Patent Application
20050177093
The herein disclosed invention finds applicability in the field of phototherapy. Phototherapy or light-therapy is known to therapeutically influence various organs of the body to bring about healing.
Pathology of Inflammation
To reduce such pain and suffering as found in joint inflammation and tissue edema, which are associated with the conditions of muscular strains, muscular stress, arthritis, blunt trauma, surgical procedures . . . Common methods have been introduced to the public. This range from the use of external chemicals and ointments, cold and heat treatments to sophisticated physical therapy applied to the area of inflammation in question. The principle behind this action is to stimulate blood flow and circulation to the effected area Over the past several years, light technology and photosensitizing agents have been used to reduce edema to surrounding tissues during pre and post surgical procedures to sensitive areas such as the eyes.
When the body has been injured either by accident or through medical procedures there is going to be a period of time where inflammation and edema will set into the affected tissue area. This is a natural defense mechanism that is extremely valuable to the body, whether human or other mammal. To understand this problem in more detail, one must understand the five- (5) common signs of inflammation and the metabolic phases at which they occur. When in the process of reviewing or diagnosing a patient, the following signs are usually identified: (a) swelling (edema), (b) redness or discoloration, (c) radiant heat from the wounded site, (d) pain (tender to the touch) and (e) possible loss of motor or neurological functions due to the affected area. In addition, there are three primary metabolic phases through which inflammation progresses and they are usually identified as degenerative, vascular and healing. Of these three phases, the vascular and healing phases are of most concern to the design and application of the device of the herein disclosed invention. Hyper migration and activity of the “Inflammatory Cells” such as neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and monocytes, occur during changes in blood vessels identified as the vascular phase. From this hyperactivity, the capillary and postcapillary networks become flooded and expand causing hyperemia. Due to this proliferation of the capillaries, redness will present itself in the inflamed tissue. Normally, the blood temperatures in the dermal and epidermal layers of tissue are cooler due to external ambient temperatures. Increased blood flow to this damaged area of tissue increases the temperature to ranges that are similar to blood found in the heart or aorta. This effect is the heat or warm feeling that surrounds the wound or injured area.
The physiology of the human body to heal, is directly associated with the aforementioned cells (neutrophils and monocytes). These cells, as a family, are known as leukocytes. As they move along the blood vessel walls looking for fissures or gaps through which they can migrate, leukocytes begin to attack dying or dead cells. This begins a process of releasing a fluid that combines with a serous substance being extruded from the wall of the blood vessel. Later this process helps in the reduction of pathogenic microorganism to develop into the blood stream. Another cell, known as a platelet, begins the adhesion process to the walls of the damaged vessel. Fibrin fibers simultaneously appear forming a fine mesh and developing a “clot” which pulls the damaged edges of the wound together whether this is an internal tear or external laceration.
Some of the major conditions, syndromes, disease and associated disorders that will benefit from phototherapy are including, but not limited to: Ankylosing Spondylitis (SA), Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis), Back Pain, Behcet's Disease, Bursitis and other Soft Tissue Diseases, Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate, Crystal Deposition Disease (CPPD) (Pseudo Gout), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Connective Tissue-Related Diagnosis, Crohn's Disease, Dermatomyositis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Fibromyalgia, Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica Gout, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Juvenile Arthritis and Related Conditions, Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Juvenile Non-Inflammatory Disorders, Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), Juvenile Scleroderma, Juvenile Spondyloarthropathy Syndromes, Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Juvenile Vasculitis, Lyme Disease, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), Marfan Syndrome, Myofascial Pain, Myositis (Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis) Osteoarthritis, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Osteonecrosis, Osteoporosis, Paget's Disease, Polyarteritis Nodossa and Wegener's Granulomatosis, Polymyositis, Pseudooxanthoma Elasticum (PXE), Psoriatic Arthritis, Raynaud's Phenomenon, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, Reactive Arthritis (Reiter's Syndrome), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sarcoidosis, Scleroderma, Sjogren's Syndrome, Still's Disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) and Tendonitis.
