Diabetic foot ulcers are wounds, resistant to healing, usually on the bottom of the feet of diabetic patients. One fourth of the 29 million American diabetics will develop a diabetic foot ulcer at some point during their lifetime. The gold standard of care is an off-loading, total-contact cast that removes gait pressure from the wound. This treatment focuses on isolating these wounds in order to encourage passive healing over time. Furthermore, maintaining patient compliance is an ongoing difficulty with diabetic care. In light of delayed healing, diabetic patients with a non-healing ulcer are more prone to lower-extremity amputations.
Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for administering low-level light therapy (LLLT). The systems, devices, and methods aim to accelerate wound healing, reduce the bioburden on the wound site, and reduce the incidence of infection. For example, the systems, devices, and methods can have an anti-microbial effect in addition to promoting wound healing. As one example, a device can be used in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). There is no current treatment option using LLLT that actively encourages diabetic foot ulcer healing, complements current procedures, and maintains patient compliance. Complications like infection often require the need for surgical intervention such as lower-extremity amputation. Previous studies have shown that exposing wounds to dose-specific levels of light can reduce wound size and promote healing. Incorporated into a standard of care (the total-contact orthopedic cast), the devices, systems, and methods described herein transfer light energy (e.g., using light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) from a power source to the wound site in order to introduce an active healing component for diabetic foot ulcers.
An example system for administering low-level light therapy to a patient in need thereof is described herein. The system can include a wound dressing configured to conform to a body part of the patient, where the wound dressing includes a cavity formed therein, the cavity being in proximity to a wound of the patient. The system can also include a light-emitting halo including one or more light sources, where the light-emitting halo is arranged within the cavity of the wound dressing to maintain wound offloading.
Additionally, the light-emitting halo can be spaced apart from the wound of the patient.
Alternatively or additionally, the light-emitting halo can be arranged in contact with at least a portion of the wound dressing.
Alternatively or additionally, a thickness of the light-emitting halo can be less than a thickness of the wound dressing.
Alternatively or additionally, the light-emitting halo can have a cylindrical shape with a hole in the center thereof.
Alternatively or additionally, the light-emitting halo can be formed from a biocompatible material or a biologically inert material.
Alternatively or additionally, the light-emitting halo can be formed from silicone.
Alternatively or additionally, the light-emitting halo can be formed from a waterproof material.
Alternatively or additionally, the system can further include a module box housing a power source and a control module. The module box can be operably coupled to the light-emitting halo and configured to control operation of the one or more light sources.
Alternatively or additionally, the system can further include a cable for operably coupling the module box and the light-emitting halo.
Alternatively or additionally, the light-emitting halo and the cable can be disposable.
Alternatively or additionally, the light-emitting halo and the cable can be sterile.
Alternatively or additionally, the one or more light sources can be a monochromatic light source.
Alternatively or additionally, the one or more light sources can be a source of blue light. For example, the source of blue light can have a wavelength of from about 450 nm to about 495 nm.
Alternatively or additionally, the one or more light sources can be a source of infrared light. For example, the source of infrared light can have a wavelength of from about 700 nm to about 1 mm.
Alternatively or additionally, the one or more light sources can be a source of blue light and a source of infrared light.
Alternatively or additionally, the one or more light sources can be one or more light emitting diodes.
Alternatively or additionally, the one or more light sources can be configured to emit light of at least 20 mW/cm2.
Alternatively or additionally, the wound dressing can be a cast.
Alternatively or additionally, the body part of the patient can be a foot, and the wound can be located on a sole of the foot.
An example device for administering low-level light therapy to a patient in need thereof is also described herein. The device can include a module box housing a power source and a control module, a light-emitting halo including one or more light sources, and a cable for operably coupling the module box and the light-emitting halo. The light-emitting halo can be configured to removably couple a wound dressing on the patient.
An example method of treating a wound on a patient is also described herein. The method can include applying to the patient the system or device for administering LLLT as described herein, and illuminating the wound with a therapeutically effective amount of light from the one or more light sources of the light-emitting halo.
