U.S. patent application number 10/090096 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for treatment of skin disorders with uv light and cooling.
Invention is credited to Irwin, Dean S..
Application Number | 20020183811 10/090096 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26955409 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020183811 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Irwin, Dean S. |
December 5, 2002 |
Treatment of skin disorders with UV light and cooling
Abstract
Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis,
dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are
treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased
regions of a patients skin. The dosage employed exceeds 1 MED, an
MED being determined for the particular patient being treated, and
may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The
ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of between
about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers and preferably is
between about 300 nanometers and about 310 nanometers. High doses
of ultraviolet light are restricted to diseased tissue areas so as
to avoid risk of detrimental side affects in healthy skin, which is
more susceptible to damage from UV light. Cooling the skin prior to
and/or while exposing the skin to the UV light can be used to
minimize tissue damage resulting from exposure to the UV light.
Higher doses of UV light can therefore be employed without
injurious affects.
Inventors: |
Irwin, Dean S.; (Del Mar,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
91614
US
|
Family ID: |
26955409 |
Appl. No.: |
10/090096 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10090096 |
Feb 27, 2002 |
|
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09694086 |
Oct 20, 2000 |
|
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60272277 |
Feb 28, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 2005/007 20130101;
A61N 2005/0661 20130101; A61N 5/0616 20130101; A61N 2005/0644
20130101; A61N 5/067 20210801; A61N 2005/063 20130101; A61N
2005/0654 20130101; A61N 2005/0667 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/94 |
International
Class: |
A61N 005/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for treating diseased skin with ultraviolet (UV)
light, the apparatus comprising: a source of UV light within the
range of 300 and 315 nanometers; and a cooler for cooling the
diseased skin.
2. An apparatus for treating an area of diseased epidermal tissue
with ultraviolet UV light, the apparatus comprising: a source of
high intensity ultraviolet light equal to or greater than about 1
minimum erythema dose (MED) in the wavelength range of between
about 300 and 315 nanometers having an output for emitting the UV
light; a conduit positioned to receive said ultraviolet light, said
conduit having an output end that emits said UV light; a delivery
device that includes said output end of said conduit; and a cooler
included in said delivery device.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said delivery device has a
localized UV output sufficiently small to illuminate a portion of
skin no larger than said area of diseased epidermal tissue.
4. A method for treating an epidermal region comprising diseased
tissue, the method comprising: cooling the diseased tissue and
exposing the diseased tissue in said epdermal region to a dosage of
ultraviolet light equal to or greater than about 1 minimum erythema
dose (MED) in the wavelength range of between about 300 and 315
nanometers.
Description
PRIORITY APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application No. 09/694,086, filed Oct. 20, 2000. This application
also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/272,277, filed Feb. 28,
2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates a method and apparatus for treating
skin disorders such as psoriasis, and more specifically, to a
method and apparatus for treating skin disorders involving exposing
a patient's skin to high intensity ultraviolet (UV) light.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis,
eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are conditions that
commonly affect large populations at some time in their lives. For
example, about 2% to 3% of the population of northern Europe is
estimated to be afflicted with psoriasis. Although the disease's
prevalence in the United States is not as well understood, it
appears that between 150,000 and 260,000 new cases are diagnosed
each year. This suggests that at least several million people
suffer from the disease in the United States.
[0006] Psoriasis can range in severity from relatively mild, with
some drying and flaking of the affected skin, to severe cases with
very severe outbreaks over large areas of the patient's body. Even
very mild psoriasis is uncomfortable and unsightly. Severe cases
can be physically and psychologically debilitating, presenting a
very serious threat to the patient's overall health.
[0007] Although the underlying mechanisms of psoriasis are not yet
perfectly understood, the disease involves abnormally rapid cell
proliferation in the basal layer of the skin. This
hyperproliferation can be reduced and the disease ameliorated with
what is conventionally known as "phototherapy," i.e., by exposing
the affected skin surface to a source of light, in particular,
ultraviolet light. Phototherapy can be performed simply by exposing
the patient to natural sunlight, or in a more controlled way by
applying light from an artificial source to the affected areas.
[0008] Commonly, a patient may be exposed over substantially his or
her entire body, or at least a very large portion of it, to
artificial light from an electric lamp or a similar source
generating light having a significant ultraviolet component. While
this mode of treatment has been effective, it is less than optimal.
In recent times patients and physicians have become increasingly
aware of the undesirability of unnecessary exposure to ultraviolet
light. Ultraviolet light causes damage to the skin and premature
aging; it is also associated with melanoma and skin cancer.
Additionally, conventional phototherapy treatment is implemented
over an extended time and requires the patient comply to a regimen
involving frequent visits to the physician before experiencing even
slight improvement in his or her condition. Following such regimen
is inconvenient to the patient as well as costly; furthermore
treatment often fails due to lack of compliance to this regimen.
Thus, what is needed is a treatment for psoriasis and other skin
disorders that minimizes side effects such as the risk of melanoma
and skin cancer and that effectuates a rehabilitation of disease
tissue expeditiously.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] On aspect of the invention comprises an apparatus for
treating diseased skin with ultraviolet (UV) light. The apparatus
comprises a source of UV light within the range of 300 and 315
nanometers and a cooler for cooling the diseased skin.
[0010] Another aspect of the invention also comprises an apparatus
for treating diseased skin tissue with ultraviolet UV light. This
apparatus comprises a source of high intensity ultraviolet light
equal to or greater than about 1 minimum erythema dose (MED) in the
wavelength range of between about 300 and 315 nanometers having an
output for emitting the UV light and a cooler capable of cooling
said diseased tissue.
[0011] Still another apparatus for treating an area of diseased
epidermal tissue with ultraviolet UV light also includes a source
of high intensity ultraviolet light equal to or greater than about
1 minimum erythema dose (MED) in the wavelength range of between
about 300 and 315 nanometers having an output for emitting the UV
light. This apparatus further comprises a conduit positioned to
receive said ultraviolet light, said conduit having an output end
that emits said UV light, a delivery device that includes the
output end of the conduit, and a cooler in the delivery device.
Preferably, the delivery device has a localized UV output
sufficiently small to illuminate a portion skin no larger than said
area of diseased epidermal tissue.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for
treating diseased skin with ultraviolet (UV) light comprises a
source of UV light within the range of 300 and 315 nanometers
having a plate comprising UV transparent cooling material with a
cooler thermally contacted thereto.
[0013] In yet another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for
treating diseased skin tissue with UV light comprises a source of
UV light within the range of 300 and 315 nanometers having an
output for emitting the UV light, wherein the source includes at
least one conduit with at least one opening for connection to a
source of coolant.
[0014] In still another aspect of the invention, a method for
treating an epidermal region comprising diseased tissue includes
cooling the diseased tissue and exposing the diseased tissue in the
epidermal region to a dosage of ultraviolet light equal to or
greater than about 1 minimum erythema dose (MED) in the wavelength
range between about 300 and 315 nanometers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a plot on axis of wavelength (in nanometers)
and effectiveness in arbitrary of the psoriasis action spectrum,
human erythema action spectrum, and the action spectrum for DNA
damage (i.e., carcinogeneity);
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment for
treating skin disorders;
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of one embodiment of the
present invention comprising a laser source, a coupling lens, and
an optical fiber for exposing diseased skin to doses of UV-B
wavelength (between about 290 to 320 nanometers) light sufficient
to effectively treat skin disorders like psoriasis;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the present
invention comprising an arc lamp, a reflector, a wavelength
selection filter, and an optical fiber for treating skin
disorders;
[0019] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic view of one embodiment of the
present invention comprising a plurality of fluorescent lamps, a
reflector, and a filter for directing UV-B wavelength light to the
diseased skin;
[0020] FIG. 6 shows one example of a laser system employed to
direct UV-B wavelength light of sufficient energy to effectively
treat skin disorders like psoriasis;
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a delivery device that forms a part of the
apparatus depicted in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an exploded view depicting internal views of the
delivery device of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing parts of the delivery
device shown in FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an end view showing a delivery end of the
delivery device of FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 11 depicts a control panel used to control the
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 12 shows a minimum erythema dose (MED) template usable
with the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 13 depicts ink being applied to the delivery device of
FIG. 2 by an ink pad;
[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates how the delivery may be used to deliver
therapy in a "tile mode";
[0029] FIG. 15 shows how the delivery device may be used to deliver
therapy in a "paint mode."
[0030] FIG. 16 shows a delivery device that additionally includes a
plate and a thermoelectric cooler attached to the plate to provide
cooling thereto;
[0031] FIGS. 17 and 18 are front and cross-sectional views of the
chilled plate of FIG. 16; and
[0032] FIG. 19 depicts a delivery device that includes a jet that
provides cooling.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] Deleterious effects of various skin disorders including
atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis,
and vitiligo can be ameliorated by directing high doses of
ultraviolet light onto areas of skin affected by the disorder. The
effectiveness of this technique utilizing ultraviolet light depends
in part on wavelength, dosage, and what region of skin is exposed
to the ultraviolet light.
[0034] Light within a specific range of wavelengths has been
determined to be both effective in rehabilitating diseased skin and
also in avoiding harmful side effects such as cancer and erythema
(i.e., sunburn). This wavelength range coincides with a spectrum
conventionally known as UV-B, which extends in wavelength from
approximately 280 or 290 to approximately 315 or 320 nanometers.
The wavelength of light that is most successful at treating
affected skin areas without causing harmful side effects is defined
with reference to action curves 1000, 1002, 1004 for psoriasis, for
erythema and for carcinogeneity, which are shown in FIG. 1.
Psoriasis afflicted tissue can be effectively rehabilitated with
light having wavelengths between approximately 300 to 310
nanometers. As shown by the psoriasis action spectrum curve 1000,
light having a wavelength spectrum between about 295 or 300 and
about 320 or 325 nanometers can be effective in healing the tissue
as well, but to a lesser extent. Incidence of erythema and skin
cancer, as shown by the respective action spectrum curves 1002,
1004, however, increases in general for shorter wavelengths in this
range between 295 and 325 nanometers. Risk of skin cancer, for
example, is significantly higher for wavelengths at and below about
295 to about 300 nanometers than for wavelengths above this range.
Erythema is also more readily produced by light having a wavelength
of 290 nanometers than light between about 300 to 310 nanometers in
wavelength. Therefore, to provide optimal treatment preferably
diseased skin on a patient is exposed to light having wavelength
that maximizes a likelihood of healing of diseased tissue yet
minimizes risk of erythema and DNA damage, i.e., cancer.
