U.S. patent application number 13/201852 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-16 for treating device for treating a body part of a patient with a non-thermal plasma.
This patent application is currently assigned to Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Zur Forderung der Wissenschaften e.V.. Invention is credited to Gregor Morfill, Tetsuji Shimizu, Bernd Steffes.
Application Number | 20120039747 13/201852 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40756627 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120039747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morfill; Gregor ; et
al. |
February 16, 2012 |
TREATING DEVICE FOR TREATING A BODY PART OF A PATIENT WITH A
NON-THERMAL PLASMA
Abstract
The invention relates to a treating device (1) for treating a
body part of a patient with a non-thermal plasma, particularly for
sterilizing a hand of a human being, said treating device (1)
comprising a housing (2) for temporarily receiving the body part
within the housing (2) during the treatment and for applying the
plasma to the body part within the housing (2), and an inlet
opening (3) being arranged in the housing (2) for introducing the
body part through the inlet opening (3) into the housing (2).
Inventors: |
Morfill; Gregor; (Munchen,
DE) ; Steffes; Bernd; (Garching, DE) ;
Shimizu; Tetsuji; (Garching, DE) |
Assignee: |
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Zur
Forderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
Munchen
DE
|
Family ID: |
40756627 |
Appl. No.: |
13/201852 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
October 19, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2009/007478 |
371 Date: |
October 31, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/22 ;
422/186.05 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05H 2001/2431 20130101;
H05H 1/2406 20130101; A61L 2/14 20130101; H05H 2001/2443
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/22 ;
422/186.05 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/14 20060101
A61L002/14; H05H 1/16 20060101 H05H001/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 17, 2009 |
EP |
09002200.5 |
Claims
1. A treating device for treating an object with a non-thermal
plasma, for the in-vivo sterilization of a hand of a human being,
comprising a) a housing for temporarily receiving the object within
the housing during the treatment and for applying the plasma to the
object within the housing, and b) an inlet opening being arranged
in the housing for introducing the object through the inlet opening
into the housing.
2. The treating device according to claim 1, further comprising a)
an integrated plasma generator for generating the non-thermal
plasma within the housing, or b) an inlet for introducing the
plasma into the housing wherein the plasma is generated outside the
housing.
3. The treating device according to claim 2, wherein the plasma
generator comprises at least two electrodes and a barrier between
the electrodes, so that the plasma is generated between the
electrodes by a dielectric barrier discharge.
4. The treating device according to claim 2, wherein the barrier
between the electrodes consists of an electrically insulating
and/or dielectric material, particularly
polytetrafluoroethylene.
5. The treating device according to claim 4, wherein the electrode
is adhered to the barrier.
6. The treating device according to claim 5, wherein at least one
of the electrodes is connected with a high voltage generator.
7. The treating device according to claim 6, further comprising an
outer electric insulation which is electrically insulating the
outer electrode of the plasma generator.
8. The treating device according to claim 7, further comprising a
gap between the outer electric insulation and the housing for
allowing a gas flow through the gap.
9. The treating device according to claim 8, wherein the plasma
generator is arranged within the housing.
10. The treating device according to claim 9, further comprising a
radiation shielding being arranged between the plasma generator and
the object within the housing thereby so as to shield the object
against ultraviolet radiation generated by the plasma
generator.
11. The treating device according to claim 10, wherein the
radiation shielding is gas permeable so that the plasma can flow
through the radiation shielding and reach the object.
12. The treating device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a) the
radiation shielding comprises several spaced apart shielding
elements, and b) the shielding elements are curved or angled so
that there is no intervisibility between opposing sides of the
radiation shielding.
13. The treating device according to claim 12, wherein a) the
shielding elements are lamellas and b) the lamellas are arranged in
at least two adjacent layers, and c) the lamellas in the adjacent
layers are oppositionally angled.
14. The treating device according to claim 12, wherein a) the
radiation shielding and/or the shielding elements consist of or are
coated with an electrically conductive material, and b) the
electrically conductive material is metal, comprising copper or
tin, and c) the radiation shielding and/or the shielding elements
are electrically grounded.
15. The treating device according to claim 7, wherein the
electrodes and/or the barrier and/or the outer insulation and/or
the radiation shielding is substantially flat and/or
layer-shaped.
16. The treating device according to claim 15, wherein the
electrodes and/or the barrier and/or the outer insulation comprise
a wire mesh.
17. The treating device according to claim 1, further comprising a
spacer for preventing a physical contact between the plasma
generator and the object within the housing.