The systems, devices, and methods described herein can be automated, preprogrammed for active healing, and integrated into a total-contact off-loading cast. The device is weatherproof, low-risk, and has a low-profile. The device can include: a module box (sometimes referred to herein as a “module unit”), a light-emitting halo, and a connector unit. The module box, secured to the cast (and in some implementations externally secured to the cast), controls the dose-specific levels of light emission, which is transmitted via the light-delivering halo. These two pieces are connected via a 3D-printed connector piece which is secured to the module unit casing.
As noted above, devices for administering low-level light therapy (LLLT) to a wound site are provided herein. The devices can include a module box and a halo comprising one or more light sources (e.g., one or more light-emitting diodes configured to emit the desired wavelength of light (e.g., blue light and/or infrared light) for a therapeutic application). A cable can be used to electrically connect the module box and the halo to supply electrical power and/or control signals to the one or more light sources. Optionally, in an alternative implementation, one or more light emitters can be housed in the module box and embedded fiber optics can be used to transfer light from the light source within the module box to the wound site via the halo. The module box can house a power source (e.g., batteries) and a control module configured to control the delivery of light to a patient. In some embodiments, the module box can further include a heat sink, such as a thermal pad, to absorb heat produced by the components in the module box. Additional auxiliary components found in the module box can optionally include an interactive liquid crystal display (LCD) screen that displays the device status (e.g. battery level, treatment dosage, etc.), overheating shutdown override circuitry, and desiccants to eliminate moisture accumulation within the device. The module box can be configured to securely attach to the exterior of a cast or other wound dressing. As discussed above, the halo can include one or more light sources to transfer light to the wound site. The halo can be custom-molded to conform to the patient's anatomy. In some embodiments, the halo can be formed from a compliant, biocompatible material, such as silicone. The device can be designed to be weatherproof (e.g., waterproof or water-resistant), shock-resistant, heat resistant, or a combination thereof.
The device can be used to actively encourage wound healing. For example, the device can be used to treat wounds associated with diabetes, such as diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant clinical problem. In particular, diabetic foot ulcers are susceptible to infection. Negative wound progression is an indication of improper treatment and often introduces the need for surgical intervention, such as lower-extremity amputation. The automated delivery of therapeutic light can be used to help reduce the risk of negative wound progressions and accelerate the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. These devices can be adopted in a clinical setting to treat patients with severe and non-severe foot ulcers. These devices can be used with minimal risk to the patient, and can complement current standards of care for wound management, including current standards of care for the management of diabetic foot ulcers.
Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will be or may become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and/or advantages be included within this description and be protected by the accompanying claims.
The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure. As used in the specification, and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is used synonymously with the term “including” and variations thereof and are open, non-limiting terms. The terms “optional” or “optionally” used herein mean that the subsequently described feature, event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said feature, event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, an aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. While implementations will be described for using an LLLT device/system to treat diabetic foot ulcers, it will become evident to those skilled in the art that the implementations are not limited thereto, but are applicable for treating other types of wounds including burns, normal ulcers, and surgical wounds.
Referring now to
The wound dressing 102 can be configured to conform to a body part of the patient. In some implementations, the wound dressing 102 can be a cast, for example. The wound dressing 102 can have the cavity 104 formed therein, for example, in proximity to the wound 106. This is shown in
As shown in
Referring again to
This disclosure contemplates that the light-emitting halo 108 and/or cable 114 can experience physical wear during use. In some implementations, the light-emitting halo 108 and the cable 114 are disposable. For example, the light-emitting halo 108 and/or cable 114 can be designed for single use. Optionally, the light-emitting halo 108 and the cable 114 can be single-use and optionally sterile. In other words, the module box 112 can be non-disposable, and the light-emitting halo 108/cable 114 can be disposable (and optionally sterile). In this way, the light-emitting halo 108/cable 114 can be periodically replaced (e.g., weekly) during wound 106 debridement treatment, and the light-emitting halo 108/cable 114 would not need to be sterilized. The light-emitting halo 108/cable 114 can be detached from the module box 112 (e.g., by unplugging the cable 114), and a new light-emitting halo 108/cable 114 can be provided. This disclosure also contemplates that this can reduce the time needed for periodic treatment. For example, rather than removing the light-emitting halo 108/cable 114 and performing in depth sterilization and subsequent replacement, these components can be detachable from the module box 112 and then disposed.