The phototherapy device of the herein disclosed invention, namely, the Joint/Tissue Inflammation Therapy and Monitoring Device of JITMon Device relate to the field of Photochemistry and Photobiology as it applies to inflammation, edema, muscular and neural stimulation of human and mammal skin tissues. As a design, this device may be applied in the field of pharmacotheraputics with the use of photodynamic therapy but this is not required. Sports Medicine has developed a major need for this type of product for the service of patients, of all age groups, acquiring the need for immediate and/or long-term controlled noninvasive, noncoherent radiant heat therapy specific to the inflammation of joints, tendons and ligaments. Most common needs are associated with arthritis, sprain, strains, tears, blunt trauma and orthopedic surgery of the joint membranes or the loss of damaged cartilage.
The goal of the herein disclosed invention is to improve the outcome of the treatment by shortening the period of edema and tenderness and muscular atrophy in the local area and surrounding tissue.
References Cited to Show the State of the Art
A method of treating skin injuries found on the human body (Russian Patent No. C1 2032432 Apr. 30, 1995) is known based on the effect produced by a pulsed monochromatized light beam in the red wavelength band. The beam pulse mode, however, is applied in a limited wavelength band as the treated tissues are exposed to light having the wavelength of only 0.6 to 0.69 mu.m at a reduced power density of 5 to 10 mW/cm.sup.2. Thus, it can not produce a curing effect for the whole class of diseases accompanied by metabolic disorders.
A design for multi-wavelength medical laser (U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,167 Apr. 19, 1994) is known that generates a first beam of pulsed electromagnetic energy and a second beam of electromagnetic energy having its wavelength in a visible portion of the optical spectrum, with both of them affecting the tissues simultaneously. This reference, however, discloses that the laser's wave energy is used for surgery rather than therapy.
A method of stimulating biologically active points (Russian Patent No. 93003767 A, Jul. 27, 1995) is known that stimulates body processes through use of IR-range wavelengths that feature a better penetration through the skin. However, the irradiation waveband ranges from 0.8 to 3 mu.m with its source located over the biologically active points affecting the entire body functions, rather than over the organ that controls the course of the disease, thus leaving the disease out of consideration.
High energy light emitting diodes (LED's) for photodynamic therapy (PCT Patent No. 93/21842 A1, 1993) are known. The device and the method suggested for activating the healing processes by photodynamic therapy utilize the emission of powerful LED's in a certain pre-selected portion of the optical spectrum. However, a complex feedback circuit needed to monitor the light parameters makes it impossible to adjust the device to specific type of disease.
A light therapy system (U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,380 Nov. 9, 1993) is known based on LED's that emit a narrow-band non-coherent light with a central wavelength. The LED's are grouped into diode banks controlled by a device that generates a difference of potentials and a unit that forms a voltage with preset characteristics. However, selection of required emission parameters is performed by the entire system, rather than through use of emitter properties.
The proposed device (JITMon) designed by the inventors is different in many ways. First, the JITMon is in direct contact with the skin and not spaced above the patient. Second, the JITMon device has continuous monitoring of both external tissues and internal tissues surrounding the injured site. When these areas reach a certain temperature, the device will recede into a “rest mode”. This mode of operation will allow for the temperature of the tissues to go back to normal and also allow for better hydration in the area of the injury, eliminating the secondary problem of inflammation or dehydration. Third, the material that will be used in the design of the JITMon device is designed to allow moisture to evaporate and air to penetrate naturally to the skin surface; this will act as a natural cooling mechanism needed for the promotion of healing. Fourth, by the use of a broader spectrum of light emitting diodes, the device is not limited to just IR-A emissions but will have a full range of light working from the dermal layers of the skin to the intramuscular and skeletal tissues.
In this patent, Dr. Zetterer has invented a device allowing for the use of optical filters implementing splitting of colors, in the use of Photo-Dynamic Therapy (PDT). This technology is in use today. It allows for the use of radiation to be applied to a tumor within the human body. Today this device is used within many hospitals and is generally known as “Radiation Treatment”. It is applied with a laser and the accuracy is well determined.