18. The treating device according to claim 17, wherein the spacer
is substantially flat.
19. The treating device according to claim 17, wherein the spacer
comprises a wire mesh.
20. The treating device according to claim 17, wherein the spacer
is configured and arranged to support the object within the
housing.
21. The treating device according to claim 1, wherein a) the
housing comprises an outer wall consisting of an electrically
conductive material, or b) the outer wall of the housing is
electrically grounded.
22. The treating device according to claim 21, wherein a) the inlet
opening in the housing is suitable for introducing a hand or a
forearm including a hand and preferably further including an elbow
of a human being through the inlet opening into the housing, and b)
the inlet opening in the housing comprises a height which is
greater than 2 cm and smaller than 30 cm, and c) the inlet opening
in the housing comprises a width, which is greater than 5 cm and
smaller than 65 cm, and/or d) the housing is adapted for
introducing a hand or a forearm including a hand and preferably
further including an elbow of a human being into the housing, and
e) the housing comprises an inner length, which is greater than 5
cm and smaller than 65 cm, and f) the housing comprises an inner
width, which is greater than 5 cm and smaller than 65 cm, and g)
the housing comprises an inner height, which is greater than 4 cm
and smaller than 30 cm.
23. The treating device according to claim 1, wherein the treating
device is configured to provide an after glow within the
housing.
24. The treating device according to claim 23, further comprising
indicating means for indicating the beginning and the end of the
after glow.
25. The treating device according claim 24, further comprising
opening/closing means for closing the inlet opening when the plasma
generator generates plasma and opening the inlet opening when the
plasma generator does not generate plasma.
26. The treating device according claim 25, further comprising a
plasma ionization degree sensor configured for detecting the
ionization degree of the plasma within the housing.
27. The treating device according claim 26, wherein at least one of
the plasma generator, the indicating means and the opening/closing
means is controlled based on one or more predetermined and/or
individually definable time spans.
28. The treating device according claim 26, wherein at least one of
the plasma generator, the indicating means and the opening/closing
means is controlled based on the ionization degree of the plasma
within the housing as detected by a plasma ionization degree
sensor.
29. A method of using a treating device for sterilizing an object
of treatment, the method comprising: providing a housing having an
inlet opening; introducing the object through the inlet opening
into the housing; and applying a non-thermal plasma to the object
of treatment within the housing, wherein the object of treatment is
selected from the group consisting of: a) an extremity of a human
being, comprising a hand or a foot, b) a surgical instrument, c) an
implant, comprising a heart pacemaker, a stent, an artificial
joint, and d) other devices to be sterilised.
30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the object of
treatment comprises an extremity of a human being.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a treating device for treating a
body part of a patient with a non-thermal plasma, particularly for
sterilizing a hand of a human being.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The use of non-thermal plasma for the treatment of wounds
and especially for the in-vivo sterilization, decontamination or
disinfection of wounds is disclosed, for example, in WO 2007/031250
A1, EP 1 925 190 A1 and PCT/EP2008/003568. However, the known
devices for plasma treatment are suitable to only a limited extent
for the in-vivo sterilization of a hand of a human being. WO
02/099836 A1 describes an apparatus and method using capillary
discharge plasma shower for sterilizing and disinfecting articles.
However, also this apparatus is suitable to only a limited extend
for the in-vivo sterilization of a hand, in particular due to the
turbulences caused by the shower. Also, the sterilizing and
disinfection ability of this device is limited by the copious
amounts of reactive gases introduced into the atmosphere--which may
lead to health hazards.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Therefore, it is a general object of the invention to
provide a treating device which is suitable for the in-vivo
sterilization of a hand of a human being.
[0004] This object is achieved by a novel treating device according
to the main claim.
[0005] The treating device according to the invention comprises a
housing for temporarily receiving a body part which is to be
sterilized within the housing during the treatment and for applying
the non-thermal plasma to the body part within the housing.
Therefore, the treating device according to the invention is
different in nature from conventional treating devices in which the
object of the treatment (e.g. a hand) is located outside a plasma
applicator so that the plasma applicator must be moved along the
surface of the object of treatment so that the non-thermal plasma
is applied to the entire surface of the object of treatment. In
other words, in conventional treating devices the non-thermal
plasma is applied to the object of treatment while the invention
provides that the object of treatment (e.g. a hand of a human
being) is introduced into the non-thermal plasma so that the object
of treatment is completely surrounded by the non-thermal
plasma.