Accordingly, light ranging, for example, between about 295 to about
315 or 320 nanometers and more specifically, between about 300 to
about 310 nanometers is preferred.
[0035] High, not low doses of light within these preferred ranges
of wavelength have been determined to be most desirable. Diseased
skin exposed to high doses of light heals quicker, that is, a fewer
number of high dose treatments are required in comparison to
conventional, low dose phototherapy treatments. Significant
advantages derive from reduction in number of treatments. Since
less treatments are necessary for high dose treatments, the total
quantity of UV-B light to which skin is exposed to achieve healing
is substantially smaller than for low dose treatments. This dosage
can be quantified in total number of photons, or in total amount of
energy such as in units of Joules. For example, preferably at least
about 500 milliwatts (mW) of light having a wavelength of between
about 304 and about 310 nanometers is directed onto the diseased
tissue. It is well known that the risk of cancer and skin damage
depends on the total number of photons or amount of UV-B radiation
directed on the skin. Thus, by raising the dosage in a single
treatment and thereby reducing the number of treatments, the
overall UV light exposure and thus the risk of cancer and other
skin damage is lowered. Additionally, lower number of treatments
may also provide a higher degree of compliance of a patient to an
otherwise difficult regimen involving a significant number of
visits to the physician. Such a simplification in treatment is
favorable as patients are less willing or able to adhere to a
regimen involving multiple treatments per week for months.
[0036] In light of the foregoing reasons, doses as high as a
patient can tolerate are preferred. More particularly, dosages at
least as high as 1 minimum erythema dose (MED) have proven to be
extremely advantageous. As defined herein a minimum erythema dose
or MED corresponds to the minimal dosage at which a noticeable
change in color occurs with distinct edges. The amount of energy
necessary to induce redness varies from patient to patient and
depends on many factors including race, age, and skin color.
Consequently, in treating a particular patient, a level of
localized exposure equivalent to 1 MED can be determined for the
patient. This level of exposure may be characterized by fluency or
the amount of energy delivered to a defined area in, e.g.,
Joule/cm.sup.2. Diseased tissue is thereby exposed to doses at
least as high as that dose that creates a change in color bounded
by distinct edges on healthy skin is applied. Exposure of 1 MED or
higher, i.e., doses of about 2 to about 4 or even to about 6 or 8
MED are effective in remedying the diseased condition. Moreover, a
direct correlation has been also observed between occurrence of
blisters and particularly successful treatments. For example,
levels of exposure to UV radiation as high as 16 to 20 MED, cause
UV radiation bums that produce blisters on the skin. However, only
a single treatment at this exposure level is necessary to
rehabilitate the diseased tissue. Thus, employing dosages that
cause UV radiation burns accompanied by blistering appear to yield
successful single treatment phototherapy. For these dosage levels,
however, the patient must necessarily be able to endure the
blistering.
[0037] Although the amount of energy that corresponds to 1 MED
depends on the skin characteristics of the specific patient, for
effective treatment of skin disorders like psoriasis, the
recommended fluency of light having wavelengths distributed between
about 300 and about 310 nanometers has been determined to range
between about 10 milliJoule/square centimeter (mJ/cm.sup.2) to
about 4.0 Joule/square centimeter (J/cm.sup.2). More specifically,
the range of fluency preferably ranges between about 100
mJ/cm.sup.2 to about 1.8 J/cm.sup.2, and more preferably between
about 600 mJ/cm.sup.2 and about 1.2 J/cm.sup.2. Accordingly, doses
as high as 500 mJ/cm.sup.2, 1 J/cm.sup.2, and 1.5 J/cm.sup.2 of
light having wavelengths at least as large as 300 nanometers but
less than or equal to about 310 nanometers may be employed to treat
skin disorders. Less doses of shorter wavelength light are required
in comparison to longer wavelength of light. For example, fluencies
in a range of about 50 mJ/cm.sup.2 to about 1 J/cm.sup.2 of light
with a center wavelength of about 305 nanometer (e.g., between
304.5 and 305.5) may produce similar results as fluencies ranging
from about 300 mJ/cm.sup.2 to about 4 J/cm.sup.2 of light having a
wavelength centered about 310 nanometers (e.g., between 309.5 and
310.5). The action spectrum for erythema 1004 dictates in part how
the required dose varies with wavelengths. As shown in the action
spectrum 1004 depicted in FIG. 1, erythema is more readily induced
by shorter wavelengths than longer wavelengths. In particular, the
erythema response is about ten times stronger for light having
wavelength centered about 305 nanometers (e.g., between 304.5 and
305.5) than for light centered about 310 nanometers (e.g., between
309.5 and 310.5). (Note that effectiveness as plotted in FIG. 1
corresponds to the degree the tissue is affected by one joule of
optical energy.)
[0038] Since high doses of ultraviolet light enhance the risk of
skin cancer and erythema as well as cause other skin damage
generally associated with premature aging, the extent of a
patient's epidermis to which light is directed must be limited.
Since the diseased tissue needs to be exposed, light is not
delivered to regions of skin other than affected areas, which
particularly with psoriasis, are more tolerant to higher doses of
light within the preferred wavelength regions than is healthy
tissue. In treating psoriasis, for example, the UV light is
preferably directed onto the lesional as well as surrounding
paralesional tissue, which although appearing normal is diseased
tissue. Treatment, however, should be restricted only to these
affected areas of skin, and areas uninvolved are preferably not
exposed to the ultraviolet light. Certainly, the patients entire
body is not subjected to the ultraviolet light as is true in some
conventional phototherapy treatments. Instead, the ultraviolet
light must be delivered to each separate affected region of the
body. By avoiding treatment of unaffected portions of skin, the
dosage can be raised well above conventional dosages as the
affected areas will tolerate substantially higher doses without
increased risk of side effects. Accordingly, the high doses of UV
illumination are directed to an area on the skin that is preferably
less than about 3000 cm.sup.2, more preferably less than about 1000
cm.sup.2, and most preferably less than about 500 cm.sup.2.
[0039] The temporal extent over which exposure occurs is also
important. Exposure of the affected area to the UV light results in
heating of the tissue. Unless this heat is sufficiently dissipated,
thermal blistering will result. In particular, blisters are formed
if the temperature of the skin is raised to about 50.degree. C.
Thermal energy absorbed by the exposed portion of skin, which may
reach a depth between about 5 and 100 micrometers (.mu.m), must be
conducted away from that region before it heats up the skin to
excess. Specifically, the region should not heat up to the critical
temperature of about 50.degree. C. or more which would result in
the formation of thermal blisters. Whether the thermal energy is
sufficiently dissipated depends in part on the thermal time
constant .tau..sub.THERMAL of the skin, which governs the rate of
heat dissipation. The rate at which thermal energy is introduced
into the skin is also a relevant factor. Preferably, therefore, the
high dose of energy provided by the UV light is distributed over a
length of time greater than one or two times the thermal time
constant associated with the removal of heat from the tissue. This
duration of exposure may for example range between about 500
milliseconds (msec) and 1500 milliseconds for radiation delivered
at 308 nanometers at fluences of less than 1 W/cm.sup.2. The
illumination needs to be within a short enough time to be practical
yet long enough to prevent blistering cause by thermal
overload.
[0040] An excimer laser can generate short high power pulses of
light having a waveglength of about 308 nanometers. These pulses
can be high in power, e.g. about a half a million watts, but short
in duration, for example, maybe lasting much less than 100
nanoseconds (e.g., 30 nanoseconds). The laser, however, may produce
a plurality of such pulses at a repetition rate of about 200 Hz,
i.e., one pulse per 5 milliseconds. Tissue exposed to a plurality
of these short pulses will increase in temperature slightly with
application of each pulse. The cumulative effect of the plurality
of pulses being to raise the temperature of the tissue an amount
that depends in part on the heat capacity of the tissue. The heat
capacity is directly related to the thermal time constant
.tau..sub.THERMAL of the skin described above, which governs the
rate of heat dissipation of heat from the skin after the series of
pulses is complete. Preferably, therefore, the energy from the
laser is spread over a long enough period of time with respect to
the length of the thermal time constant .tau..sub.THERMAL so as to
permit sufficient dissipation to avoid excessive build-up of heat
from the plurality of short pulses. Thermal damage caused by
raising the temperature of the skin above, for example, the blister
temperature of 50.degree. C., can thereby be prevented. The amount
of time required to expose the affected tissue to the therapeutic
doses of UV light, however, depends on the particular dose
level.
[0041] This phototherapy treatment can be accomplished by utilizing
an apparatus 1010 comprising an ultraviolet light source 1012 and a
delivery system 1014 such as illustrated in block diagram form in
FIG. 2. The ultraviolet source 1012 may comprise a laser, a lamp,
or a solid-state device such as a light emitting diode. One or more
of such light sources 1012 may be used alone or in combination with
other similar or different light sources to produce light of
sufficient intensity and at the appropriate wavelength to treat the
skin disease. An excimer laser, and more specifically, a XeCl gas
laser outputting light having a wavelength of about 308 nanometers,
or an arc lamp or fluorescent lamp that provides radiation within
the UV-B region are particularly suitable light sources for this
application. A filter may be included to remove light outside the
preferred wavelength ranges. This filter may comprise a dichroic or
dielectric filter or a grating.
[0042] The delivery system 1014 may comprise a hand device that can
be readily handled and moved to direct light onto the affected
areas skin. Alternately, the delivery system 1014 may comprise a
scanner possibly computer controlled, such as one that utilizes
mirrors or reflective surfaces that move and thereby translate a
beam of ultraviolet light extracted from the light source. A
spatial light modulator, an optical component having a surface
comprising a plurality of smaller regions each of which can
independently be set to either transmit or block a portion of light
incident on the surface of the modulator, may also be employed to
appropriately distribute the ultraviolet light onto the patient's
skin. Such spatial light modulators as are currently available, as
well as those yet devised, include ones that switch mechanically,
and ones that accomplish switching by altering the polarization of
light passing therethrough.
[0043] The delivery system 1014 must be adapted to deliver the high
dose to a target region of skin spanning between about 300 to 700
cm.sup.2 or more preferably between about 400 and 650 cm.sup.2.
Accordingly, the delivery system 1014 may include a focusing
element such as a lens or mirror for focusing the optical beam down
to a small region. Alternatively, the delivery system 1014 may have
an aperture for egress of the UV light to limit beam size. For
example, this aperture may be a square aperture with sides that
restrict the size of the beam.