In some implementations, the one or more light sources 110 comprise a monochromatic light source. For example, the light sources 110 can be a source of blue light such as blue light having a wavelength of from about 450 nm to about 495 nm. Optionally, the blue light has a wavelength of about 470 nm. A light-emitting diode (LED) can be a source of blue light. For example, a T-1¾ (5 mm×5 mm) blue LED from BROADCOM INC. of San Jose, Calif. having a wavelength of 470 nm and intensity of 1200 millicandela (mcd) can optionally be used. Alternatively or additionally, the light sources 110 can be a source of infrared light such as infrared light having a wavelength from about 700 nm to about 1 mm. Optionally, the infrared light has a wavelength from about 840 nm to about 900 nm. Optionally, the infrared light has a wavelength of about 890 nm. An LED can be a source of infrared light. For example, a 8.7 mm×5.8 mm×5.8 mm infrared LED from VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY, INC. of Malvern, Pa. having a wavelength of 890 nm and intensity of 1400 mW/sr can optionally be used. Optionally, the light sources 110 can be a source of blue light and a source of infrared light. As described above, the light sources 110 can optionally be controlled to emit light of at about mW/cm2 for about 20 minutes daily. Optionally, in some implementations, the light sources 110 can be light-emitting diodes (LEDs). It should be understood that the LEDs provided above are examples only and that other LEDs can be used.
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It should be appreciated that the logical operations described herein with respect to the various figures may be implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or program modules (i.e., software) running on a computing device (e.g., the computing device described in
Referring to
In its most basic configuration, computing device 900 typically includes at least one processing unit 906 and system memory 904. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, system memory 904 may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration is illustrated in
Computing device 900 may have additional features/functionality. For example, computing device 900 may include additional storage such as removable storage 908 and non-removable storage 910 including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tapes. Computing device 900 may also contain network connection(s) 916 that allow the device to communicate with other devices. Computing device 900 may also have input device(s) 914 such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc. Output device(s) 912 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be included. The additional devices may be connected to the bus in order to facilitate communication of data among the components of the computing device 900. All these devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at length here.
The processing unit 906 may be configured to execute program code encoded in tangible, computer-readable media. Tangible, computer-readable media refers to any media that is capable of providing data that causes the computing device 900 (i.e., a machine) to operate in a particular fashion. Various computer-readable media may be utilized to provide instructions to the processing unit 906 for execution. Example tangible, computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. System memory 904, removable storage 908, and non-removable storage 910 are all examples of tangible, computer storage media. Example tangible, computer-readable recording media include, but are not limited to, an integrated circuit (e.g., field-programmable gate array or application-specific IC), a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, a holographic storage medium, a solid-state device, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices.
In an example implementation, the processing unit 906 may execute program code stored in the system memory 904. For example, the bus may carry data to the system memory 904, from which the processing unit 906 receives and executes instructions. The data received by the system memory 904 may optionally be stored on the removable storage 908 or the non-removable storage 910 before or after execution by the processing unit 906.
It should be understood that the various techniques described herein may be implemented in connection with hardware or software or, where appropriate, with a combination thereof. Thus, the methods and apparatuses of the presently disclosed subject matter, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computing device, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the presently disclosed subject matter. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device generally includes a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. One or more programs may implement or utilize the processes described in connection with the presently disclosed subject matter, e.g., through the use of an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, or the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high level procedural or object-oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language and it may be combined with hardware implementations.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/489,083, filed on Apr. 24, 2017, and entitled “SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR ADMINISTERING LOW-LEVEL LIGHT THERAPY,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62489083 | Apr 2017 | US |