[0006] The housing of the treating device according to the
invention comprises an inlet opening for introducing the body part
(e.g. a hand of a human being) through the inlet opening into the
housing so that the plasma treatment takes place within the
housing.
[0007] The treating device according to the invention is
particularly suitable for the in-vivo sterilization of a hand of a
human being. However, the treating device according to the
invention can also be used for the plasma treatment of other body
parts of a patient, e.g. a foot or a forearm including a hand and
preferably further including an elbow of a human being.
Furthermore, the object of treatment can be a non-biological
article like a surgical instrument, an implant, for example a heart
pacemaker, a stent, an artificial joint, or other devices to be
sterilized.
[0008] Further, the treating device according to the invention
preferably comprises an integrated plasma generator for generating
the non-thermal plasma within the housing. Therefore, the plasma
generator is preferable an integral part of the treating
device.
[0009] Alternatively, it is possible that the treating device
merely comprises an inlet for introducing the plasma into the
housing wherein the plasma is generated outside the housing by a
separate plasma generator which can be connected with the inlet of
the treating device via a hose.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the plasma
generator comprises at least two electrodes and a barrier between
the electrodes, so that the plasma is generated between the
electrodes by a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), which is per se
known in the state of the art. Therefore, the barrier between the
electrodes preferably consists of an electrically insulating and/or
dielectric material, particularly polytetraflouroethylene.
[0011] Further, the electrodes can be adhered to the barrier on
opposite sides of the barrier.
[0012] The at least two electrodes can be provided in a plurality
of manners. For example, at least one of the electrodes can be
provided as a single wire. Preferably, at least one of the
electrodes is provided spirally, or wound, or flat, or like a
cooling coil, or in a meandering manner.
[0013] At least one of the electrodes can comprise several
perforations, which are distributed over the electrode. Therefore,
the plasma can be produced within the perforations of the
electrode.
[0014] Preferably, at least one of the first electrode and the
second electrode comprises a wire-mesh, wherein the afore-mentioned
perforations are arranged between individual meshes of the
wire-mesh. In other words, each mesh of the wire-mesh forms one of
the afore-mentioned perforations. One advantage of such an
arrangement is that it is scalable, adaptive and can be customized
to any form and shape thereby allowing new applications, e.g. as a
wound dressing. Further, such an electrode arrangement is easy to
manufacture and very cost effective. Unlike conventional dielectric
barrier devices proposed for plasma medicine, it does not pass a
current through human tissue. Moreover, a double mesh system can be
gas permeable so that a gas flow can transversely penetrate the
electrode arrangement so that it is useful for air purification,
sterilization and pollution (exhaust) control.
[0015] Further, it is possible to arrange several of the
afore-mentioned double-mesh electrode systems at distances of a few
centimeters, wherein the double-mesh systems are preferably aligned
parallel to each other.
[0016] In another embodiment, at least one of the first electrode
and the second electrode comprises a perforated plate in which the
afore-mentioned perforations are arranged. For example, the plate
can be made of copper or aluminium wherein the perforations in the
plate are punched out of the plate. Further, it is possible that
both electrodes of the electrode arrangement consist of perforated
plates, which are separated by the dielectric barrier.
[0017] In yet another embodiment, at least one of the first and
second electrodes consists of parallel wires or stripes made of an
electrically conductive material.
[0018] It should further be noted that in the afore-mentioned
embodiments, the perforations are preferably equally distributed
over the electrode surface so that the intensity of the plasma
generation is also equally distributed over the surface of the
electrode.
[0019] In one embodiment, the first electrode comprises a plate
made of an electrically conductive material, wherein the plate is
preferably massive and does not comprise any perforations. The
dielectric barrier is substantially layer-shaped and formed on a
surface of the plate. For example, the dielectric barrier can have
a thickness in the range of 0.5-1 mm. In this embodiment, the
second electrode comprises either the afore-mentioned wire-mesh or
a perforated plate made of an electrically conductive material. The
first electrode formed as a massive plate is preferably energized
with an alternating current with a voltage of 10-20 kV and a
typical electrical current of 10-30 mA while the second electrode
formed as a wire-mesh is preferably electrically grounded.
[0020] In another embodiment, both the first electrode and the
second electrode comprise a wire-mesh while the dielectric barrier
comprises a cladding made of an electrically insulating and
dielectric material surrounding the wires of at least one of the
first electrode and the second electrode thereby electrically
insulating the first electrode from the second electrode. In other
words, the electrically insulating and dielectric cladding of the
individual wires of the wire-mesh forms the dielectric barrier. The
first electrode and the second electrode are attached to each
other, preferably by an adhesive bond, so that the wire-meshes of
the first and second electrodes are contacting each other
physically.