[0044] An optical path 1016 provided for example by an optical
waveguide may channel light from the light source 1012 to the
delivery system 1014. This optical waveguide may comprise an
optical fiber bundle including a plurality of fiber comprising
material transparent to UV-B radiation such as quartz or fused
silica. The optical fiber line 1016 may include a liquid filled
optical guide such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,231 issued to
Jeffrey I. Levatter on May 22, 1990, which is incorporated herein
by reference. This liquid filled optical guide is especially suited
to transfer large amounts of optical power. The power-handling
capability of the optical components within the apparatus 1010 are
particularly important given that doses of 1 MED or higher are
being applied to the patients skin.
[0045] In particular, the ultraviolet light source 1012 and the
delivery system 1014 as well as the optical path 1016 need to
handle power levels high enough to provide therapeutic doses of 1
MED or more. The prolonged duration over which the skin is exposed
to the UV light, however, mitigates against the necessity for
excessively high power requirements for these and other components
in the apparatus 1010. As discussed above, the energy density
delivered to the patient is preferably in a range of about 205 to
about 1200 mJ/cm.sup.2. However, to avoid blistering, the dosing
with UV light is extended over a sufficiently long period of time
so as to permit the thermal energy to be adequately dissipated. The
power is optionally transported by a waveguide or with the aid of
any other optical element and delivered by the delivery system
1014. Other optical components such as lenses, mirrors, filters,
grating etc. in the optical path of the UV light directed onto the
patient must also be adapted to handle the levels of power
sufficient for successful treatment of the patient.
[0046] As discussed above, the apparatus 1010 must be adapted to
provide doses of UV light over short intervals, e.g., between about
0.5 and 1.5 sec in duration. Such periodic dosing can be provided
by including a switch, a modulator, or a shutter within the path of
the beam of UV light. For example, electro-optical and
acousto-optical modulators, electro-optical and magneto-optical
switches, as well as other optical devices that deflect, block, or
otherwise interrupt the UV light output from the apparatus can be
employed to prevent UV light from reaching the epidermis of the
patient. Other alternatives include switching the light source on
and off. Optical output from a solid state device such as a laser
diode or a light emitting diode can be electrically controlled;
accordingly such UV light sources 1012 can be intermittently
activated so as to expose the patient over brief intervals. As
discussed above, some light sources inherently produces pulsed
output. Short pulses of light, for example, are emitted from pulsed
lasers or pulsed lamps. Pulsed lasers and lamps that produce UV
light are particularly suitable UV light sources. Other UV sources
as well as other methods that yield short pulses of UV light for
dosing a patient may also be appropriate for use in conjunction
with the apparatus.
[0047] As discussed above and shown in FIG. 3, the UV light source
1012 may comprise a laser 1020 such as an excimer laser.
Preferably, the laser 1020 comprises a XeCl laser that emits light
having a wavelength centered about 308 nanometers. Like lasers well
known in the art, the laser 1020 includes a gain medium (not
shown), e.g. gaseous XeCl, surrounded by two mirrors (not shown),
one substantially entirely reflective and the other that is
partially transmissive. One end 1022 of an optical line 1024
comprising a waveguide in the form of for example a single optical
fiber, an optical fiber bundle or a light pipe, is juxtaposed
proximal to the partially transmissive mirror, another distal end
1026 of the optical line 1024 being attached to a delivery device
1028 comprising a hand piece 1030. A coupling lens 1032 is inserted
between the partially transmissive mirror and the optical guide
line 1024. The handpiece 1030 also includes a lens 1034.
[0048] Light emitted by the laser 1020 is coupled into the optical
line 1024 via the coupling lens 1032. This light propagates through
the optical line 1024 substantially without absorptive loss and on
into the handpiece 1030, which can be manipulated by the user to
direct the UV light onto the portion of the patient's epidermis
designated for treatment. The lens 1034 within the handpiece 1030
focuses the UV light onto a small region 1036, one for example
between about 1 and 4 cm.sup.2 in size.
[0049] In one embodiment, proximal end 1022 the optical line 1024
may have an circular cross-section 1038 while the distal end 1026
has a square or rectangular cross-section 1039. The lens 1034 in
the handpiece 1030, preferably comprising fused silica, images the
square or rectangularly shape distal end 1039 of the optical line
1024 onto the skin of the patient. Accordingly, the region of the
skin that is illuminated comprises an area having a square or
rectangular shape. The irradiance may be uniform over this square
or rectangular area 1036 so as to enable the user to provide a
uniform dose to a large area of diseased skin (i.e., larger than
the image of the distal end 1026 of the optical line 1024) by
employing two methods described below that are herein referred to
respectively as the paint and tile methods.
[0050] Utilizing a fiber bundle comprising a plurality of fibers as
the optical line 1024 is preferable because the coupling lens 1032
cannot focus the UV light down to an area small enough for coupling
the light into a single fiber having a small cross-section. In
particular, the cross-section of the single fiber will be smaller
than the cross-section of the beam even after focusing via the
coupling lens 1032. The light collected from the UV light source
1012 cannot be efficiently transferred into the single fiber and
the amount of light that is coupled into the fiber is inadequate to
provide an effective and reasonable treatment for skin disorders.
The amount of energy that can be injected into the fiber, as well
as into a optical fiber bundle, is equal to the product of the
radiance from the light source 1012, the cross-section of the fiber
or fiber bundle where the light enters and the numerical aperture
of the optical fiber or optical fiber bundle. Since conventional
fused silica fibers generally have a numerical aperture of about
0.22, the cross-section of the fiber (or the fiber bundle) is the
parameter that can be altered. In particular, this cross-section
preferably has an area large enough to receive the entire focused
beam from the coupling lens 1032.
[0051] A fiber bundle is further advantageous, because it can offer
a method for converting a beam profile having a circular
cross-section, to one having a square or rectangular cross-section.
The proximal end 1022 of the fiber bundle can be configured into a
circular geometry, i.e., one having a circular cross-section, while
the output end can be shaped into a square geometry with a square
cross-section. This arrangement eliminates the need for a
specialized optical component such as a specialized light pipe in
the handpiece 1030 to act as a diffuser and/or beam shaper thereby
reducing the weight and cost of manufacture of the handpiece and at
the same time increasing its resistance to damage when dropped.
[0052] As discussed above, preferably, the laser 1020 is a pulsed
laser. More preferably, the laser 1020 is an excimer laser such as
a XeCl excimer laser and outputs light having a wavelength of about
308 nm. Alternatively the laser 1020 may comprise a solid state
laser or a dye laser and may be supplemented with wavelength
selective device such as one or more filters, gratings, or prisms.
These filters may include dichroic or interference filters and may
comprise dielectric or metal layers. The wavelength may also be
controlled using optical components exploiting non-linear optical
properties.
[0053] Additionally, the laser UV light source 1020 as employed for
the above-described dermatological applications necessitate that
certain performance requirements be satisfied. In particular, to be
commercially successful, the apparatus 1010 preferably can operate
for at least about one to three months without requiring servicing,
a period during which, on average, a physician may treat between
about 100 to about 300 patients. Treatment of a single patient may
often involve dosing affected tissue, which altogether spans a
large portion (e.g., 20 percent) of the patient's entire body, each
individual dose, however, being administered over a localized
region 1036 of skin, e.g., 1 cm.sup.2 for a period in excess of the
thermal time constant. Since UV light must be separately applied to
potentially a large number of different sites on the epidermis, the
laser needs to be activated for extended periods of time, e.g.,
between about 1 to 2 hours total for a single patient, and for
between about 100 to about 600 hours for 200 patients over the
three month period. Thus, the laser being employed for
dermatological applications such as the treatment of psoriasis,
atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, and vitiligo
must have a sufficiently long lifetime so to offer a practical cost
effective solution for handling such medical conditions.
[0054] In the case when the laser light source 1020 for these
dermatological applications is an excimer laser, selecting the
proper materials to be employed in constructing of the laser are
critical. A suitable gas excimer laser such as an XeCl laser, for
example, may comprise pressure vessel that contains a halogen gas,
first and second electrodes for creating a laser discharge between
the electrodes and generating a laser beam between first and second
optical components, a fan for circulating the gases, and a heat
exchanger for cooling the gas. By utilizing specific materials in
fabricating the pressure vessel, the electrodes, the heat exchanger
and the fan of the laser, its lifetime can be extended beyond 3600
hours. The criteria for selecting the appropriate materials for the
laser can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,818 issued to Jeffrey I.
Levatter on Jan. 2, 1990, which incorporate herein by reference. In
particular, portions of the pressure vessel, first and second
electrodes, fan and heat exchanger that are in contact with the
halogen gas are fabricated entirely of a material that reacts with
the halogen gas to form stable reaction products having a vapor
pressure of less than 10.sup.-6 torr at normal operating
temperatures. According, the contamination of the gas by the
pressure vessel, first and second electrodes, heat exchange, and
fan is minimized and the lifetime of the excimer laser is
increased. Electrically-conductive portions of the pressure vessel,
first and second electrodes, fan and that exchanger that are
exposed to the halogen gas may be formed of alumina, e.g. high
purity alumina, while non-electrically-conductive portions of the
pressure vessel, first and second electrodes, fan and that
exchanger that are exposed to the halogen gas are formed of nickel,
e.g., high purity nickel, stainless steel or aluminum, e.g.,
polished aluminum or polished stainless steel. By utilizing these
types of materials that reacts with the halogen gas to form stable
reaction products having a vapor pressure of less than 10.sup.-6
torr at normal operating temperatures, an excimer laser light
source can be realized that is suitable for dermatological
applications, i.e., that can withstand extensive usage over an
extended period of time of from about one to three months.
[0055] As discussed above and shown in FIG. 4, the light source
1012 may comprise a lamp 1040, in particular an arc lamp, such as a
mercury arc lamp, like Model No. 69175 made by Osram Sylvania
Products Inc., 275 West Main Street, Hillsboro, N.H. 03244. Other
lamps 1040 that produce ultraviolet radiation in the range of
between about 302 to 310 nanometers include germicidal lamps
available from Philips Lighting Co., 200 Franklin Square Drive,
Somerset, N.J. 08875, deuterium arc lamps, which emit much of their
energy below 300 nanometers and require additional filtering, and
metal halide lamps, e.g., those available from Fusion UV Systems
Inc., 910 Clapper Road, Gaithersburg, Md. 20878. Another
alternative includes zirconium arc lamps available from Osram
Sylvania Products Inc., which emit substantial amounts of energy in
the 302 to 310 region of the electromagnetic spectrum from a small
volume.
