflamed tissue) near or adjacent the median nerve. In this manner, the pressure on the median nerve can be reduced to treat painful throbbing, numbness, and/or tingling sensations in the hand 416, wrist 412, and/or arm 420 which are often experienced with carpal tunnel syndrome. The light delivery system 400 can be modified to treat other conditions or diseases. For example, the system 400 can perform light therapy on the 1st CMC joint 417 (or other the carpal metacarpal joints).
The positioning structure 406 can be a flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid shell designed to closely surround the arm 420, forearm 410, wrist 412, and hand 416. The mechanical function of the positioning structure 406 can be selected base on whether the wrist brace is a prophylactic brace, functional brace, or a rehabilitative brace. In some embodiments, for example, the wrist brace 400 can generally fix the wrist 412 in a desired position suitable for treating carpal tunnel syndrome and performing light therapy. Light emitting systems disclosed herein can also be incorporated into commercially available wrist braces used to treat a variety of conditions.
The number, sizes, and locations of the target treatment areas may vary between subjects, or between conditions or diseases. The illustrated treatment area 427 surrounds the treatment area 423 and is positioned generally along the centerline CL of the wrist. The treatment area 427 extends across and distally of the flexor crease 429. Because the treatment areas 423, 427 are proximate the wrist joint, the wrist flexor crease 429 is an anatomical feature suitable for locating and aligning the system 422.
Other anatomical features can be used to locate light therapy treatment systems for providing light therapy to the wrist, hand, and/or forearm. For example,
Referring to
With respect to
Various joints, including, without limitation, metacarpophalangeal joints, carpal-metacarpal (CMC), proximal interphalangeal joints, and distal interphalangeal joints, can be treated with the system 440. For example, the system 440 can be programmed to treat any joint (including wrist, thumb or finger joints) causing pain or discomfort. For example, the light emitting system 448 is well suited to treat finger or thumb arthritis, including osteoarthritis. In some embodiments, light emitting systems 450 each comprise one or more patches for conformally engaging corresponding joints (such as the 1st CMC joint) while providing a comfortable fit.
Light emitting systems can also be incorporate into other types of garments, clothing, footwear, or orthopedic appliances. For example, light delivery systems can be incorporated into socks, shoes, or other footwear to target tissue in the foot.
With respect to
The system 700 may include a flexible or semi-flexible main body 740 to allow joint motion. The light emitting system 702 can be adhered, bonded, mechanically coupled, or otherwise attached to an interior surface of the main body 740. In other embodiments, the light emitting system 702 is incorporated into the main body 740 itself. A variety of main bodies can be used to hold the light emitting system 702 in the desired position. The anterior superior iliac spine, greater trochanter palpable, and other features can be used as locators.
Referring to
Light therapy can be used to treat various types of back conditions that often lead to pain or discomfort. The midline (spinus processes), anterior superior iliac spine, posterior superior iliac spine, sacrum (sacral spine), and other features can be used to locate the brace 770. The brace 770 can include depressions or recessed regions that mate with anatomical feature(s) functioning as locators.
The light therapy treatment system 500 includes a light emitting system 122 and a non-light energy delivery system 506 for performing a secondary non-light energy therapy. For example, the non-light energy delivery system 506 can deliver a therapeutically synergistic amount of non-light energy to the target site such that the combination of light energy therapy and non-light energy therapy results in increased beneficial physiological effects as compared either light therapy or non-light energy therapy used alone. In some embodiments, the increased overall beneficial physiological effects are substantially greater than the beneficial physiological effects obtained by either light therapy or non-light energy therapy used alone.
Beneficial physiological effects may include, without limitation, reduction of pain, rate of healing, reduction of inflammation, and the like. Non-light energy therapy is broadly construed to include, but is not limited to, ultrasound therapy, microwave therapy, radiofrequency therapy, mechanical therapy, electro-magnetic therapy, electrical therapy (e.g., low level electrical current therapy), and the like. The non-light energy delivery system 506 can include, without limitation, one or more transducers, such as acoustic transducers, ultrasound transducers, magnetic transducers, electro-magnetic transducers, pressure transducers (e.g., mechanical impulse transducers), and other types of transducers suitable for use on a subject. The transducers can be energized to output penetrating energy that causes cell stimulation or activation. The non-light energy delivery system 506, in some embodiments, may be a field generator (e.g., an electro-magnetic field generator), radiofrequency emitter, vibrator (e.g., an unbalanced mass vibration system), electrical stimulator (e.g., electrical stimulators configured selectively output low levels to high levels of electrical currents), and the like.