[0021] In one variant of this embodiment, both the first electrode
and the second electrode comprise a cladding surrounding the
individual wires of the wire-mesh thereby forming the dielectric
barrier.
[0022] In another variant of this embodiment, merely one of the
first and second electrodes comprises a cladding surrounding the
individual wires of the wire-mesh thereby forming the dielectric
barrier. In other words, only one of the first and second
electrodes is electrically insulated by a cladding while the other
one of the first and second electrodes is not insulated by a
cladding.
[0023] It should further be noted that the invention is not
restricted to embodiments comprising just two electrodes. For
example, it is possible to provide a third electrode and a further
dielectric barrier so that there are two dielectric barrier
discharge arrangements on both sides of a centre electrode thereby
forming a sandwich-like arrangement.
[0024] It has already been mentioned that the electrodes are
preferably adhered to each other. It is also possible that the
dielectric barrier is adhered to at least one of the first and
second electrodes.
[0025] Preferably, the electrode arrangement is substantially
two-dimensional, flat and deformable so that the shape of the
entire electrode arrangement can be adapted to the contour of a
body part, which is to be treated.
[0026] In another embodiment, the electrode arrangement further
comprises a cover which is covering the electrode arrangement. The
cover can be adapted to increase the local density of the reactive
species of the plasma thereby reducing the time needed for
sterilization. Further, the cover can be adapted to filter out
unused reactive species. It is further possible to adapt the cover
to effect a better control of the plasma. Finally, the cover can be
adapted so that the electrode arrangement can operate under reduced
pressure.
[0027] The dielectric barrier may consist of an electrically
insulating and dielectric material. The dielectric barrier
preferably consists of ceramics if high performance is desired.
Alternatively, the dielectric barrier can be made of
polytetrafluoroethylene if a lower performance of the electrode
arrangement is sufficient. Further, the dielectric barrier can be
made of polyethylene terephtalate (PET), flexible or rigid
glass-ceramic, glas, Mylar.RTM., casting ceramic or oxides.
However, the melting point of the dielectric material should
preferably be over +100.degree. C.
[0028] It should further be noted that the invention is not
restricted to an electrode arrangement as a single component. The
invention rather comprises a complete apparatus for plasma
treatment comprising the afore-mentioned electrode arrangement for
generating the non-thermal plasma.
[0029] Moreover, the electrode(s) is/are preferably connected with
a high voltage generator, which can be arranged separate from the
treating device.
[0030] The housing of the treating device according to the
invention is preferably box-shaped, whereas there are two of the
afore mentioned sandwich-like DBD arrangements within the housing
above and below the area of treatment. Alternatively, the DBD
arrangements can be mounted on opposing sides of the housing so
that one DBD arrangement is mounted on the left side of the
housing, whereas the other DBD arrangement is mounted on the right
side of the housing.
[0031] Further, the afore-mentioned sandwich-like DBD arrangement
preferably comprises an outer electric insulation, which is
electrically insulating the outer electrode of the plasma
generator.
[0032] Moreover, there is preferably a gap between the outer
electric insulation of the sandwich-like DBD arrangement and the
housing, wherein said gap allows a gas flow through the gap. This
is advantageous since the plasma generated in the DBD arrangement
must reach the area of treatment in the centre of the housing so
that there must be a gas flow within the housing. The gas flow
within the housing can be generated by natural convection due to
the different temperatures within the gas volume. However, it is
also possible that the gas circulation within the housing of the
treating device is at least partially caused by a pump, which is
preferably arranged separate from the treating device.
[0033] Preferably, the treating device includes a waste gas filter.
The waste gas filter is arranged and configured to filter waste gas
from within the housing. For example, a ventilator or another
suitable means can be provided in order to urge (pull/push) the
waste gas from within the housing to the waste gas filter.
[0034] It should further be mentioned that the plasma generator is
preferably arranged within the housing so that the plasma is
generated within the housing. Therefore, the treating device
according to the invention is different in nature from conventional
therapeutic concepts in which the area of treatment and the area of
plasma generation are separated from each other. On the contrary,
the invention provides that the area of treatment and the area of
plasma generation are at least overlapping or even identical.
[0035] It is well known in the state of the art that plasma
generators generally produce ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In some
applications this UV radiation contributes to the therapeutic
effect of the plasma treatment. However, in other applications, the
UV radiation is undesirable. Therefore, the treating device
according to the invention preferably comprises a radiation
shielding being arranged between the plasma generator and the area
of treatment within the housing thereby shielding the treated body
part against the UV radiation generated by the plasma
generator.