This patent describes the use of reflective radiation (irradiation) by using the composition of concave mirrors and semi-permeable mirror technology. This technique will allow the light of a wavelength to be focused to a specific location (similar to using a magnifying glass and a sun beam onto a piece of paper). Using this technique, allows for the “reduction of weight and dimensions and/or facilitates use of stronger light without overloading the cuvette”.
Because of the close proximity of the light source(s) found in our JITMon device(s) to the subject (patient), using concave mirrors for focal infusion of the wavelength(s) is not used. This is a major improvement in the overall technology because of the controllability of the wavelengths and the improvement to LED technology in today's commercial market.
These three documents were established in the period of 1995 through 1997 and would be considered similar to our approach. Fundamentally, all three of these documents identify using IR technology in the physiology of the human body, as does our patent. The major differences that we have noticed is that the wavelength and duration of irradiation are not controlled by automated processes and that the wavelengths and irradiation wavebands are fixed in an “all ON” or “all OFF” condition, where the JITMon Device will allow for pulsed irradiation and controlled temperature to a site working from the center (skeletal) of the inflamed area out to the dermal (skin layers). In addition, the JITMon Device will be able to be worn like an “ACE Bandage” or brace while in an active mode.
Recently issued U.S. patent documents wherein the phototherapy device is applied directly to or worn on the patient's body are as follows:
Zharov in U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,978 teaches a device for physiotherapeutic irradiation by light with the help of a matrix of various sources of optical radiation such as lasers or light diodes placed on the surface of a substrate whose shape is adapted to the shape of the zone of pathology to be treated. The device can be fixed to the patient-treatment area. Modules are provided to adjust the temperature, pressure, gas composition over the pathological area. Application of light-therapy to treat various pathologies on the bio-object's surface including dermatology, cosmetology; the treatment of traumas, bruises, oedemas, varicose veins, blood therapy and the treatment of infectious processes is disclosed. Further in the Zharov Device, the LED's are to be placed surrounding the injured site. “An oblong hollow cylinder with the light diodes placed on the side, with output windows turned inside the cylinder. The form of the internal surface depends on the bio-object's shape and can be close to cylindrical, conic or their combination.”
On the other hand in the JITMon Device, to help diffuse the light source from the LED's, a thin cellophane film with a lightly transparent colored hue is integrated into the design of the JITMon, located at the skin contact layer of the device. This single thin layer allows for light diffusion to occur and for the ability of the JITMon Device to apply controlled irradiation to the injured site. It acts in a manner similar to using photosensitizers without having to inject colloidal suspensions into the skin/muscle tissues. In addition, a thin clear ointment to the skin may also be applied with metal compounds to act as an additional diffuser if needed.
As a further distinction with the JITMon device, the LED's are placed in a thin, wafer-like non-allergenic envelope. These strips are placed in multiple layers integrated into a neoprene type material of no more than 3.5 cm from the skin. They are flexible and have limited stretching capabilities within the design of the device(s). The multiple layers are an important feature not shown by Zharov.
Rosen (U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,575) is for an apparatus for treating neonatal jaundice in the form of a garment which has semiconductor light sources affixed thereto for radiating toward the “inside” of the garment with the infant being dressed in the garment. Further, Rosen does not mention the use of light emitting diodes.
Russell (U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,713) is directed to a phototherapy device having at least one light-generating source on a flexible substrate which can be worn on various parts of the body. The illuminators can be provided with a means for cooling the heat produced by the heating elements. The Russell device is but a single layer light source and is not multiple-layered as the JITMon Device.
Vreman (U.S. Pat. No. 6,596,016) teaches a phototherapy garment containing light emitting diodes positioned within the garment. Not taught by Vreman is the concept of a multiple layered array of LED's allowing for a variety of wavelengths and intensities.
Prescott (U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,140) teaches a battery operated, portable laser bandage having one or more lasers or hyper-red light emitting diodes. The device is to be worn by a patient and in addition the device may be programmed with a laser therapy regimen. Unlike the device of this invention, the Prescott device is primarily a heat-producing device.