The non-light energy delivery system 506 of
The number and placement of the non-light energy delivery devices 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520 can be chosen based on the desired synergistic interaction between the light therapy and the non-light energy therapy. Additionally, various types of non-light energy delivery devices can be incorporated into the light therapy treatment system 500 to provide any combination of ultrasound therapy, microwave therapy, radiofrequency therapy, mechanical therapy, vibration therapy, pressure therapy, electro-magnetic therapy, and electrical therapy. Accordingly, a single light therapy treatment system 500 can be used to perform a wide range of specialized treatment programs.
The energy from the non-light energy delivery system 506 can be at various intensities, frequencies, wave forms (e.g., square waves, triangle waves, sinusoidal waves, saw-tooth waves, and/or square waves), square wave pulse trains, trigometric wave pulse trains, sinusoidal wave pulse trains, square wave pulse trains, and other types of wave trains suitable for treating a subject.
The devices 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520 can be fixed or variable mode devices depending on the treatment procedure. Thermal devices 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, such as resistive heaters, can operate on a fixed power mode, whereas acoustic devices 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520 can operate on a variable frequency to perform therapies at a variety of frequencies.
To perform acoustic therapy, the devices 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520 in the form of acoustic transducers can output acoustic energy at a frequency between about 10 kHz and about 20 MHz. For example, in one embodiment, the acoustic waves have a frequency between about 200 kHz and about 20 MHz. In another embodiment, the waves have a frequency between about 1 MHz and about 3 MHz. In yet another embodiment, the waves have a frequency of about 2 MHz. The average acoustic power can be between about 0.1 watts and 400 watts. In some embodiments, the average acoustic power is about 15 watts.
To enhance delivery of energy, a transmission media can be applied to the skin. The transmission media can increase the amount of energy reaching the skin, thus increasing the amount of light ultimately reaching the target site. This can increase the rate of energy delivery (thereby shortening the treatment period) and the total amount of energy that ultimately reaches the target site possibly improving the efficacy of the therapy session. Transmission media can include, in some embodiments, one or more coupling fluids or gels that facilitate propagation of energy to the patient.
Transmission media can be a gel, such as an optical clearing gel (e.g., glycerin gel), suitable for placement between the light emitting system 122 and the subject. Other types of transmission media can also be used. For example, transmission media can be designed to transmit non-light energy to the tissue. An acoustic coupling media (e.g., a coupling agent or gel) can be used to ensure good acoustic coupling between an acoustic transducer and the treatment site. Additionally, water, saline, water-based solutions, ultrasound gels or any other suitable transmission media can be used in combination with the transducers and light sources disclosed herein. The transmission media can be spread before and/or during the therapy session. It is contemplated that one or more layers of acoustic coupling gel can be disposed between the patient and any light energy source and/or the patient and any non-light energy source.
Non-light therapy can result in more consistent and faster beneficial responses in a subject than using light therapy alone because of non-light therapy operating on the same or different physiological features of the patient's body. For example, light therapy and non-light therapy can operate on different cellular pathways, and/or different physiological pathways. As such, complementary light therapy and non-light therapy can be selected to affect different physiological features of the subject's body providing enhanced flexibility when determining an appropriate treatment protocol.
Additionally or alternatively, light therapy can prepare target sites for subsequently performed non-light therapy. In some embodiments, for example, light therapy can predispose the target sites to a desired physiological response when subjected to the non-light therapy. Conversely, non-light therapy can prepare one or more target sites for subsequently performed light therapy.
Various types of non-light energy delivery systems can also incorporated into the light therapy treatment systems illustrated in
The controller 114 determines at least one operating parameter (e.g., power density, treatment type, treatment duration or period, depth of penetration, pulse intensity, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, stop-start time, position and orientation of the light emitting system, and the like) based at least in part on a signal from at least one of the detectors, wherein the signal is indicative of the physiological indicator.
The detectors can be used to ensure proper treatment and prevent excess illumination, overheating, and the like. If the light emitting system generates appreciable amounts of heat, the detectors 527 of
Additionally or alternatively, the detectors 527 can be optical sensors used to monitor the amount of light delivered to the target site, the appearance of the tissue (e.g., color of the skin), or other measurable optical characteristics. Using signals from the optical detectors 527, the controller 114 can determine appropriate treatment parameters. The optical detectors 527 may comprise filters, charged coupled detectors (CCD), mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) detectors, and the like. Any number of detectors can be used, including any detector type suitable for sensing electromagnetic energy, such as infrared energy.
In some embodiments, one or more pressure sensors can be utilized to ensure proper treatment. A pressure sensor can measure the pressure applied to the patient, and may be used to determine whether the light emitting system properly engages the subject. If the controller 114 determines that the applied pressure is at or below a threshold pressure (e.g., a light patch may not be properly contacting the subject), the controller 114 can alert the user and/or stop the light delivery process. These types of sensors can also be used to determine the size and geometry of the body part.
In yet other embodiments, the detectors 527 can be used to determine the composition of the body tissue. For example, the detectors 527 can measure the resistance of the body tissue to determine the body fat percentages. Various combinations of detectors, sensors, timers, and the like can be used to ensure proper treatment of the patient.