[0036] However, the afore-mentioned radiation shielding is
preferably gas permeable so that the plasma can flow through the
radiation shielding and reach the body part which is to be treated.
This is important since the plasma treatment requires a physical
contact between the non-thermal plasma and the body part which is
to be treated.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the radiation shielding comprises
several spaced apart UV blocking shielding elements which are
preferably curved or angled in such a way that there is no
intervisibility between the opposing sides of the radiation
shielding while the gas flow between the opposing sides of the
radiation shielding is not substantially constricted.
[0038] The shielding elements are preferably lamellas which are
arranged in at least two adjacent layers wherein the lamellas in
the adjacent layers are oppositely angled.
[0039] It should further be mentioned that the radiation shielding
and/or the shielding elements (e.g. lamellas) preferably consist of
or a coated with an electrically conductive material so that there
is not charge build-up on the surface of the shielding elements.
The electrically conductive material of the radiation shielding is
preferably metal, particularly copper or tin. It should further be
mentioned that the radiation shielding and/or the shielding
elements are preferably electrically grounded.
[0040] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the
electrodes, the barrier and the outer insulation of the afore
mentioned DBD arrangement are preferably flat or layer-shaped.
Further, the electrodes can comprise a wire mesh.
[0041] Further, the treating device preferably comprises a spacer
which is arranged between the area of treatment on the one hand and
the plasma generator on the other hand thereby preventing a
physical contact between the plasma generator and the body part
during treatment. The spacer is preferably substantially flat
and/or comprises a wire mesh. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer
is configured and arranged to support the object to be treated
within the housing.
[0042] Moreover, it should be noted that the housing of the novel
treating device preferably comprises an outer wall consisting of an
electrically conductive material which is preferably electrically
grounded.
[0043] The dimensions of the housing are preferably adapted to the
size of a hand of a human being so that a patient can introduce his
hand through the inlet opening into the housing for sterilizing his
hand. Therefore, the inlet opening of the housing preferably
comprises a height in the range of 2 cm-20 cm and a width in the
range of 5 cm-30 cm. It is preferred that the inlet opening of the
housing comprises a width of 10 cm and a height of 4 cm.
[0044] Further, the housing is preferably sufficiently large for
introducing a hand of a human being into the housing so that the
entire hand can be sterilized within the housing. Therefore, the
housing preferably comprises an inner length in the range of 5
cm-30 cm with a preferred value of the inner length of about 11-12
cm. Further, the housing preferably comprises an inner width in the
range of 5 cm-30 cm with a preferred value of the width of about
11-12 cm. Finally, the housing preferably comprises an inner height
in the range of 4 cm-20 cm with a preferred value of the inner
height of about 7 cm.
[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the
housing are preferably adapted to the size of a forearm including a
hand and preferably further including an elbow of a human being so
that a patient can introduce his forearm including his hand and
preferably further including his elbow through the inlet opening
into the housing for sterilizing his forearm including his hand and
preferably including his elbow. Further, the housing is preferably
sufficiently large for introducing a forearm including a hand and
preferably further including an elbow of a human being into the
housing so that the entire forearm including the hand and
preferably further including the elbow can be sterilized within the
housing.
[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the
housing are preferably adapted to the size of a foot of a human
being.
[0047] It should further be noted that the non-thermal plasma
according to the invention preferably comprises a gas temperature
(i.e. the temperature of the atoms and molecules) below +40.degree.
C., when measured on the treated surface.
[0048] Further, the treating device can include an on/off-switch
for switching the integrated plasma generator on and off.
[0049] Moreover, there can be a light barrier which detects whether
an object of treatment (e.g. a hand) is inserted through the inlet
opening into the housing. The light barrier can be coupled with the
plasma generator so that the plasma generator is switched off if no
object is introduced through the inlet opening, whereas the plasma
generator is switched on if an object of treatment is present
within the housing.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the treating device is configured
to provide an after glow within the housing for treating the object
with the non-thermal plasma, particularly for the in-vivo
sterilization of a hand or a forearm including a hand and
preferably including an elbow of a human being. Within the phase of
after glow, the plasma generator does not produce plasma. However,
plasma within the housing is effective for treating an object,
particularly for the in-vivo sterilization. On the one hand, the
use of the after glow can decrease the energy consumption of the
treating device. On the other hand, the use of the after glow can
increase the usage safety of the treating device since no object,
in particular no part of a human being or other sensible
objects/devices, is introduced within the housing when the plasma
is generated (power on).
