Patent Application
20160015909
Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous glands characterized by an eruption of the skin, often pustular in nature but not suppurative. One common bacteria associated with this disease is propionibacterium acnes. Acne is a common affliction of the adolescent and affects a small but significant percentage of the adult population. Acne lesions are of four basic types: comedones (blackheads or whiteheads), papules, pustules, and cysts (or nodules). Acne inflammatory disease may result in unsightly lesions, particularly on the face, and in some cases may result in severe scarring.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a retainer for therapeutic treatment may be provided. The retainer for therapeutic treatment may include: a retainer that may retain a antimicrobial solution against tissue; a number of heating elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment; a number of power supply cables connected to the number of heating elements; a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment that may deliver an antimicrobial solution; a number of tubes having a first end connected to a antimicrobial solution reservoir and a second end connected to a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements; a number of fiber optic cables having a first end connected to a light source; and a number of light terminations rigidly connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment and connected to the second end of the fiber optic cable.
According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of providing therapeutic treatment may be provided. The method of providing therapeutic treatment may include coupling a retainer that may retain an antimicrobial solution against tissue; connecting a number of heating elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment; powering the heating elements; connecting a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment; connecting a number of pieces of tubing having a first end connected to an antimicrobial solution reservoir and a second end connected to the number of antimicrobial solution elements; providing a number of fiber optic cables having a first end connected to a light source; connecting a number of light terminations rigidly connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment and connected to the second end of the fiber optic cable; applying the antimicrobial solution on a tissue to be treated; retaining the antimicrobial solution against the tissue to be treated; providing the selected wavelength of light; bringing the antimicrobial solution to a desired temperature; and irradiating the antimicrobial solution.
Advantages of exemplary embodiments of the system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:
Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific exemplary embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate exemplary embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The exemplary embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described exemplary embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other exemplary embodiments. Moreover, the terms “exemplary embodiments of the invention”, “exemplary embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all exemplary embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
In an exemplary embodiment, and generally referring to the figures, a system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment may provide a retainer to hold solutions in contact with tissues while the tissues and solutions may be simultaneously exposed to certain wavelengths of light. The antimicrobial solutions may be activated with certain wavelengths of lights and may eliminate or reduce microbes at a higher percentage than the solution alone. An exemplary embodiment of this retainer may create a synergistic effect between certain wavelengths of light and antimicrobial solutions that when applied to tissues may eliminate or reduce disease caused by microorganisms. An exemplary embodiments of this retainer may consist of a retainer for therapeutic treatment that emits certain wavelengths of light into the solution. When a specific light and solution combination is applied to tissues, a synergistic effect may be created that may reduce, and may eliminate microorganisms that cause disease.
In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in
Now referring to exemplary
In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer for therapeutic treatment 104 may hold solutions in contact with tissues 100, such as flesh or teeth, while the tissues 100 and solutions 102 may be simultaneously exposed to certain wavelengths of light. The retainer for therapeutic treatment 104 may include at least one tooth covering tray that may emit light for oral treatmentscreating a synergistic antimicrobial effect between an antimicrobial solution and a light of certain predetermined wavelengths. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. The retainer 104 may be installed on an arch of one or more human teeth. A light source may shine from a light emitting device or from the end of a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable may have one side exposed down its length. An antimicrobial solution 102 may fill a dental arch-shaped tray. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source may be blue, or another certain predetermined wavelength of light that may supercharge the solution, with an exposure from, but not limited to, a few second to several minutes, as desired. It may be appreciated that any desired wavelength or exposure time may be applied.
In an exemplary embodiment, an antimicrobial solution 102 may be used without a reservoir. The antimicrobial solution 102 may be inserted directly into the body cavity and exposed to light by a fiber optic wand with a number of light emitting fibers. Further exemplary embodiments of a carrier or reservoir may be the solution 102 itself or a gel. This gel may be inserted in a body cavity with a catheter and exposed to the synergizing light by the same catheter or a different catheter. The synergizing light may create an antimicrobial effect between an antimicrobial solution and a light of certain predetermined wavelengths. The resulting antimicrobial effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. It may be appreciated that the antimicrobial solution 102 may be delivered by any desired expedient, including, but not limited to, reservoirs, bandages, gels, solutions, head coverings, wraps, socks, stockings, hats, helmets, mitts, suits, tents, probes, and catheters. In another exemplary embodiment the retainer for therapeutic treatment may be a light emitting sponge that can apply and hold the solution on the surface of the tissue.