[0056] In the apparatus 1010 shown, a reflector 1042 having a
reflective surface 1044 is located on one side of the arc lamp
1040. The reflector 1042 may have a spherically, parabolically, or
ellipsoidally curved surface 1044 that is reflective for UV
wavelengths of light preferably between about 300 to about 315
nanometers and that has an optical axis which passes through the
arc lamp 1040.
[0057] On an other side of the lamp 1040 is a UV filter 1046 such
as an interference or dichroic filter followed by a focusing lens
1048 and delivery device 1014 that includes an optical fiber bundle
1050. Preferably, the filter 1046, focusing lens 1048, and fiber
bundle 1050 are located on the optic axis of the reflector 1042.
Note that in place of the reflector 1042, a lens (not shown)
comprising e.g., fused silica, can be employed to collect light
from the arc lamp 1040 and instead of the filter 1046, a prism or
grating may be utilized for wavelength selection. For example, two
passes through a diffraction grating in series can be used to
select a narrow bandpass at any location on the lamp emission
spectrum with the advantage of being wavelength-stable over broad
operating temperature ranges and over production numerous runs.
Alternatively, two identical 302 nanometer dielectric filters
stacked consecutively may narrow the spectrum; however dielectric
filters operating near their cut-on edge are sensitive to changes
in temperature and also vary from one production run to
another.
[0058] The delivery device 1014 may comprise a handpiece 1052 which
has an output tip 1054 and that contains the optical fiber bundle
1050. A disposable or steralizable tip 1056 may prevent the output
tip 1054 from contacting the patient. The fiber bundle 1050 may
comprise silica, quartz, or a liquid filled fiber optic. The fiber
bundle 1050 has one end 1058 which may serve as the output tip 1054
of the handpiece 1052 or may be imaged and/or focused onto the
patient with another lens (not shown) in the handpiece. This end
1058 of the fiber bundle 1050 may be square or rectangular so as to
produce a square or rectangular beam profile that is directed onto
the patient in order to facilitate administration by the physician
or health care provided a uniform coverage over the affected
tissue.
[0059] Light from the arc lamp 1040 is collected by the reflector
1042 whose curved reflective surface 1044 is preferably dichroic
and reflects predominantly light having wavelengths between about
300 to about 315 nanometers or 300 and 310 nanometers. Light from
the arc lamp 1040 radiates toward the reflective surface 1044,
reflects therefrom and through the dichroic filter 1046. A portion
of the light is also radiated from the arc lamp 1040 and toward the
filter 1046 directly. This radiation also passes through and is
filtered by the dichroic filter 1046. Radiation from the arc lamp
1040 that is transmitted through the filter 1046 reaches the
focusing lens 1048 which couples it into the optical fiber bundle
1050 where it exits therefrom at the output tip 1054 of the
handpiece 1052. This light is directed onto the patient.
Preferably, the lamp 1040 outputs sufficient power such that after
losses within the apparatus 1010, approximately 0.5 to 2.0 W of
power exits from the handpiece 1052 and is directed onto the
patient.
[0060] The optical filter 1046 or filters are used to restrict
treatment to a band between about 300 and 315 nanometers. Lamp
energy below 300 nanometers is strongly rejected by the optical
filter(s) 1046 to prevent erythemal burning and/or carcinogenic
effects. Lamp energy above 315 nanometers induces a sensation of
heating and is also removed by filtering to ensure patient comfort.
Employing broadband light, such as for example that includes
wavelengths between about 300 and 315 nanometers, as opposed to
using a single intense spectral line, e.g. the 312 nanometer line,
captures a substantial percentage of the UV energy emitted by the
arc lamp. Limiting treatment to only a single narrow line such as
the 312 nanometer line is not preferred as the phototherapy
response to this line is nearly twenty times less than the response
for light having a wavelength of 302 nanometers. Advantageously, a
spectral band of between about 302 to 315 nanometers exploits the
higher phototherapy response of the shorter wavelengths such as
between about 302 and 305 nanometers as well as the higher spectral
emittance obtained for wavelengths ranging between about 305 and
315 nanometers. The apparatus 1010 with a mercury arc lamp, for
example, therefore has the potential of treating a much larger area
of skin in the same amount of time as an XeCl laser if large lamps
or efficient optical collectors are employed.
[0061] As depicted in FIG. 5, the light source 1012 may comprise a
bank or group 1070 of small fluorescent lamps 1072 such as the
Philips CLEO compact lamp or the Phillips TL 40W/10R, which emits a
moderate amount of energy in the range of between 300 and 310
nanometers; both lamps are available from Philips. The bank 1070 of
fluorescent lamps 1072 is sandwiched between a reflector 1074
located on one side and a lens 1076, here, a fresnel lens located
on an opposite side of the lamps. The reflector 1074 comprises a
plurality of curved reflective surfaces 1078, one associated with
each of the fluorescent lamps 1072 in the bank 1070. These curved
reflective surface 1078 may have cross-sections that form a segment
of a circle, a parabola or an ellipse. Adjacent the fresnel lens
1076 is an wavelength selective filter 1080 followed by another
lens 1082, here a small refractive lens having sufficient power and
being properly positioned so as to provide focusing. An optical
fiber bundle 1084 with an output tip 1086 is also included in the
apparatus 1010.
[0062] Ultraviolet radiation from the lamps 1072 is collected by
the reflector 1074 and the fresnel lens 1076 and passes through a
wavelength selective filter 1080. The filtered light is focused
onto one end 1088 of the optical fiber bundle 1084 by the focusing
lens 1082 and is transmitted through the length of the fiber bundle
and exits from the output tip 1086 of the fiber. The apparatus 1010
may be made quite small by employing small fluorescent bulbs 1072.
If the apparatus 1010 is sufficiently small and lightweight, the
fiber optic bundle 1084 can be eliminated and the apparatus 1010
can be aimed or scanned by the user over the patient's affective
areas of skin.
[0063] Moreover, although each of the systems 1010 described above
and depicted in FIGS. 3-5 may include optical fiber bundles, as
indicated, the systems are not so limited. For example, single or
plural optical fibers or light pipes and/or other waveguide devices
can be employed. Alternatively, the UV light may propagate in free
space over a path which may or may not be manipulated by optical
elements located in that path.
EXAMPLE
[0064] Another example of an apparatus 10 suitable for delivering
electromagnetic energy to treat a skin condition in a medical
patient is depicted in FIG. 6. The apparatus 10 comprises an
ultraviolet light source 12 and a delivery device 15. A cable 17
connects the delivery device 15 to the UV light source 12 so that
energy from the UV light source can be delivered through the
delivery device to the skin of a medical patient. The apparatus 10
is powered from an external electrical power source through a
suitable electrical cable (not shown), which plugs into a typical,
grounded wall socket.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the UV light source 12 is a 308
nanometer XeCl excimer laser. The 308 nanometer energy output is
within the UVB range (i.e., about 290 to 320 nanometers) of
ultraviolet light which, as described above, is therapeutically
useful in the treatment of psoriasis. This generator 12 produces
ultraviolet light pulses with an energy content of about 15
millijoules per pulse. Individual pulses have a duration of about
30 nanoseconds (fall width at half maximum intensity) and the
pulses are repeatable at frequencies between about 100 and 150
Hertz.
[0066] The UV light source 12 is contained inside a housing 20 with
a front 21 and bottom 22. One or more fans (not shown) assist in
cooling the excimer laser by forcing air through air vents 23 on
the exterior of the housing 20. The UV light source 12 is movable
on wheels or casters 25 on the bottom 22 of the housing 20. Handles
27 on the front 21 of the housing assist in moving the UV light
source 12. A control panel 30 on the front 21 of the housing 20
allows a user of the system 10 to set and adjusts the operating
parameters of the UV light source 12. Operation of the system 10 is
controlled by a user by means of a foot pedal 31, which can be
placed on the floor adjacent the UV light source 12 and which is
electrically coupled to the light source 12 by means of a foot
pedal cable 34. Operation of the system 12 to deliver therapy to a
patient is described more fully below.
[0067] The delivery device 15 comprises a hand-held wand 32. This
wand 32 is optically coupled to the UV light source 12 by means of
the cable 17, which includes a fiber optic delivery cable 33
configured to conduct ultraviolet light emitted by the excimer
laser down the cable to the wand. The optical fiber cable 33 in the
cable 17 connect to the UV light source 12 at an output connection
35 on the face 21 of the housing 20. A second return fiber optic
cable 38 connects to a return connection 40 on the housing 20 in
the vicinity of the output connection 35. A calibration port 42 is
also disposed on the front face 36 of the housing 20 and is sized
to receive the wand 32 therein.
[0068] Exterior details of the hand-held wand 32 are shown in FIG.
7. The wand 32 comprises an elongate, generally cylindrical body
member 45 that includes a connecting end 48 and a delivery end 50.
A clear plastic cylindrical shield 53 is insertable into the
delivery end 50 of the wand. The end of the shield 53 opposite the
body 45 of the wand 32 includes positioning nubs 55, which are
intended to bear against the patient's skin as energy is being
delivered to the patient. The use and function of the positioning
nubs 55 are described in more detail below. Preferably, the shield
53 is removable from the wand 32 and disposable, or at least
conveniently sterilizable, so that the wand itself is reusable
indefinitely between multiple patients.
[0069] Still referring to FIG. 7, the delivery cable 33 and return
cable 38 connect to the connecting end 48 of the wand 32. The
cables 33, 38 connect to the wand 32 through a pair of elastomeric
connection boots 57, which provide strain relief and guard against
kinking of the delivery and return cables. A switch in the form of
a pushbutton 60 selectively allows or prevents the emission of
ultraviolet energy from the delivery end 50 of the wand 32. The
structure, function, and operation of the pushbutton 60 are
described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 8.
[0070] FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing the constituent parts of
the preferred embodiment of the wand 32 through which ultraviolet
energy may be delivered to the skin of the medical patient. The
wand 32 comprises a main body member 62 and a secondary body member
65. The two body members 62, 65 are held together by screws 68. A
spacer 70 maintains an appropriate separation between the main and
secondary body members 62, 65 near the connecting end 48 of the
wand 32.