The controller 114 can have a closed loop or open loop system. For example, the control system 114 can have a closed loop system, whereby the power to the light emitting system is controlled based upon feedback signals from one or more sensors configured to detect and transmit (or send) one or more signals indicative of temperature, pressure, optical properties, composition of tissue (e.g., body fat percentage at target site), size of target site (e.g., large target site vs. small target site), size of body part, or any other measurable parameters of interest.
Based on those readings, the controller 114 can then adjust the output from the light emitting system. Alternatively, the system 500 can be an open loop system wherein the amount of stimulation produced by the light emitting system 144 is set by user input. For example, the light emitting system may be set to a fixed power mode by utilizing the controller 114. It is contemplated that the system 500 can be switched between a closed and open loop system. One or more of the detectors 527 can be incorporated into the other treatment systems disclosed herein.
Various concepts of the embodiments disclosed below (including electrical circuitry) can be incorporated into the embodiments described above for enhanced performance. As used herein, “panel” is a broad term and may include, without limitation, a patch or blanket having an array of light sources, but more generally includes any flexible light emitting system for providing light therapy.
In
Additional details that disclose how flexible substrate 1010 is able to more readily conform to irregularly shaped portions of the subject's body to provide a close fit are disclosed below. Flexible substrate 1010 may, for example, be less than 0.1 millimeter thick and may be fabricated from a highly flexible thin film polymer such as silicone or polyurethane.
Conductive traces 1012 and 1014 are formed on a surface of flexible substrate 1010 that is adapted to face toward a treatment site on the subject's body to which light therapy is to be administered. These conductive traces may, for example, be formed using a conductive ink applied in a liquid form and allowed to set, or some other extremely flexible conductive media. Conductive ink works well for this purpose, since it produces a very thin conductive trace after it dries and is readily applied in any desired configuration to form an electrical circuit on the surface of the flexible substrate.
As illustrated in
The two light emitting sources are connected in series using a flywire 1024 that extends between the anode of one of the pair of light emitting sources and the cathode of the other. Alternatively, it would be possible to directly connect flywire 1024 between one of the light emitting sources and the other conductive trace that it is not adhesively bonded to, so that the two light emitting sources are connected in parallel rather than in series. Other techniques for mounting the light emitting sources to the conductive traces can be used to eliminate the need for flywire 1024, for example, by directly connecting terminals (not shown) disposed at each side of the light emitting sources to the respective conductive traces.
A droplet 1026 of a flexible epoxy or other polymer may be applied over each pair of light emitting sources 1016 to protect them and flywire 1024. This droplet is optically transparent or translucent. Further, the surface of the flexible patch facing inwardly toward the treatment site may be coated with a relatively thin layer 1028 of silicone to insulate the entire assembly and provide protection to conductive traces 1012 and 1014 in those areas between droplets 1026. It may be desirable that this thin layer and the droplet applied over each light emitting source 1016 have an index of refraction that is generally matched to that of the subject's skin at the treatment site to which light therapy is to be administered by light emitting sources 1016. The maximum thickness of the flexible patch may, for example, be less than 1.0 millimeters, which may insure the substantial flexibility of the patch.
To facilitate the flexible patch 1040 to fully conform to non-planar irregular surfaces on a subject's body, the flexible patch includes a plurality of openings 1048 and openings 1046 that extend through the flexible substrate and thin layer 1028. The openings or portions thereof may be orthogonally arranged with respect to the openings 1046, to provide stress relief about the at least two axes. Each of these openings also comprise open passages through which air and moisture are readily conveyed when flexible patch 1040 is applied to the treatment site on the subject's body. By providing such passages, irritation and heat buildup at the treatment site covered by flexible patch 1040 are minimized. Perspiration readily passes through these passages comprising openings 1048 and openings 1046 so that the subject is more comfortable during an extended period of light therapy provided by the flexible patch and to ensure that the patch remains adherently attached to the treatment site.
As shown in
Assuming that the flexible substrate is optically transparent or at least partially translucent, the outer surface of flexible patch 1040 may optionally be coated with a reflective layer 1030. This reflective layer 1030 will reflect at least some of the light emitted by the light emitting sources back toward the treatment site, thereby increasing the efficiency with which light therapy is administered by the flexible patch.
With reference to
It should be noted that a plurality of separately controlled electrical circuits can be provided using conductive traces 1012 and 1014 so that distinct and separate groups of light emitting sources 1016 are defined on the undersurface of flexible patch 1040.