None of these U.S. patents teaches the concept of a phototherapy device having multi-layered Light Emitting Diodes (LED) with each layer of LED's having its unique spectral power range (e.g., wavelength) and modulated light frequencies. Nor does the prior art teach the unique method for controlling the light source and monitoring the treated site.
The device of the herein disclosed invention has the following features and objectives which allow for most efficient administration of heat and light therapy.
The herein disclosed invention is directed to the design and construction of a device or devices to be used in methods of light and heat stimulation of human and animal tissue, allowing for the reduction of inflammation and edema to joints, tissue and nerve bundles associated with trauma. This device consists of implementation of light-emitting diode technologies such as modulated light frequencies and wavelengths but is not limited to this technology. In addition, the design incorporates medical feedback, custom software programming and engineering allowing for diagnostic interpretation, biomedical recording and patient statistical/historical medical events in “real time” mode. This will allow for data to be transmitted via telemetry or “direct connect” to other diagnostic equipment.
By surrounding the injured and inflamed areas with an elastic fitted device, which applies controlled heat/energy using Light Emitting Diodes, (LED's) at specific modulated light frequencies and wavelengths, the recovery process will be enhanced. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the body and its process to healing and helps the physician or therapist to apply proper heat/energy where needed. This in turn improves blood flow and enhances the natural release of cells and chemicals to improve the overall recovery of the patient. Each device will be made to specifically fit the areas of the joints and skeletal system especially the neck, thoracic, knee, elbow and tarsal and carpal appendages. The device will have the ability to integrate optical fiber, medical sensors and photoresin technology, solid state detectors, sonic/ultrasonic transducers or other high level inputs.
More specifically, the herein disclosed invention is involved with a device and a method for treating and reducing inflammation and edema both internal and external, to joints, muscles, nerves and skin tissues of the subject (human or animal) comprising, an elastic, portable device configured to be worn in contact with the skin and surrounding the area or areas of inflammation, edema, neural and muscular damage over short and long periods of time; whereas the construction of the device is configured with multiple layers of LED's and fiber optics distributed in a range consisting of “near contact with the skin to a few centimeters from the skin tissue; with orientation toward the subject; integrated low voltage power. Electronic memory and communications via analog/digital connection or telemetric medical sensor; allowing for independent control of tissue temperature and modulation of the light frequencies and wavelengths of the LED's is provided.
The preferred device of this invention is a device having multi-layer (or multi-tiered) light emitting diodes (LED's). The preferred number of layers is either three or four with the preferred number of layers being four. While not preferred, the device can be produced with a single layer of LED's and fiber optics. The inventors do not want to be limited to only four layers, since more layers are possible as understood by those skilled in the art. The device is to be configured to have multiple types and modulated light intensities of LED's in multiple ranges along with fiber optics. As an alternative the device may be configured with multiple types and modulated light intensities including Laser Diode Technology and fiber optics. A single layer of modulated light intensities including Laser Diode Technology, fiber optics and diagnostic feedback is also contemplated.
Viewed in another aspect, the present invention provides in an apparatus for diagnosing and/or treating a patient's medical problem with light therapy, the improvement which comprises a multi-tiered light source, at least one sensor for monitoring a condition of the patent as the light therapy is applied to the patient, and a feedback loop responsive to the sensor for adjusting the multi-tiered light source for optimizing the light therapy applied to the patient. Preferably, the multi-tiered light source comprises a plurality of LED's; and the frequency of the plurality of LED's is adjusted by the feedback loop, the multi-tiered light source having different frequencies.
In a preferred embodiment, the sensor monitors temperature of the patient's skin.
Alternatively, the sensor monitors oxygen levels of the patient's skin tissue.
The feedback loop may adjust the pulse width and/or the rep rate of the light therapy.