[0071] A fiber optic delivery line 73 connects to the connecting
end 48 of the wand 32 through one of the connection boots 57. The
fiber optic delivery line 73 is coupled to a fiber optic delivery
connector 75, which connects to a fiber optic delivery adaptor 77,
which is in turn screwed into a fiber optic delivery port 80 at the
connecting end 48 of the wand 32. These components direct
ultraviolet energy from the UV light source 12 (see FIG. 6) and
into the wand 32. The ultraviolet energy travels through the wand
32 through a first light pipe or fiber bundle 82 to a shutter
assembly 85, the construction and functioning of which will be
described in more detail below.
[0072] A second light pipe or waveguide 88 runs inside the wand 32
parallel and adjacent to the first light pipe or waveguide 82. The
second light pipe or waveguide 88 is optically aligned with a fiber
optic return line 90, which connects to the connecting end 48 of
the wand 32 through fiber optic return adaptor 93 and a fiber optic
return connector 95. The fiber optic return line 90 is routed
through a connection boot 57 and returns back to connect to the
return connection 40 on the face of the UV light source 12 (see
FIG. 6).
[0073] The second pipe or waveguide 88 may be narrower than the
first light pipe or waveguide 82 because, while the first light
pipe or waveguide must be of sufficient diameter to transmit
ultraviolet energy of considerable power for effective treatment,
the second light pipe or waveguide only transmits a very small
amount of energy reflected from the patient's skin back to a
detector (not shown) inside the UV light source 12 (see FIG. 6).
While energy is being transmitted, energy will be reflected from
the patient's skin and detected by the detector. Failure of the
detector to detect energy reflected from the patient's skin during
energy delivery will most likely indicate a blockage along the
light path or some other problem with the delivery or generation
system. In that case, the equipment will cease energy delivery and
an error message will be delivered to the operator.
[0074] During energy transmission, ultraviolet energy from the
generator 12 travels through the wand 32 to a shutter assembly 85
inside the wand. Details of the shutter assembly 85 are shown in
FIG. 9. The assembly comprises a shutter plate 96, which includes
structure defining a relatively large delivery aperture 97, and a
relatively smaller return aperture 100. An upper tab 103 at the top
of the shutter plate 96 fits into a slot (not shown) in the
underside 105 of the pushbutton 60. A shutter plate pin 107 holds
the upper tab of the shutter plate 96 in place in the slot of the
pushbutton. A compression spring 110 is fitted onto a spring post
112 on the underside of the pushbutton.
[0075] The operation of the shutter assembly 85 can best be
appreciated by referring once again to FIG. 8, in which the shutter
assembly is shown in relation to the other components of the wand
32. A lower tab 115 at the bottom of the shutter plate 96 fits into
a slot 116 in a shutter plate retainer 118, which fits into a
receiving space 120 within the main body member 62 of the wand 32.
The shutter plate retainer 118 is held within the receiving space
120 by a retaining rod 125 and a retaining sleeve 127, or by other
suitable means. A tactile feedback member 130 fits within the
receiving space 120 just below the shutter plate retainer 118.
[0076] When the user wants to deliver ultraviolet energy to a
patient's skin, the user presses down on the pushbutton 60, thereby
compression the compression spring 110 against a shelf 132, which
partially overlies the receiving space 120 inside the main body
member 62 of the wand 32. As the pushbutton is pressed her, the
lower tab 115 on the bottom of the shutter plate 96 extends through
the slot 116 in the shutter place retainer and presses down against
the tactile feedback member 130. The tactile feedback member is
made of spring steel or s similar suitable material and is
configured to produce a "snap" or "click" that is readily
noticeable by the user when the pushbutton is fully depressed.
[0077] When the pushbutton 60 is fully depressed, the delivery
aperture 97 and the return aperture 100 of the shutter plate 96
will be aligned with the first light pipe or waveguide 82 and the
second light pipe or waveguide 88, respectively. A pathway is
thereby created for ultraviolet energy in a therapeutic amount to
travel down the first light pipe or waveguide 82 and through the
delivery aperture 97 towards the delivery end 50 of the wand 32. A
second pathway is formed simultaneous for the return of reflected
energy from the patient, through the return aperture 100, back
along the second light pipe or waveguide 88, and ultimately back to
the UV light source 12 (see FIG. 6), where the reflected energy
will be detected as a return signal by a detector (not shown)
inside the UV light source.
[0078] When the user releases the pushbutton 60, force from the
compression spring 110 returns the shutter plate 96 to a position
in which the shutter plate prevents energy from the first light
pipe or waveguide 82 from exiting the wand 32. A second pathway is
formed simultaneous for the return of reflected energy from the
patient, through the return aperture 100, back along the second
light pipe or waveguide 88, and ultimately back to the UV light
source 12 (see FIG. 6), where the reflected energy will be detected
as a return signal by a detector (not shown) inside the UV light
source.
[0079] When the user releases the pushbutton 60, force from the
compression spring 110 returns the shutter plate 96 to a position
in which the shutter plate prevents energy from the first light
pipe or waveguide 82 from exiting the wand 32. This is a safeguard
against accidental release of ultraviolet energy in the event of
unintentional activation of the UV light source 12. Should energy
be generated inadvertently, the energy will be blocked from exiting
the device 15 unless the user has depressed the pushbutton.
[0080] When the UV light source 12 is activated with the pushbutton
60 depressed, ultraviolet energy emerges as a beam from the first
light pipe or waveguide 82 and travels towards the delivery end 50
of the wand 32. After the beam crosses the shutter plate 96, it
enters a lens in the wand 135. From the lens 135, the beam travels
through an aperture plate 138, which gives the beam a square
cross-section with well-defined edges suited for delivering uniform
and well-controlled therapy to the patient. The lens 135 and
aperture plate 138 are housed within an optics shell 140 and held
inside the optics shell by a retaining ring 142, with the optics
shell retained inside the wand 32 by a set screw 145.
[0081] Although the pushbutton 60 with aperture plate 138 connected
thereto enables the user to further control the application of UV
light from the UV light source 12, this feature is not necessary.
The apparatus 10 may rely on other arrangements for regulating the
short bursts of UV light output therefrom. Many types of light
sources, including lasers and flash lamps, can be adapted to output
optical pulses of varying duration. Alternatively, electro-optical,
magneto-optical, acousto-optical, and even all optical switches and
modulators, as well as electrically or magnetically activated
mechanical modulators or shutters may be suitably employed to
switch the UV output from the apparatus 10 on and off.
[0082] Referring still to FIG. 8, the cylindrical clear plastic
shield 53 is inserted into the delivery end 50 of the wand 32. The
shield 53 bears against an edge 147, which ensures that the
positioning nubs 55 on the end of the shield are at proper distance
from the lens 135 inside the wand 32. Additionally, the shield 53
is keyed so that the nubs 55 are aligned with the comers of the
aperture plate 138, so that the comers of the beam impact the
patient's skin substantially at the inner comers of the nubs when
the therapy is delivered to the patient. The shield 53 may be keyed
for proper insertion into the wand 32, e.g., by the provision of a
ridge and a corresponding slot on the wand and the shield.
[0083] Soft pads 150 are affixed to the positioning nubs 55 on the
end of the plastic shield 53. The shield 53 is sized and positioned
so that the comers of the beam are positioned substantially at the
nubs 55 on the clear plastic shield. To ensure that the nubs 55 are
positioned accurately, the material of the shield 53 must be a
substantially rigid material. The soft pads 150, which in the
preferred embodiment are a relatively soft biocompatible silicone,
are affixed to the nubs 55 of the shield 53 to enhance the
patient's comfort and avoid injury where the shield contacts the
patient's skin. The soft pads 150 also serve to pick up and
transfer to the patient's skin small quantities of a suitable
biocompatible ink. This assists the caregiver in uniformly applying
the ultraviolet energy in a technique that will be described in
more detail below. The soft pads 150 may be affixed to the nubs 55
with a suitable adhesive or by any other appropriate means.
[0084] FIG. 10 is a view, end-on, of the disposable shield 53 in
place on the delivery end 50 (see FIG. 8 of the wand 32). FIG. 10
also shows the shield nubs 55 that carry the soft pads 150, as well
as the aperture plate 138 that forms part of the wand optics. As
noted above, the optics of the device 15, and in particular the
lens 135, are designed so that the energy beam emerging from the
wand 32 has a square-cross section whose comers coincide with the
positions of the soft pads 150 on the nubs 55.
[0085] FIG. 11 is a frontal view showing details of the control
panel 30 on the front 21 of the UV light source 12 (see FIG. 3) and
through which the operator interacts with the apparatus 10. The
control panel 30 includes a power indicator 153 in the form of a
green lamp that is lit whenever power is supplied to the generator
unit 12. Adjacent the power indicator 153 is another green lamp
that serves as a ready indicator 155, and which is lit when the
unit is ready to deliver laser energy through the wand 32. A lasing
indicator 158 in the form of an amber light illuminates while laser
energy is being generated and delivered through the wand 32. A
large, red pushbutton serves as an emergency stop button 160,
which, when pressed, cuts power to the laser generator 12 thereby
halting energy delivery through the wand 32.
[0086] A display window 162 is provided with an LED or LCD display
or similar means for communicating information to the operator of
the system 10. Four entry keys 165 are provided below the display
window 162. By operating these keys the operator can input data
into the system 10, e.g., through the use of menus and choices
displayed to the operator through the display window 162.
[0087] A master key switch 167 is located at the lower left comer
of the control panel 30. When the master key switch is off, no
power is supplied to the system 10 and energy generation is
disabled. Provision of a key to control this switch 167 is a
security measure to limit use of the system 10 to authorized
personnel. A master key switch indicator 170 is provided in the
form of a green LED just above the master key switch 167. The
master key switch indicator 170 lights whenever the master key
switch 167 is in the "ON" position.
[0088] A reset button 172 is operable to switch the system 10 into
a "power-on/self-test/warm-up" ("OST") mode. The POST mode is
entered automatically when the system 10 is first switched on,
after a power interruption, of when the rest button 172 is pressed.
In POST mode, the system 10 performs diagnostic tests to assure
that its components are operating properly and warms up the laser,
a process that takes approximately three minutes. A POST mode
indicator in the form of a yellow LED above the rest button 172
lights when the system 10 is in POST mode.
[0089] A standby button 178 is located to the right of the rest
button 172 on the control panel 30. The system 10 enters a standby
mode after the POST mode is completed and the unit warmed up, when
the operator presses the standby button 178, or if two minutes
elapses without energy delivery while the system is in any
"treatment" mode, details of which are described below. The standby
mode is a condition in which the system 10 is warmed up, operable,
and ready to be switched into one of the treatment modes. Standby
mode is indicated by a standby mode indicator 180 in the form of a
green LED above the standby button 178.