Provision of the horizontal and vertical openings can be provided in the patches described above. The conformal flexible light emitting patch 348 of
In this example, the electrical current supplied to the central group of light sources of the flexible patch that overlie the thickest portion of the treatment site should be controlled to provide the maximum intensity and/or duration of light therapy administered thereto. The electrical current supplied to the peripheral group of the light emitting sources (e.g., the emitting sources 1016) can be lower than that supplied to the group of light emitting sources 1016 at the center of the conformal flexible light emitting patch 348 and/or its duration can be substantially shorter around the edges. By controlling the light intensity or duration of light therapy applied to the treatment site in this manner, a more effective treatment is achieved and the normal tissue does not receive an unnecessary exposure to higher intensity light and/or the length of exposure to the light required to treat the central portion of the treatment area.
Easier to administer therapy systems by providing more precise positioning methods and provide better access to posterior surfaces of the joint, and that more accurately deliver therapy to the desire location and/or joint. Other advantages include the ability to deliver therapy to novel therapy targets, including the synovium.
The advantages may include accurate location of therapy with little or no training required, precise positioning of the joint for therapy, novel therapy target—synovial fluid, and access to posterior surface of the joint (particularly the knee) for treating synovial fluid.
Light therapy treatment systems may be useful for treating inflammation, pain, damaged, or destroyed tissue and other conditions associated with, for example, injured tissues certain diseases (e.g., arthritis, tendonitis, and the like). The light therapy treatment systems are operable to deliver one or more doses of high intensity light to the body part of interest. A dose can comprise a therapeutically effective amount of high intensity light to selectively inhibit the progression of at least one condition associated with a disease, such as arthritis. Among the at least one condition examples include, without limitation, discomfort, pain, inflammation, tissue damage or destruction. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of light substantially prevents or reverses the progression of at least one condition associated with the disease. For example, light has been shown to promote cell growth (e.g., cell proliferation), aid in regeneration of tissue, aid in curing of tissue related diseases, reduce arthritic pain, reduce the rate of tissue damage, and the like. (see, e.g., Baranauska et al., “Laser treatment of experimentally induced chronic arthritis” Applied Surface Science, (561) pp. 154-55 (2000); Calatrava et al., “Histological and clinical responses of articular cartilage to low-level laser therapy: experimental study” Laser Med Sci. (12) pp. (1997) 117; Schultz, R., Krishnamurthy, S., Thelmo, W., Rodriguez, J. and Harvey G. (1985) Effects of varying intensities of laser energy on articular cartilage. Lasers Surg. Med. 5:577.) The light therapy treatment systems, in some embodiments, can deliver one or more doses of light to effectively treat pain, inflammation, discomfort, pain, legions, cartilage destruction or damage, or combinations thereof, and other known conditions. For example, the light therapy treatment systems can promote cell regeneration to counter (e.g., substantially offset the unwanted effects) at least one unwanted condition attributable to arthritis (or other similar diseases, conditions, symptoms, and the like). In some embodiments, the light therapy treatment systems can reduce or limit levels of pain or discomfort associated with arthritis. One skilled in the relevant arts can select and vary one or more of the operating parameters disclosed herein to treat a certain disease, condition, and/or symptom.
As noted above, the synovial fluid in the knee is contained in the synovial membrane and the bursae. They are roughly located 1) surrounding the patella, 2) along the midline of the joint, and 3) across the posterior surface of the knee joint. Existing devices are not able to deliver a therapeutic dose to all these areas with a precise therapy location. In addition, accessing the posterior surface of the knee (e.g., the knee 134 in
Other joints have similar anatomy consisting of synovial fluid contained in one or more sacs dispersed through the joint. Specific embodiments for other joints would have similar requirements.
All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, to include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,958,498; 6,784,460; 6,661,167; 6,096,066; and 6,445,011; U.S. Publication Nos. 2005/0228260 and 2005/0085455; International Patent Application Nos. PCT/US2005/032851 and PCT/US01/44046; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/728,556 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Except as described herein, the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described herein may, in some embodiments, be similar to any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described in the incorporated references. In addition, the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described herein may, in certain embodiments, be applied to or used in connection with any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques disclosed in the above-mentioned incorporated references.
The various methods and techniques described above provide a number of ways to carryout the invention. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Certain embodiments may be suitable for treating specific disease or conditions. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods may be performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the various patches, light source arrays, panels, and circuitry can be incorporated into the various types of light delivery systems for providing light therapy on joints and other portions of a subject disclosed herein. Similarly, the various features and acts discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such feature or act, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance with principles described herein. Additionally, the methods which are described and illustrated herein are not limited to the exact sequence of acts described, nor are they necessarily limited to the practice of all of the acts set forth. The methods may be altered for at home use or use a hospital or other healthcare facility. Other sequences of events or acts, or less than all of the events, or simultaneous occurrence of the events, may be utilized in practicing the embodiments of the invention.
Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. For example, the scale and size of the treatment systems can be adjusted to accommodate different body parts. For example, the treatment systems of
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/728,556, filed Oct. 20, 2005, where this provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60728556 | Oct 2005 | US |