Distance
(3-Tier Design)
The LED's are to be enclosed in a wafer-like strip(s). Each strip would be symmetrically positioned and associated with a geometric plane. For instance, in a three-tiered device, the 250 nm to 500 nm strips would be positioned within the neoprene envelope on the internal (medial) surface of the neoprene device and within contact or near contact with the human tissue. The 500 nm to 700 nm wafer-like strip(s) would create the next level or middle level of LED's being separated by about 0.1 mm in depth from the first level. Finally, the third level would consist of LED's ranging from 700 nm to 20,000 nm and being separated from the middle level by at least about 0.1 mm and no greater than about 20 mm in depth from the level associated with skin contact.
(4-Tier Design)
The LED's are to be enclosed in a wafer-like strip(s). Each strip would be symmetrically positioned and associated with a geometric plane. For instance the 250 nm to 500 nm strips would be positioned within the neoprene envelope on the internal (medial) surface of the neoprene device and within contact or near contact with the human tissue. The 500 nm to 700 nm wafer-like strip(s) would create the next level or middle level of LED's only being separated by about 0.1 mm in depth from the first level. The third level would consist of LED's ranging from 700 nm to 900 nm also being separated by at least about 0.1 mm and no greater than 5 mm in depth from the second level. Finally, the fourth level would consist of LED's ranging from 900-20,000 nm also being separated by at least about 0.1 mm and no greater than 20 mm in depth from the third level.
The device lends itself to the development of software to be integrated into a personal computer or a hand held device allowing for the monitoring and documentation of information accumulated from identifying wavelengths, light modulated frequencies, localized heat and heat variances, skin temperature and other biometrics as needed associated with the subject as it applies to the location of the device.
Further, the integration of laser photo diodes and photodetector technology allows for data to be gathered stored and retrieved in both “real time” and historical events. This integration is to be coupled with PMT technology and CCD Technology.
The device is to be constructed of single or multiple layer technology integrating the light emitting diodes (LED's), fiber optic strands and fiber optic bundles, light guides and polarization optics.
The device is to be constructed of a neoprene type material or other Non-Allergenic Material(s), allowing for elasticity, flexibility, protection and comfort of the injured site of the patient, and will be designed in multiple pediatric and adult sizes i.e. small, medium, large and extra-large and with wrap-around Velcro® type adhesive/connectivity or other connective material allowing for a secure fit.
The device is designed with LED's or Laser Diodes having wavelengths in ranges of 250 nm to 20,000 nm. The LED's or Laser Diode wavelength range of 250 nm to 20,000 nm will be introduced to the skin tissue allowing for muscular and or neural stimulation under low light conditions. The modulated light frequencies in a range of less than (<) 1 Hz and less than (<) 1 GHz will be introduced to the skin tissue allowing for muscular and or neural stimulation under low light conditions. The LED's or Laser Diode wavelength range of 250 nm to 20,000 nm will be introduced to the skin tissue allowing for internal penetration of the skin tissue inducing controlled heat/energy throughout the injured area
The device has controlled penetrating light wavelengths and modulated light frequencies using light-emitting diodes to control heat/energy and duration directly to the injured site.
The Joint/Tissue Inflammation Therapy and Monitoring device of the invention is a phototherapy device for light and heat treatment and for reducing inflammation, edema and/or medical conditions associated with the joints, muscles, wound healing, nerves and skin tissue of a human or animal subject comprising, a portable device configured to be worn in contact with the skin and surrounding the area or areas of pain, inflammation, edema, neural and/or muscular damage. The device is configured to have multiple layers of LED's having varying wavelengths with the multiple layers of LED's being distributed in a range of near contact with the skin tissue to a few centimeters above the skin tissue. The device will have LED's having a light spectrum from ultraviolet to near infrared. The device will be configured with multiple layers of LED's having wavelengths in the range of 250 nm to 20,000 nm. In one embodiment of the device it will be configured with three layers wherein the LED layer closest to the skin has a wavelength of 250 nm-500 nm; the next level has a wavelength of 500-700 nm and that furthest from the skin has a wavelength of 700-900 nm. In another embodiment there will be a four-layer device wherein the LED layer closest to the skin has a wavelength of 250 nm-500 nm, the second level has a wavelength of 500-700 nm, the third level has a wavelength of 700-900 nm and the fourth level has a wavelength of 900-20,000 nm. More specifically, the LED's working mode is a CW light mode, modulated light mode, or pulsed light mode. The device can be configured with multiple LED's having light wavelengths of 250 nm to 20,000 nm and modulated or pulsed light frequencies of 1 Hz through 1 GHz. The phototherapy device can be further provided with integrated low voltage power, electronic memory and communications via analog/digital connection or telemetric medical sensor; allowing for independent control of tissue temperature and operating and resting (“rest mode”) device working mode, modulation of the light frequencies, intensities and wavelengths of the LED's. In addition, the device is provided with multiple types of CW or modulated light intensities of LED's of multiple spectral ranges and fiber optics.