[0051] For example, the plasma generator can be switched on and
after, for example, 2 sec. switched off. The plasma generated
within the 2 sec. remains effective within the housing for a
certain time span after switching off for treating an object,
particularly for the in-vivo sterilization.
[0052] Preferably, the treating device includes indicating means
for indicating the beginning and the end of the after glow.
[0053] Preferably, the treating device can include an
opening/closing means for closing the inlet opening during plasma
generating and opening the inlet opening after plasma generating.
In one embodiment, the opening/closing means is closed and locked
during plasma generating and opens only when the plasma generator
does not generates plasma.
[0054] Further, it is possible to provide a plasma ionization
degree sensor for detecting the ionization degree of the plasma
within the housing.
[0055] Preferably, the plasma generator, the indicating means
and/or the opening/closing means are controlled based on one or
more predetermined time spans.
[0056] However, it is also possible to control the plasma
generator, the indicating means and/or the opening/closing means
based on the ionization degree of the plasma within the housing
detected by the plasma ionization degree sensor.
[0057] The invention and its particular features and advantages
will become apparent from the following detailed description
considered with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
a treating device according to the invention.
[0059] FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the treating device
according to FIG. 1.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the treating device
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0061] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a plasma generator using
dielectric barrier discharge.
[0062] FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the radiation
shielding shown in FIG. 4.
[0063] FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but
also showing the design of the radiation shielding.
[0064] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a side plate of the
housing of the treating device.
[0065] FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the isolator of the DBD
arrangement.
[0066] FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of the front plate of the
treating device with an inlet opening.
[0067] FIG. 7D shows a perspective view of an intermediate plate of
the treating device.
[0068] FIG. 7E shows a perspective view of a rear plate of the
treating device comprising an opening for cables.
[0069] FIG. 7F shows a perspective view of an upper and lower plate
of the housing.
[0070] FIG. 7G shows an exemplary embodiment of the electrodes of
the afore mentioned DBD arrangement.
[0071] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of an electrode arrangement
which can be used for plasma generation instead of the DBD
arrangement.
[0072] FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of a DBD electrode arrangement comprising a plate as a first
electrode and a wire-mesh as a second electrode.
[0073] FIG. 9B shows a sectional view of the electrode arrangement
according to FIG. 9A.
[0074] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an electrode arrangement
comprising two wire-meshs.
[0075] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a junction of the wires
of several wire-meshs.
[0076] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a junction of two
insulated wires.
[0077] FIG. 13 shows a modification of the electrode arrangement
according to FIG. 10 additionally comprising a cover.
[0078] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a sandwich-like DBD
electrode arrangement comprising three electrodes.
[0079] FIG. 15 shows a sectional view of a modification of the
embodiment according to FIGS. 9A and 9B, wherein a wire-mesh is
embedded into the dielectric barrier.
[0080] FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematic views illustrating different
uses of an after glow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0081] The drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of a treating
device 1 for the in-vivo sterilization of a hand or a forearm
including a hand and preferably further including an elbow of a
human being by means of a non-thermal plasma.
[0082] The treating device 1 comprises a box-shaped housing 2 with
an inlet opening 3 at the front side of the housing 2 wherein the
dimensions of the inlet opening 3 are adapted to the size of a hand
of a human being so that a patient can introduce his hand through
the inlet opening 3 into the housing 2 of the treating device 1.
Further, the dimensions of the entire housing 2 are adapted to the
size of a hand of a human being so that the entire hand can be
placed within the housing 2 for a plasma treatment. In this
embodiment, the housing 2 comprises a length of 11.5 cm, a width of
11.4 cm and a height of 7 cm. Further, the inlet opening 3
comprises a width of 10 cm and a height of 4 cm.
[0083] Further, the treating device 1 comprises an opening 4 at its
rear surface opposite the inlet opening 3 while the opening 4
serves for accommodating cables or the like. However, the rear
opening 4 is covered by an insulator 5 consisting of
polytetraflouroethylene.
[0084] Further, the treating device 1 comprises an integrated
plasma generator which generates a non-thermal plasma for the
in-vivo sterilization.
[0085] The plasma generator comprises two substantially flat
dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) arrangements 6, 7. The DBD
arrangement 6 is arranged within the housing 2 above the area of
treatment as shown in FIG. 3, while the DBD arrangement 7 is
arranged within the housing 2 below the area of treatment.