[0090] A MED ready mode button 183 is operable to switch the system
10 in the first of three treatment modes, the MED mode. The MED
mode is a diagnostic mode in which the system 10 is operated to
determine a patient's minimal erythema does (MED). The MED mode is
indicated by an MED mode indicator 185 in the form of a green LED
located directly over the MED ready mode button 183. Operation of
the system 10 in MED mode is described in more detail below.
[0091] A treatment ready mode button 188 is located to the right of
the MED ready mode button 183. When the treatment ready mode button
188 is depressed, the system is usable in either of two therapeutic
treatment modes: tile mode or paint mode. Selection of tile mode or
paint mode is made by the operator with a treatment mode key switch
190 disposed just to the right of the MED ready mode button 183.
When the unit is in treatment ready mode, and hence in either tile
mode or paint mode, a green LED 192 above the treatment ready mode
button 188, which serves as a treatment ready mode indicator,
lights to indicate this condition. Like the master key switch 167,
the treatment mode key switch 190 requires a key for operation to
guard against unauthorized or unintentional changes between the two
therapeutic treatment modes. Operation of the system in tile and
paint mode is described in more detail below.
[0092] The system 10 described above can be used advantageously to
teat psoriasis in a medical patient by first using the system to
determine that patient's minimal erythema does (MED) and then by
delivering therapeutic treatment to the patient based on that MED.
Use and operation of the system 10 in such a way is described below
for purposes of illustration.
[0093] The system 10 is first positioned and plugged into a
suitable source of electrical power. The master key switch 167 (see
FIG. 11) is switched on, the unit enters the POST mode, and the
system 10 begins its self-test routine as the unit warms up. When
the self-tests are completed and the unit is fully warmed up, the
system 10 enters standby mode, in which it is ready for
calibration, if needed.
[0094] If calibration is needed, the operator inserts the deliver
end 50 (FIG. 6) of the wand 32 without any shield 52 (see FIG. 7)
into the calibration port 42 (FIG. 6) on the front side of the UV
light source 12. The operator must then depress the pushbutton 60
on the wand 32 to open the path for laser energy to emerge from the
wand. The operator then depresses the foot pedal 31 and the unit
begins lasing. Laser pulses are delivered into the calibration port
where the intensity of the pulses is measured to determine their
power output. The laser's power is calibrated and adjusted
automatically by the system 10 to ensure that the wand 32 delivers
about fifteen millijoules of ultraviolet energy into the
calibration port with each laser pulse. When calibration is
complete, this will be indicated in the display window 162 on the
control panel 30 (see FIG. 11), and the system 10 will return to
standby mode.
[0095] The system is used in MED mode to determine the patient's
individual MED. FIG. 12 depicts a MED template 195, which is a
thin, flexible plastic sheet with six individually numbered MED
template apertures 198 sized to receive the shield 53 at the
delivery end 50 of the wand 32. The MED template 195 further
includes marking holes 200 with cross-hairs for positioning the
template on the patient's skin in a suitable location. The MED
template 195 will be used to determine the patient's MED and should
be taped in place on the patient's skin in an untagged region that
is not normally exposed to sunlight, e.g., the back, stomach, or
buttocks. The location should, moreover, be one that is not
affected by the patient's skin disorder. To facilitate later
repositioning of the MED template 195 in the same location, the
patient's skin should be marked with a marker through the marking
holes 200.
[0096] With the MED template 195 taped in an appropriate location
on the patient's skin, the operator presses the MED ready mode
button 183 to put the system 10 into MED mode. The operator aligns
the shield 53 on the end of the wand 32 with the first MED template
aperture 198 of the MED template 195. The soft pads 150 on the nubs
55 at the end of the shield 53 should rest lightly against the
patient's skin to ensure that the wand 32 is the proper distance
from the patient's skin. With the wand 32 properly positioned, the
operator depresses the pushbutton 60 on the wand, and then
operators the foot pedal 31 to initiate lasing. The system 10
operates automatically to deliver energy to the patient's skin in
an amount equal to 100 millijoules per square centimeter.
[0097] The operator then moves the wand 32 to the second MED
template aperture 198 and, again with the pushbutton 60 held down,
operates the foot pedal 31. The system 10 adjusts itself
automatically in MED mode to deliver a number of pulses sufficient
to deliver 150 millijoules per square centimeter to the skin under
the second cutout. The operator repeats the process with the system
automatically adjusting to deliver standard MED determination doses
as follows:
1 MED TEMPLATE APERTURE MED DETERMINATION DOSE NUMBER ENERGY
(mJ/cm.sup.2) 1 100 2 150 3 200 4 250 5 300 6 350
[0098] Note that the system 10 increments the MED determination
doses automatically without further input from the operator. Each
MED determination is incremented and delivered in turn. The user
need only ensure that the wand 32 is aligned properly with the
appropriate MED template aperture 198. After the MED determination
doses are delivered, the template 195 is removed, and the patient
is then asked to return the next day for observation and
determination of that patient's MED.
[0099] When the patient returns, preferably, about 24 hours after
delivery of the MED determination doses, an identical MED template
195 is again placed over the patient's skin with the help of the
marks made previously. A patient's MED is defined as the minimal
dosage at which a noticeable change in color occurs with distinct
edges. The practitioner notes and specifies the patient's MED in
terms of the number (1-6) of the MED template aperture 198 that
corresponds to the lowest MED determination dose for which this
distinct color change occurs.
[0100] After the patient's MED has been determined the patient's
physician selects a "treatment multiplier." The system 10 is
programmed to accept treatment multipliers in the form of integer
numbers between e.g., two and eight or two and sixteen or twenty.
The inventors have found that a treatment multiplier of two
provides mild but nevertheless effective therapy, while a treatment
multiple of eight provides more aggressive and generally more
effective therapy while still remaining within acceptable safety
limits. Intermediate treatment multipliers produce intermediate
effects.
[0101] After the patient's MED has been determined and a treatment
multiplier chosen, the user may begin delivering therapeutic
treatment. The user should also adjust treatment mode key switch
190 to select between tile mode and paint mode. When the user place
the system 10 in treatment ready mode by depressing the treatment
ready mode button 188, the system 10 will prompt the user to enter
the patient's MED and the preselected treatment multiplier.
[0102] In tile mode, the system 10 will operate automatically to
deliver a number of energy pulses equal to one therapeutic does
each time the foot pedal 31 is pressed by the user. The therapeutic
dose is equal to the patient's MED, as determined previously,
multiplied by the preselected treatment multiplier. Thus, for
example, if the first color change with distinct edges was noted
corresponding to the third MED template aperture number, the
patient's MED will have been found to be 200 millijoules per square
centimeter. If a treatment multiplier of six is selected, the
system 10 will operator to deliver a number of pulses corresponding
to 1200 millijoules per square centimeter each time the foot pedal
31 is pressed.
[0103] The user will then move the wand 32 stepwise over the
patient's psoriasis, stopping at multiple locations to press the
soft pads 150 of the shield 53 lightly against the patient's skin.
At each location, the user will operate the foot peal 31 and
pushbutton 60 to deliver one therapeutic dose before moving on to
the next location. The user will repeat this process until
substantially the entire area of the patient's psoriasis has been
treated.
[0104] An ink pad 203 bearing a quantity of an appropriate nontoxic
ink may be provided to assist the user in covering the entire
treatment surface uniformly in tile mode. As depicted in FIG. 13,
the shield 53 at the end of the wand 32 may be pressed lightly onto
the ink pad so that the soft pads 150 at the ends of the shield
numbs 55 pick up a small quantity of the ink.
[0105] As suggested by FIG. 14, when the soft pads 150 are pressed
against the patient's skin, the ink on the soft pads (see, e.g.,
FIG. 10) will mark the patient's skin at the location of the nubs
55. As described above, the optics of the system 10 are such that
the nubs 55 correspond to the comers of the treated area. The user
may the move the wand 32 step-wise, aligning the soft pads 150 at a
treatment location with comer marks of a previous location and
delivering therapy at each location until substantially the entire
area of the patient's affected skin is treated. FIG. 14 shows comer
marks 205 formed by ink from the soft pads arrayed in a "tile"
pattern across the patient's skin over an area of diseased tissue.
When treatment is completed, the user should switch the system 10
to standby mode by pressing the standby button 178 on control panel
30.
[0106] Paint mode differs from tile mode in that therapy is
delivered as the wand 32 is swept more or less continuously over
the treated surface rather than at multiple discrete locations as
is the case in tile mode. Paint mode is similar to tile mode in
that before initiating treatment, the user will first enter the
patient's MED and the preselected treatment multiplier as described
above.
[0107] In paint mode, the user moves the wand 32 over the entire
treated area in patterns suggested by FIG. 15. To ensure complete
coverage, the user first moves the wand 32 in the horizontal
pattern 207, the user then repeats the motion using the vertical
pattern 210. In each pattern, the user may move the wand 32, for
example, at a rate of two square centimeters per second. The unit
will automatically generate laser pulses at a rate appropriate to
deliver the desired therapeutic dose over the course of the two
treatment passes.
Test Results
[0108] Efficacy of a system 10 and method similar to the one
described above in treating psoriasis was evaluated in an
investigative clinical trial. Thirteen patients were enrolled in
the clinical trail. Each of the trial subjects had psoriasis
manifesting itself in the form of multiple stable plaques. Stable
plaques were defined as plaques that had been present and
essentially unchanged for at least eight weeks prior to the
patient's enrollment in the study. Patient's enrolling in the study
were required to cease all topical therapy for at least two weeks
prior to treatment in the study, systemic therapy for at least
eight weeks, and phototherapy and photochemotherapy for at least
four weeks.
[0109] The clinical study was conducted with apparatus 10
substantially the same as that described above. Each patient's
individual minimal erythema dose (MED) was determined by exposing
the patient's skin to a set of controlled response calibration
doses. The response calibration doses were applied to unexposed
gluetal skin not affected by psoriasis. The UV light source 20
comprising a laser and the delivery device 15 used in the study
generated a beam of ultraviolet light having a circular
cross-section with an area of 4.91 cm.sup.2 (2.5 cm in diameter).
Each patient received eight different calibrations doses --100,
140, 280, 400, 560, 800, 1120, and 1600 millijoules delivered over
the 4.91 cm.sup.2 area of the beam.