The device is designed to provide multiple types and CW or modulated light intensities including Laser Diode Technology of multiple spectral ranges and fiber optics to read physiological and biochemical changes within the area or areas of inflammation, edema, neural and/or muscular. Software is provided to be integrated into a personal computer or hand held device allowing for the monitoring and documentation of information accumulated, identifying wavelengths, light intensities, light modulated frequencies, localized heat and heat variances, physiological and biochemical changes, skin temperature and other biometrics as needed associated with the subject as it applies to the localization of the device. The device is further provided with the integration of laser diodes and photodetector technology allowing for data to be gathered stored and retrieved in both “real time” and historical events coupled with PMT Technology, Spectral Technology and CCD Technology. The device is designed to have multiple layers of LED's and fiber optics have multiple types of modulated light intensities of LED's of multiple ranges and fiber optics distributed in a range of near contact with the skin to a few centimeters from the skin tissue; with orientation toward the subject.
The device integrates multiple layer technology integrating the light emitting diodes (LED's), laser diodes, fiber optic strands fiber optic bundles and polarization light optics. The body of the device is constructed of a neoprene type material or other non-allergenic material(s), allowing for elasticity, permeability, flexibility, protection and comfort to the injured site of the patient, and is designed to accommodate multiple pediatric and adult sizes; i.e., small, medium, large and extra-large and with wrap-around Velcro® type adhesive/connectivity or other connective material allowing for a secure fit, for cosmetic purposes with multiple construction designs of elastic portable device for different body parts. The device is provided with Light Guide Technology for uniform illumination of the skin and surrounding the area or areas of inflammation, edema, neural and/or muscular damage over short and long periods of time.
The invention envisions a method comprising applying to the skin of a patient phototherapy with a device configured with multiple layers of LED's having varying wavelengths and fiber optics such that the patient or a healthcare professional will be able to choose a therapeutic treatment from one or all of the following ranges,
In another embodiment the invention envisions a method comprising applying to the skin of a patient phototherapy a device configured with multiple layers of LED's having varying wavelengths and fiber optics such that the patient or a healthcare professional will be able to choose a therapeutic treatment from one or all of the following ranges,
In the invention device non-light related heat generated from the device electronics including LED's and laser diodes is used as a part of phototherapy.
The LED's in each tiered group of the JITMon device could be programmed to be turned on and off as a unit or each tier could be turned “on” or “off” based on the physiological or therapeutic requirements of the patient. Thus, there could be discretion as to the specific light wavelengths to be used to treat a specific patient-condition.
The following abbreviations and terminology being used herein are defined as follows:
In general, the dimensions of the Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) can be quite small measuring about 1 mm×1 mm×1 1/2-2 mm. LED's are conventional in the phototherapy art and are described in the prior art references cited herein.
The device is to be produced with the following features:
As used herein: Wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm); frequencies are measured in Hertz (megahertz, gigahertz, terahertz . . . ). Both of these values combined are usually identified as the “Visible Light Spectrum” or electromagnetic waves.