[0086] The design of the DBD arrangements 6, 7 is schematically
shown in FIG. 4. Each of the DBD arrangements 6, 7 comprises a
barrier 8 sandwiched between two electrodes 9, 10 which are adhered
to the top and bottom sides of the barrier 8 which consists of
polytetraflouroethylene.
[0087] Further, the DBD arrangement 6 comprises an outer insulator
11 and a radiation shielding 12 facing to the area of treatment
within the housing 2 so that the radiation shielding 12 prevents
that the hand of the patient within the housing 2 is affected by
any ultraviolet radiation generated by the DBD arrangements 6,
7.
[0088] FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the radiation
shielding 12 along line A-A in FIG. 4. The radiation shielding 12
comprises two adjacent layers 13, 14 of parallel metallic lamellas
15, 16. The lamellas 15 in the upper layer 13 of the radiation
shielding 12 are oppositionally angled with regard to the lamellas
16 in the lower layer 14 of the radiation shielding 12. Therefore,
there is no intervisibility between the opposing sides of the
radiation shielding 12 so that no ultraviolet radiation is
transmitted through the radiation shielding 12. In other words, the
radiation shielding 12 blocks any ultraviolet radiation generated
by the DBD arrangements 6, 7.
[0089] Further, the treating device 1 comprises two spacers 17, 18
for the DBD arrangements 6, 7, wherein the spacers 17, 18 avoid a
physical contact between the hand and the DBD arrangements 6, 8. In
this embodiment, the spacers 17, 18 each consist of a wire
mesh.
[0090] FIGS. 7A-7G show different views of the parts of the afore
mentioned treating device while the views are self explanatory so
that no further explanation is necessary.
[0091] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of an electrode arrangement
which can be used instead of the afore-mentioned DBD arrangements
6, 7.
[0092] The electrode arrangement comprises a copper plate 19, a
teflon plate 20 and a wire mesh 21 made of an electrically
conductive material. The copper plate 19 and the wire-mesh 21 are
adhered to opposing sides of the teflon plate 20.
[0093] Further, the wire mesh 21 is electrically grounded, whereas
the copper plate 19 is connected with a high voltage source
generating a high-voltage of U=18 kV.sub.pp and a frequency of
f=12.5 kHz.
[0094] FIGS. 9A and 9B show another preferred embodiment of a DBD
electrode arrangement 1A for generating a non-thermal plasma. The
electrode arrangement 1A comprises a plate-shaped electrode 2A made
of an electrically conductive material, e.g. copper or aluminium.
The plate-shaped electrode 2A has a thickness in the range of 0.5-1
mm.
[0095] Further, the electrode arrangement 1A comprises a dielectric
barrier 3A made of polytetrafluoroethylene, wherein the material of
the dielectric barrier 3A is applied to the lower surface of the
plate-shaped electrode 2A.
[0096] Moreover, the electrode arrangement 1A comprises a further
electrode 4A formed by a wire-mesh which is adhered to the
dielectric barrier 3A on the side opposite the electrode 2A.
[0097] The electrode 4A is electrically grounded while the other
electrode 2A is electrically connected to a high voltage generator
5A which is applying an alternating current signal to the electrode
2A with a frequency of f=12.5 kHz and a peak-to-peak-voltage of
HV=18 kV.sub.pp. Therefore, the high voltage generator 5A triggers
a dielectric discharge wherein the plasma is generated in the
meshes of the mesh-shaped electrode 4A.
[0098] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a two-dimensional
electrode arrangement 11A similar to the electrode arrangement 1A
shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
[0099] However, the electrode arrangement 11A comprises two
mesh-shaped electrodes 12A, 13A, wherein the individual wires of at
least one of the electrodes 12A, 13A are surrounded by a cladding
made of an electrically insulating and dielectric material forming
a dielectric barrier between the electrodes 11A, 12A.
[0100] The electrode 13A is electrically grounded while the other
electrode 12A is connected to a high-voltage generator 14A
triggering a dielectric barrier discharge in the electrode
arrangement 11A wherein the plasma is generated in the meshes of
the electrodes 12A, 13A.
[0101] It should further be noted that the electrode arrangement
11A is flexible so that the shape of the electrode arrangement 11A
can be adapted to any desired shape.
[0102] FIG. 11 shows a junction between individual wires 15A, 16A,
17A of adjacent mesh-shaped electrodes. In this embodiment, the
wire 16A is surrounded by a cladding 18A made of an electrically
insulating and dielectric material thereby forming the dielectric
barrier. The other wires 15A, 17A are not insulated.