[0110] The patient's response to the response calibration doses was
observed 24 hours after the calibration doses were delivered. Each
patient's individual MED was defined as the minimum calibration
does at which a color change with well defined edges was observed.
Individual MEDs were determined by observing each patient's unique
response to the response calibration dose.
[0111] After an MED was determined for each patient, a tightly
controlled and closely observed regimen of therapeutic treatments
was conducted on the subjects. Four similarly appearing plaques of
adequate size were selected for each patient. Originally, it was
intended that ultraviolet light would be delivered to six different
locations on each of the four plaques in doses equal to 0.5, 1, 2,
4, 8, and 16 times the patient's individually determined MED. Thus,
it was intended that each patient would receive therapy at 24
different locations, six locations in each of four plaques.
[0112] All of the plaques were intended to receive identical
therapeutic doses. Each plaque, however, was intended to receive
therapy according to a different treatment schedule. The first
plaque would receive a single treatment, the second plaque two
treatments, and the third plaque four. The fourth plaque was to
receive 20 treatments. Treatments to the fourth plaque were
administered twice weekly with a 72-hour interval between each
administration. The 20 twice-weekly treatments were thus given over
a 10-week period.
[0113] The patient's skin was marked at the time of therapy with
indelible ink at each treatment site for subsequent identification.
The patients were observed and evaluated at 2-week intervals during
the 10-week treatment period, and at two, four, and six months
after the treatment ended.
[0114] When the study began, response calibration doses in the
amounts noted above were administered first to each of the thirteen
patients. The patients'responses to the calibration doses were
observed, and individual MEDs were determined for each patient.
Ultraviolet light delivery then began for purposes of therapy.
[0115] When the first three subjects were treated, it was observed
that dosages of 8 and 16 times the patient's MED caused blistering
at the treatment site within twenty-four hours of administration.
It was therefore decided that the treatment regimen should be
modified to include delivery doses of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 times
the patients'MEDs. These doses were well-tolerated by all the
subjects, with some slight erythema observed in some subjects at 4
and 6 MEDs. This erythema was occasionally accompanied by a
moderate burning sensation, in which case treatment at these doses
was temporarily omitted.
[0116] Repeated doses at 0.5 and 1 MED did not significantly
alleviate the psoriasis. However, repeated exposures at between 2
and 6 MEDs did result in significant improvement by approximately 8
weeks following 2 treatments, 6 weeks following 4 treatments, and
3-4 weeks with 20 treatments. It was noted that after the
blistering had healed in the three patients who received doses of 8
and 16 MEDs, the patient's psoriasis had cleared at those sites as
well.
[0117] This method for treating skin disorders including but not
limited to psoriasis and vitiligo can be improved by cooling the
skin to be treated prior to and/or during application of high doses
of narrow band UV light to the affected area of the skin. Cooling
can be accomplished, e.g., by spraying the skin with a cool liquid,
gas, or air or by applying a cool object to the affected area of
skin. Cooling reduces the degree of injury to the patient that
would ordinarily result from exposure to such elevated levels of
LTV light and thus permits higher doses of UV light to be
administered. For example, when a pulsed source such as a pulsed
laser is employed, cooling counters the build up of thermal energy
with a series of pulse so that high temperatures associated with
injury to the epidermis are not reached. Cooling may also remove
heat, slowing the accumulation and the rise in temperature with
application of the plurality of pulses. Heat can then be dissipated
under normal thermal dissipation processes that occur over times
exceeding the thermal dissipation time constant .tau..sub.thermal.
Cooling may also establish a low temperature as the starting point
from which the skin begins to heat up as thermal energy accumulates
with each additional pulse. By preventing tissue damage and thereby
enabling higher fluences of UV light, the total number of
treatments can be reduced and remission can be improved. Cooling
can also permit more frequent treatments if necessary. The affect
of cooling on the skins response to UV light is more fully
described in "Influence of Temperature on Ultraviolet Injury" R.
Freeman, J. Knox, Arch. of Derm., Vol. 89, June 1964.
[0118] To reduce UV damage, the surface of the tissue to be treated
is preferably cooled to about 5.degree. C. or below, and more
preferably to about 0.degree. C. just prior to and/or during
application of the UV radiation. The greater the degree of cooling,
the higher the tolerance to the dose without injury; thus
temperatures of about -5.degree. C. or less may improve results of
UV treatment. The low temperature limit is set by the amount of
cooling that will damage healthy skin in the proximity of the
disease tissue. At a minimum, the diseased skin must be cooled to a
temperature substantially lower than the normal temperature of
skin, the normal temperature of skin being about 34.degree. C.
[0119] Cooling can be accomplished by applying a chilled UV
transparent substrate 2210 such as shown in FIGS. 16-18 to the area
of skin to be treated. This cooled substrate or plate 2210 may
comprise, e.g., sapphire, quartz, fused silica, borosilicate glass,
or any glass or other material that is transparent to UV light in
the preferred wavelength range for treatment and that can withstand
the cooling. To simplify the treatment procedure for the heathcare
provider, this cooled substrate 2210 may be incorporated in and
connected to a device 2015 used to deliver IN radiation from a UV
source to a localized region of skin that includes the diseased
tissue. This substrate 2210, for example, may be attached to a wand
2032 similar to the one depicted in FIGS. 6-10 and having a
rectangular output aperture 138 shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 at the end
2050 where UV light is emitted for delivery to the patient. As most
clearly shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the plate 2210 is circular and
has oppositely facing circularly shaped surfaces 2212, 2214, one
proximal and one distal to the output aperture 138 of the wand
2032. The plate 2210, and more particularly, the opposing
circularly shaped surfaces 2212, 2214, have a spatial extent
greater in size than the rectangular output aperture 138 of the
wand 2032 so that light forming a beam and exiting the output
aperture will be fully contained within the circular surfaces of
the plate as it passes through them. The plate 2210 is mounted on
the shield 2053 such that the distal surface 2214 forms an exterior
surface of the delivery device 2015 for unrestricted access to the
epidermis of the patient; that is, no other surface on the wand
2032 or device prevents the distal surface from fully contacting
the patient's skin.
[0120] A thermoelectric cooler 2216 having a plurality of cooling
leads 2218 is mounted on the plate 2210 such that the cooling leads
are firmly connected to and form good thermal contact with the
proximal surface 2212 of the plate. Adhering the thermoelectric
cooler 2216 to the plate 2210, and more particularly to one of the
circular surfaces 2212, 2214 of the plate, is convenient as both
circular surfaces on the plate provide large areas for
accommodating the cooler and its cooling leads 2218. Mounting the
cooler 2216 on the distal surface 2214 of the plate 2210 is less
desirable as the distal surface is preferably freed of any
obstructions that would limit good thermal contact between the
cooling plate 2210 the patient's skin. Such irregular features on
the distal surface 2214 of the plate 2210 would, in addition,
likely inhibit smoothly scanning this chilled plate across a
patient's skin. However, to the extent that such limitations could
be avoided, the cooler can be located on the distal surface 2214 or
on other surfaces of the cooling plate and/or of the wand 2032
e.g., on the shield 2053. However, by selecting a location for the
cooler 2216 such that a substantial portion of the cooling leads
2218 touch the cooling plate 2210, the cooling plate can be
efficiently cooled.
[0121] Electrical wires 2220 run through the wand 2032 and to the
thermoelectric cooler 2216 to provide electrical power for cooling
the leads 2218. These electrical wires 2220 connect to the wand
2032 through an elastomeric connection boot 2021, which offers
strain relief and guards against kinking and which is mounted on
the wand 2032 adjacent one other elastomeric connection boot 2057
that receives an optical cable 2033 for delivery of UV light. A
return optical cable is not included in this embodiment. The
thermoelectric cooler 2216, including the cooling leads 2218, and
the electrical wires 2220 to the wand 2032 can be affixed to the
wand 2032 in a conventional manner such as for example with the aid
of an adhesive.
[0122] The chilled substrate 2210 is to be employed with the
apparatus 1010 described above which offers significant advantages
in treating skin disorders and which comprises a source 1012 of UV
radiation and a delivery system 1014. The chilled substrate 2210,
for example, may be used in connection with a laser-based system
1010 such as depicted in FIG. 3 that contains a laser 1020,
possible computer controlled, that is optically coupled to a hand
piece 1030 via a flexible guide 1024. The laser 1020 may comprise
an excimer laser outputting light having a wavelength of about 308
nanometers while the hand piece 1030 might resemble the wand 2032
shown in FIG. 16. In one specific embodiment, the laser 1020 can be
energized for up to 300 pulses in about a second and the wand 2032
distributes about 10 millijoules per pulse (mJ/pulse) output from
the 308 nanometer excimer laser over an area of approximately 3
cm.sup.2 at a target region of the epidermis. The UV beam applied
to the diseased skin is not, however, limited to these specific
fluency and size specifications but rather may range widely as
describe above. In particular, an area of skin greater than 3
cm.sup.2 of skin may be cooled to about 0.degree. C. when placed on
the skin.
[0123] To treat a patient afflicted with a skin disorder responsive
to UV light, the healthcare provider may position the wand 1032
over a diseased region of skin such that a substantial portion of
the distal surface 2214 of the cooled plate 2210 is in physical
contact with the diseased region. With the thermoelectric cooler
2216 activated, the area of skin touching the plate is cooled,
preferably to a temperature below about 5.degree. C., and more
preferably to about 0.degree. C. or less. Light emitted from the
laser 1020 is coupled via the input cable 2033 into the wand 2032
and exits from the wand after passing through the rectangular
aperture 138. This light propagates forward within a beam that is
transmitted through the chilled plate 2220 and projected onto the
skin pressed against the distal end 2214 of the plate. A
therapeutic dose of UV light is thereby directed onto the skin in
accordance with the discussions above with regard to FIGS. 1-15,
but while the skin is cooled to a temperature lower than the normal
temperature of skin. Substantially all of this dose of ultraviolet
light is applied to the skin before the chilled plate warms up,
that is, within a period of time shorter than the thermal time
constant associated with the plate 2210. In addition, the dose is
preferably, although not necessarily, applied to only a fraction of
the area of skin that is cooled. Likewise, the beam of light that
exits the wand 2032 will likely illuminate only a portion of the
chilled plate 2210. For example, in the case of treating psoriasis,
the beam may encompass both the psoriatic plaque and surrounding
paralesional tissue as well as some adjacent healthy tissue, with
both the plaque, the paralesional tissue, and preferably an
additional peripheral region of healthy skin all being cooled.