According to another exemplary embodiment, and generally referring to
In an exemplary embodiment, gloves, mittens, or feet may help retain the antimicrobial solution within the suit, and may be integrated with the rest of the suit or may be removable. Exemplary embodiments of integrated portions may include fiber optic cable, similar to the rest of the suit. Exemplary embodiments of removable portions may lack fiber optic cable, or may include fiber optic cable that can be connected to the fiber optic cable in the sleeves or pants, as desired. The fiber optic cable may have light terminations spaced along the fiber optic cable inside the suit. The fiber optics may irradiate an antimicrobial solution with a light of certain predetermined wavelengths and may create a synergistic antimicrobial effect. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. An exemplary embodiment may include a heating element inside the body suit, such heating wires may be embedded in the fabric of the suit.
In a further exemplary embodiment, the suit may include an input tube or input tubing to carry antimicrobial solution into the suit, an area within the suit to circulate the antimicrobial solution against the user, and an exhaust tube or exhaust tubing to allow air and the antimicrobial solution out of the suit. Exemplary embodiments of tubing may include an input tube on one side of the torso and an output tube on the opposite side, such as input and output tubes on opposite shoulders.
In an exemplary embodiment, a user may put on the garment, add anti-microbial solution using the input tube, allow the mist to circulate within the suit, and turn on the light source.
The user may simultaneously input and output antimicrobial solution to circulate through the suit. The user may power on the heating element to warm the mist and/or otherwise activate or control any portion of the suit, as desired.
Further to the above, another exemplary embodiment of the therapeutic treatment retainer may be illustrated in
In further exemplary embodiment, and generally referring to
In an exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial solution may be warmed in the bowl. An object or a body part such as fingers may be placed into the antimicrobial solution, and the light source may be turned on. The light source may interact with the antimicrobial solution and may create a synergistic antimicrobial effect. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. The user may utilize a control box, or any other wired or wireless controller, to turn on or off, or set timers for, the light source, the heater power, or both. It may be appreciated that any desired functions may be managed and timed by the control box.
As depicted in exemplary
In an exemplary embodiment, and referring generally to
Additional exemplary embodiments may include an integrated heating element to warm the antimicrobial solution while in use, or a separate heater to warm the antimicrobial solution before use. An exemplary embodiment may also include a thin fiber optic cable inside the catheter tube, or the catheter tube itself may be made of fiber optic material so that the tube conducts both light and antimicrobial solution. A number of light terminations may be positioned at, or proximate, an end of the tube, near the mesh portion so that the light shines onto the antimicrobial solution when the solution may be dispensed into the user. An exemplary embodiment may include a light emitting cable that may be integrated with the catheter, or a light emitting cable that may be separated from the catheter tube carrying the antimicrobial solution.
In a further exemplary embodiment, the catheter may be inserted into a body cavity, and may be used for purposes such as drainage or administration of therapeutic materials before or after the device may be used to apply antimicrobial solution. Antimicrobial solution may be preheated with the separate heating element, pumped into the catheter, and dispensed into the user's body. The light may be turned on to supercharge the antimicrobial material while it may be dispensed or immediately after it may be dispensed and the catheter may be left in place until the treatment may be completed. The treatment may create a synergistic antimicrobial effect between an antimicrobial solution and a light of certain predetermined wavelengths. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone.
In an exemplary embodiment depicted in
Now referring to exemplary
Acne inflammatory disease results in unsightly lesions, particularly on the face, and in some cases results in severe scarring. An exemplary embodiment of the system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment may decrease the inflammatory disease and the associated scarring by creating a synergistic antimicrobial effect between an antimicrobial solution and a light of certain predetermined wavelengths. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. In an exemplary embodiment, the system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment generally referred to in
In other exemplary embodiments, the system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment may utilize blue light, or another certain predetermined wavelength of light that may supercharge the solution, with an exposure from about a few second to a few minutes. In a further exemplary embodiments the antimicrobial solution may be an H2O2 solution, such as a gel, with concentration of 0.3 mM or any concentration of solution that may be suitable as an antimicrobial agent. In an exemplary embodiment, hydrogen peroxide, if used alone may kill 30% of bacteria that may be exposed to it for 20 seconds. Similarly, a 20 seconds irradiation with light of the wavelength from 360 nm to 500 nm may kill 3% of bacteria that may be exposed to it. But then hydrogen peroxide in combination with light of 360 nm to 500 nm may exhibit a synergistic reaction that kills 96% of bacteria exposed to this combination for 20 seconds. This solution may work best at a temperature of about 57 degrees Celsius. It may be appreciated that other chemicals may have different preferred temperatures.