With reference to
Referring to
Note particularly for example,
More specifically,
Note particularly in
More specifically, referring to
More specifically, referring to
Referring to
In a three-layered design a range beginning with 250 nm to 500 nm would begin to penetrate the dermal and sub-dermal tissue allowing for a stimulation of blood cells, enzymes and other physiological mechanics to be implemented. These physiological processes will begin the reduction of edema and discoloration to the injured site.
A second range of light, consisting of 500 nm to 700 nm begins a deeper non-invasive penetration of the tissue into the structure of the muscles, fibers and tendons.
Finally a third range or layer of light, consisting of 700 nm to 20,000 nm allowing for the penetration of tissue, down to the skeletal structure and even through, again stimulating the natural process of healing by invoking physiological processes to improve the reduction of edema, stimulation of blood circulation, reduction of neural edema, regeneration of tissue and improved enzymatic processes.
All of these wavelength and modulated light frequencies can be controlled by an electronic setting establishing a circuitry of continuous irradiation or pulsed irradiation or both simultaneously. Within this circuitry, one could control the light to certain depths of tissues and control the amount of energy being invoked to a specific site.
The inventors have developed an elegant method for delivering light and heat therapy. The method involves a multiple layered or tiered approach to delivering light and heat to the body. The method involves a device in which Light Emitting Diodes are employed in a tiered fashion within the device to supply phototherapy to the body (or body area) as exemplified by the
More specifically, with reference to
The LED's are fashioned in such a way that they would consist of light wavelengths of 250 nm to 20,000 nm. Modulated light frequencies have been previously defined as being in the range of 1 Hz through 1 GHz. Most of the activity will be in the ranges of 1 MHz to 800 MHz. That is, a light spectrum which consists of wavelengths demonstrated from the visible to near-infrared spectrum.
Attention is brought to the fact that the individual LED's within the band of tiered LED's can be individually programmed to turn on and off as a tiered group or could be programmed to turn on and off individually. For example in
The material of the overall cover for the device will be made of a non-allergenic material allowing for air circulation and allowing moisture to dissipate away from the injured site when the LED's are active. Currently, this type of material is being manufactures in sports clothing.
With reference to
With reference to
More specifically, with reference to
While not preferred a single layer design of this invention is possible. The single layer LED/Fiber Optic Strip of a wavelength range of 250 nm-20,000 nm; single layer laser diodes with photodetector technology and biofeedback sensors integrated with PMT technology. A data processing circuit would be incorporated. The device has laser diodes with photodetector technology and with a biofeedback sensor integrated with PMT technology; as well as in the single layer there is an LED/fiber optic strip with a wavelength range of 250 nm-20,000 nm; data processing circuit with a 3.5-5.0 VDC power supply, CPU, LED/fiber optic connectivity integrated with PMT technology, EEPROM, telemetry, CCD integration, A/D I.O. using USB or other connections with the device having an outer cover away from the skin made of neoprene or other non-allergenic material and a cover next to the skin made of the same material. The unique feature of the single layer device would be that the LED's within the device would themselves have individual wavelengths within the range of 250 nm-20,000 nm and would be enabled to individually turn on and off as a unit as required by therapy.
The Joint/Tissue Inflammation Therapy and Monitoring Device or “JITMon” as shown in
1) Data processing circuit with a 3.5-5.0 VDC power supply, CPU, LED/fiber optic connectivity integrated with PMT technology, EEPROM, telemetry, CCD integration, A/D I.O. using USB connections (80).
2) Laser diodes with photodetector technology and biofeedback sensors integrated with PMT technology (82).
3) LED/fiber optic strips with wavelength control technology range 250 nm-20,000 nm (84).
4) The exterior/interior surface material is neoprene or other non-allergenic material (24 and 26).
With reference to
This valuable aspect and feature of the present invention is illustrated, schematically, by the block diagram of
The feedback loop 100 includes a sensor (or sensors) 101 (as for example, sensing skin temperature) and applying a signal to a comparator circuit 102 for comparison with a predetermined threshold 103. When the signal from the sensor 101 exceeds the predetermined threshold 103, or otherwise detects a change, a central processor unit (“CPU”) 104 adjusts the LED apparatus 105 for the therapy being applied to the patient 106, accordingly. The CPU 104 is suitably programmed by software 107.