[0124] Other arrangements for cooling the plate or substrate 2210
are included within the scope of the invention. In lieu of mounting
a thermoelectric cooler 2216 on the surface 2212 of the plate, the
plate 2210 may be cooled with fluid by providing a pathway for
flowing a liquid or gas chilled to a desirably cool temperature
across or through the plate. For example, hollow metal lines can be
place in thermal contact with the substrate 2210 and chilled water
can be circulated through these lines to sufficiently lower the
temperature of the plate. In addition, the plate 2210 need not be
attached to the delivery device 2015 but may be separate and
independent from the delivery device. For example, the UV
transparent plate or substrate 2210 may be cooled in a
refrigerator, or by immersing it in or contacting to or otherwise
exposing it to a chilled liquid, solid, or gas prior to or while
being placed on the patient's skin. The light can then be passed
through the chilled plate 2210 in a manner described above.
Similarly, an object formed into a shape other than a plate but
having a temperature less than the temperature of the diseased
skin, and preferably below about 5.degree. C. or 0.degree. C. can
be employed to cool the skin and provide therapeutic results. The
cool object need only be transparent to UV light of the wavelength
employed for treatment and preferably comprise a material suitable
for maintaining a cool temperature for a sufficiently long period
and that is thermally conductive so as to readily absorb heat from
the skin.
[0125] Alternatively, cooling can be accomplished by exposing the
skin directly to chilled liquid or gas or cooled air, possibly in
the form of a spray or stream ejected from jets 2222 incorporated
in the wand 2032 depicted in FIG. 19. These jets 2222 are formed by
providing openings 2224 in channels 2226 for flowing liquid or gas
coolant or cool air through the wand. In the wand 2032 depicted in
FIG. 19, portions of the channels 2224 for transporting the coolant
are visible adjacent to and in contact with the UV shield 2053.
Other portions of the channels are in interior regions of the wand
2032 and are thus not visible from the perspective shown in FIG.
19. A supply tube 2228 feeds the channels 2226 located within the
wand 2032. This supply tube 2228 is connected to the wand 2032
through the elastomeric connection boot 2022 mounted on the wand
2032 adjacent another elastomeric connection boot 2057 that
receives the optical cable 2033 for delivery of UV light. As
discussed above, these elastomeric connection boots 2022, 2057
offer strain relief and guard against kinking.
[0126] The supply tube 2228 is connected at one end to a source of
coolant (not shown) comprising, e.g., a supply of chilled coolant
or cyrogens, and at another end to the channels 2224 traversing
through the wand 2032. These channels 2224, which may be insulated,
provide a pathway for the liquid or gaseous coolant from the supply
tube 2228 to the openings 2224 in the portion of the channels
located at the delivery end 2050 of the wand 2032. These openings
2224 are oriented to direct the spray toward a region where light
output from the wand 2032 is also incident. The jets 2222, however,
are preferably designed to spread the coolant over an area of the
patient's skin that is larger than that portion illuminated by the
beam of UV light. The coolant employed may comprise chilled water,
chemical solutions sufficiently cooled, liquid or gas cryogens such
as freon, liquid CO.sub.2 or liquid N.sub.2, or combinations
thereof. Other possible coolants that are suitable for spraying on
the patient's skin prior and/or during exposure to UV light include
but are not limited to cool air.
[0127] Like the chilled substrate 2210, the jet spray is to be
employed with the apparatus 1010 for treating skin disorders
described above comprising a source of UV radiation 1012 and a
delivery system 1014. The jet spray, for example, may be used in
connection with an arc lamp-based system 1010 such as depicted in
FIG. 4 and that contains an arc lamp 1040 optically coupled to a
hand piece 1052 via a flexible guide 1050. The system 1010
additionally includes a filter 1046 for limiting the wavelengths of
light to a narrow band of UV preferably somewhere between about 300
and 315 nanometers and a reflector 1042 for collecting light
emitted from the lamp. In one specific embodiment, the lamp-based
system 1010 produces at least 1 watt (W) of UV radiation that is
directed onto the patient's skin. The lamp 1040 is optically
coupled by a lens 1048 to the UV light guide 1050, which is
connected to the handpiece 1052 or wand 2032. A mechanical shutter
97 in the wand 2032 controls the flow the light output therefrom.
This mechanical shutter 97 is connected to a multifunction trigger
2060 which is conveniently located on the wand 2032 depicted in
FIG. 19 and which, when depressed, opens the shutter. One or more
valves (not shown) situated in the channels 2226 may also be
electrically or mechanically connected to the multifunction trigger
2060 such that the trigger, when depressed, also opens the
valve.
[0128] To treat a patient afflicted with a skin disorder responsive
to UV light, the healthcare provider positions the delivery end
2050 of the wand 1032 over a diseased area of skin such that the
openings 2224 of the jets 2222 are in position to direct coolant
onto a portion of skin including but not necessarily limited to the
diseased area. The operator then depresses the trigger 2060 to
allow the UV radiation from the lamp 1040 to pass through the wand
2032 and onto the patient's skin. The jets 2222 are also activated
by the trigger 2060 on the wand 2032. The coolant flows from
reservoir through the supply tube 2228 into the channels 2226 in
the wand 2032 and out the opening 2224 of the jets 2222.
Preferably, the coolant is pumped through the jets 2222 or the
reservoir is a pressurized source of coolant such that the coolant
is sprayed out of the opening of the jets and spreads onto the
skin. The coolant spray cools on contact with the skin. Preferably,
the spray cools the skin to a temperature below about 5.degree. C.,
and more preferably to about 0.degree. C. or less prior to and/or
during exposure of the skin to UV light delivered by the wand 2032.
In the case where the coolant comprises chilled liquid or gas, the
low temperature of the coolant cools the skin, however, the coolant
may provide additional cooling if the coolant evaporates upon or
soon after contacting the skin.
[0129] In addition, the wand 2032 directs a therapeutic dose of UV
light onto the skin in accordance with the discussions above with
regard to FIGS. 1-15, however this dose is delivered while the skin
is cooled to a temperature lower than the normal temperature of
skin, i.e. about 34.degree. C. As described above, the skin is
preferably cooled prior to and/or during UV exposure and
substantially all of the dose of UV light is applied to the skin
before the skin warms up. Also, the jet spray preferably cools the
skin faster than the skin receives the total integrated sum of UV
radiation directed to one location. The skin is therefore
sufficiently cooled prior to application of injurious doses of
radiation to the skin, and thus, tissue damage is avoided or at
least minimized. In addition, as previously mentioned, the dose is
preferably, although not necessarily, applied to only a fraction of
the area of skin that is cooled.
[0130] The technique of providing cooling is not limited to any one
particular way of cooling the skin prior to and/or during exposure
to suitable dosages of UV light having the appropriate wavelength.
Rather, other methods and apparatus for cooling the plate or
substrate 2210 are included within the scope of the invention. For
example, cool air can be ejected from the jets 2222 or supplied by
a circulating fan or blower. In addition, in cases, where jets 2222
are employed, the Venturii affect may be exploited to create a
chilled zone. Alternatively, a UV transparent gel may be applied to
the skin; the gel may be cooled before or after it is applied to
the epidermis to achieve appropriate cooling. This gel may also aid
in coupling the UV energy from the source 1012 to the skin by
providing index-matching. In addition, many skin disorders such as
psoriasis are accompanied by scaling and flaking of the skin. The
cooling gel or fluid may also serve to wet this dead skin to allow
more UV light to penetrate instead of being scattered by the
scaling, flaking areas of skin.
[0131] Selection of the appropriate method of cooling may be
influenced by the intended use and the anticipated frequency of
use. Systems designed to treat small areas of diseased tissue such
as psoriasis plaque modest in size, may suitably employ a cryogen
spray, which is consumable. In contrast, a liquid cooled window
with a re-circulating chiller may be more appropriate for treating
larger areas of skin afflicted by, e.g., vitiligo or psoriasis, as
fast and effective cooling can be provided without requiring a
large supply of a consumable coolant.
[0132] As described above, cooling the skin increases the skin's
tolerance to high doses of UV light. Higher doses of UV light can
be applied to the skin without inducing tissue damage. With higher
doses of UV light, the total number of treatments can be reduced,
thereby lowering the cost of treating the skin disorder. Requiring
less doctor visits also promotes patient compliance to an otherwise
difficult regimen and improves the likelihood of success of the
overall treatment.
[0133] Cooling also permits a higher frequency of individual
treatment sessions. A typical treatment regimen may include three
or more visits to the physician or healthcare provider to
completely clear the disease. In an effort to avoid injury, a
subsequent session is not scheduled too soon as time is necessary
to permit healing. Consecutive sessions, for example, should be
separated by at least about 90 hours when suitable doses of 308
nanometer light are employed to treat the disease. The time between
sessions, however, can be shortened by cooling the skin prior to
and/or during the application of UV light as discussed above, i.e.,
if the skin is cooled during exposure to ultraviolet light, a
subsequent treatment session can follow sooner. For these and other
reasons, the UV treatment preferably includes cooling.
[0134] Thus, is has been demonstrated that psoriasis can be treated
effectively by local administration of ultraviolet light in high
doses. Since the patient's tolerance of and response to ultraviolet
therapy varies significantly according to their individual skin
types, it is highly advantageous to administer the therapy based on
observed individual MEDs determined for each patient.
[0135] The therapy should be delivered at greater than one times
the patient's MED per treatment. More preferably, the therapy
should be delivered in doses of between 2 and 6 MEDs per treatment.
Therapy may be delivered in a single treatment, but
multiple-treatments may be preferred. Treatment may be delivered
once, twice or four times. Treatment may also be delivered twice
per week for ten weeks in succession. Cooling the skin prior to
and/or while exposing the skin to the UV light can permit higher
doses to be used thereby reducing the total number of individual
treatment sessions. Cooling can also shorten the time between
successive treatment sessions.
[0136] A preferred system 10 and methods for delivering
phototherapy according to the invention has been described herein.
Modifications and additions to this preferred method will no doubt
occur to those skilled in the art. For example, although the method
has been described as suitable for treatment of psoriasis, the
method is not so limited, but rather may be effective in treating
many other skin diseases as well. Further applications, additions
and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art and the
scope of the invention is not to be limited to the preferred
embodiment described herein. Rather, the scope of the invention
should be determined by reference to the following claims, along
with the full scope of equivalents to which those claims are
legally entitled.
* * * * *