In an exemplary embodiment, and generally referring to
In an additional exemplary embodiment, topical solutions of peroxide compounds may include hydrogen peroxide and/or carbamide peroxide and/or benzoyl peroxide in various organic carriers in concentrations that may range from about 0.001% to about 50% by volume of the carrier.
In an exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial solution may be incorporated into various vehicles or carriers including solutions, lotions, creams, gels, mists, pastes and ointments along with one or more of the following ingredients: nicotinic acid or nicotinamide that may be present in concentrations from about 0.001% to 30% by volume of the carrier.
In an exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial solution may include erythromycin base in concentrations that may present from about 0.001% to about 30% by volume of the carrier.
In another exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial solution may contain clindamycin phosphate methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1-5 methyl-trans-4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L-threo-α-D-galacto-octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate) with a concentration from about 0.001 to 30% by volume of carrier.
In another exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial solution may contain tetracycline hydrochloride in concentrations of from 0.001 to 30% by volume of the carrier; retinoids such as 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxy-phenyl]naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid; It may be appreciated that the antimicrobial solution may contain any desired compounds deemed effective in treating acne vulgaris.
In still other exemplary embodiments, the antimicrobial solution carriers may include combinations of ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol, surface active agents such as lauryl ethers and lauryl esters, and other carriers effective for the desired purposes.
In other exemplary embodiments, the antimicrobial solution may include a light activated pigment that may fluoresce when exposed to the wavelength of light used in the treatment. This pigment may indicate to the user that the synergistic effect may be occurring.
Another exemplary embodiment may describe a method of decreasing open and closed comedones and associated inflammation in patients infected with acne vulgaris by topically administering a therapeutically effective amount of peroxide compounds and other therapeutic chemicals that together may form a solution that may be an effective antimicrobial compound for treating acne vulgaris. This solution, once applied, may be exposed to a wavelength of light, for example using embodiments described herein, that may create a synergistic antimicrobial effect that reduces or eliminates bacteria causing acne vulgaris. This synergistic antimicrobial effect may be greater than the solution's antimicrobial effect or the light's antimicrobial effect if they were used separately.
In one exemplary embodiment, an about 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide in a gel carrier may be prepared. Twice daily topical applications of this solution may be administered to an infected area on a patient suffering from acne vulgaris. After application, the solution may be exposed to light with a wavelength of about 360 nm to about 500 nm for 20 seconds (or some other amount of time) creating a synergistic effect that may be greater than 10 irradiations with the light or 10 applications the antimicrobial solution alone. The light may be applied by a LED device exposing the patient's entire infected area at one time. The solution may be then rinsed off with clean water. After two weeks of treatment, the comedones count on the patient, and the inflamed areas that result from an acne infection may have measurably declined.
In another exemplary embodiment, a solution of containing chemical species including, but limited to, about 3% hydrogen peroxide, about 3% benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid may be combined in a cream form. This solution may be buffered to a pH of about 6. The cream may be applied to areas infected with acne vulgaris on a patient daily. Once the cream is applied, it may be exposed to a 10 watt light source emitting at wavelengths from about 410 nm to about 500 nm thus creating a synergistic effect between the solution and the light causing a greater reduction in microbes than with the light or with the solution acting alone. The retainer may have a number of terminations having a diameter of about 15 mm. This particular size would enable the patient to target small areas. However, it may be appreciates that the diameter of the termination may have any desired value. The exposure time of the light may be about one minute. However, it may be appreciated that any desired duration of treatment may be selected. This exemplary embodiment may be used to maintain an area that once exhibited an active acne vulgaris infection.
In another exemplary embodiment, a solution containing chemical species including, but not limited to, about 15% carbamide peroxide, about 2.5% clindamycin phosphate (Methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1-methyl-trans-4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L-threo-α-D-galacto-octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate)) and tretinoin may be combined in a gel-form carrier. The carrier gel may be heated to about 40 degrees Celsius. The warmed solution may help to open the patient's pores once it is applied to the infected area. This solution may be applied three times per day. The infected area may be exposed to a light of a wavelength from about 410 nm to about 500 nm by a number of light terminations that would expose an area with a diameter of about 30 centimeters. The infected area and solution may be exposed to this certain wavelength of light for about 30 seconds. The synergistic effect of the light and solution that may be warmed may be greater than the effect of the light or the solution acting individually.
The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred exemplary embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular exemplary embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the exemplary embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the above-described exemplary embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those exemplary embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/026,498, filed Jul. 18, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62026498 | Jul 2014 | US |