As shown schematically in
While the invention has been described in terms of inorganic light emitting diodes, the invention will function equally well with organic light emitting diodes (OLED). This type of organic light emitting diode is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,834. See also Laser Focus World, February 2005. Accordingly, where LED's are mentioned in the claims organic, as well as, inorganic LED's are encompassed.
In carrying out the invention blood flow, skin temperature and moisture are to be monitored to determine modulated light frequencies and wavelength are to be taken into consideration. Exemplary of the manner in which these factors will be taken into consideration are well known to those knowledgeable in sensors of various types.
By surrounding the injured or inflamed areas with an elastic fitted device, which applies controlled heat/energy using Light Emitting Diodes, (LED's) at specific modulated light frequencies and wavelengths will enhance the recovery process. Understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the body and its process to healing, helps the physician or therapist apply proper heat/energy where needed. This therapy improves blood flow and enhances the natural release of cells and chemicals to improve the overall recovery of the patient. Each device will be made to fit the areas of the joints and skeletal system especially the neck, thoracic, knee, elbow, and tarsal and carpal appendages. The device will have the ability to integrate optical fiber and photoresin technology, solid state detectors, sonic/ultrasonic transducers or other high level inputs.
Exemplary of the method for carrying out the invention, the inventors describe the following cases.
Scenario #1
Place your self in a situation where you have twisted your knee by tripping off a sidewalk while crossing to the other side of the street. At first you have mild pain and think little about. You continue your normal routine throughout the day, sitting, standing, walking . . . until you get home late that evening and notice a tremendous amount of swelling around the knee and warmth up your leg.
Thinking about this problem you decide to place Deep Heat© on the knee and then decided to go to bed for the rest of the evening, believing that this would solve the problem before waking the next morning. Upon arising you notice the swelling has subsided but you still have a dull pain in the knee joint. You decide to place an Ace Bandage© over the knee and go to work.
Many weeks pass and you still are having problems with your knee and decide to go to an orthopedic surgeon to get a better evaluation of what has happened. After x-rays and review the doctor tells you the problem was a severe sprain and that at this time you need to wear a knee brace, go to physical therapy for several weeks, take medicine for the edema and pain and possibly lose time at work.
Now at this point, there is a strong need for a device such as the type that the inventors have designed to be applied around the injured site of the knee. Looking at
The same example as Scenario #1 but this time the patient decides not to go to a physician. What can you do? You have placed a dermal ointment (Deep Heat©) on your knee and even applied a knee brace but little or nothing has occurred. Your knee feels better with the support but over several days there is still a problem with swelling and stiffness.
The patient does not have the time to take off or the insurance to cover this type of accident. Another version of the JITMon device now comes into play. This device is similar to the above device but it only has an external manual setting. The patient can acquire this device as an “over-the-counter” sale through a pharmacy or distribution by other means. Once acquiring this device, the patient places the device on the injured site, just like a knee brace and sets the device to “Low”, “Medium”- or “High”. Similar to a heating blanket or heat pad. This allows for a certain amount of light and energy to be focused on the injured site, relieving pressure to the site and stimulating blood flow which in turn reduces the edema. The patient also receives another benefit, the calming warmth they receive as thought they have placed a dermal ointment (Deep Heat© on the site.
In general, the numeric amounts and ranges as used in this patent are intended to be approximate amounts as to be understood by those skilled in the art.
Obviously, many modifications may be made without departing from the basic spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than has been specifically described herein.
This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/361/161, entitled “Joint Inflammation Therapy and Monitoring Device”, filed Mar. 4, 2002, which is herein incorporated by reference, and is also a continuation-in-part of non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/366,267, filed Feb. 14, 2003.
There is NO claim for federal support in research or development of this project.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60361161 | Mar 2002 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10366267 | Feb 2003 | US |
| Child | 11100029 | Apr 2005 | US |