[0103] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a junction of wires 19A,
20A of adjacent mesh-shaped electrodes. In this embodiment both the
wire 19A and the wire 20A is surrounded by a cladding 21A, 22A made
of an electrically insulating and dielectric material.
[0104] FIG. 13 shows a modification of the electrode arrangement
shown in FIG. 10 so that reference is made to the above description
relating to FIG. 10.
[0105] One characteristic feature of this embodiment is that the
electrode arrangement 11A additionally comprises a cover 23A. The
cover can have different purposes, e.g. increasing the local
density of reactive species, reducing the time for sterilization,
filtering out unused reactive species, effecting a better control
over the plasma or operating under reduced pressure.
[0106] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of an electrode arrangement
28A suitable for generating a non-thermal plasma. The electrode
arrangement 28A comprises a centre electrode 29A formed by a
massive plate made of copper.
[0107] Further, the electrode arrangement 28A comprises two flat
dielectric barriers 30A, 31A each consisting of a flat plate made
of polytetrafluoroethylene, wherein the dielectric barriers 30A,
31A are attached to opposing sides of the centre electrode 29A.
[0108] Further, the electrode arrangement 28A comprises two
mesh-shaped outer electrodes 32A, 33A which are attached to the
outer sides of the dielectric barriers 30A, 31A.
[0109] FIG. 15 shows a modification of the electrode arrangement
shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B so that reference is made to the above
description relating to FIGS. 9A and 9B. Further, the same
reference numerals are used for corresponding parts and
details.
[0110] One characteristic feature of the electrode arrangement 1A
according to FIG. 15 is that the electrode 4A is embedded into the
dielectric barrier 3A. There is a distance d1=1 mm between the
wire-mesh of the electrode 4A and the lower surface of the
electrode 2A. Further, there is a distance d2=0.1 mm between the
wire-mesh of the electrode 4A and the outer surface of the
dielectric barrier 3A. It is essential that the distance d1 is
greater than the distance d2. However, if it is desired to have a
discharge on one side only, the embedded electrode 4A must be
embedded more deeply than the distance d1 between the electrodes
2A, 4A.
[0111] If a flexible electrode arrangement 1A is desired, both
electrodes 2A, 4A are made of a flexible wire-mesh or parallel
wires having a distance of approximately 1 cm, wherein the
dielectric barrier 3A can be made of a flexible material, e.g.
silicone rubber.
[0112] The outer electrodes 32A, 33A are electrically grounded
while the centre electrode 29A is electrically connected to a
high-voltage generator.
[0113] FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematic views describing different
uses of an after glow.
[0114] In FIG. 16A, the plasma generator is switched on at time t1
and preferably automatically switched off after a predetermined
time at time t2. Thus, the plasma generator generates plasma within
time t1 and time t2. Although the plasma generator is switched off
between time t2 (beginning of the after glow) and time t3 (end of
after glow), the plasma generated between time t1 and time t2 and
contained within the housing 2 is effective for treating an object,
particularly for the in-vivo sterilization for a hand and/or a
forearm of a human being. The time span between time t2 and time t3
can thus be referred to as after glow.
[0115] After time t3, the plasma within the housing is no longer
effective for treating an object, particularly not effective for
the in-vivo sterilization.
[0116] The treating device can include an indicating means, for
example acoustic and/or visual means, for example one or more lamps
for indicating particularly times t1, t2 and t3. For example, one
lamp can light yellow between time t1 and time t2 indicating that
an object should or must not be introduced into the housing.
Another lamp can light green between time t2 and time t3 indicating
that the treating device is ready for treating/sterilizing. Still
another lamp can light red after time t3 indicating that the plasma
within the housing is no longer effective for
treating/sterilizing.
[0117] The treating device can further include an opening/closing
means arranged and configured to close the inlet opening 3 when the
plasma generator generates plasma (e.g. between time t1 and time
t2) for preventing an object, for example a hand, to be introduced
into the housing and to open the inlet opening 3 when the plasma
generator does not produce plasma (e.g. during time t2 and time
t3). Although the device is safe even when the plasma is generated
(due to the grounded electrode configuration), the use of the after
glow may further increase usage safety. For example, the use of the
after glow can have advantages in particular with regard to wet
objects and metallic objects (e.g. rings, watches, bracelets).
[0118] It is also possible to provide a plasma ionization degree
sensor for detecting the plasma effectiveness/ionization degree
within the housing 2 and to control the plasma generator, the
opening/closing means and/or the indicating means in response to
the values detected by the plasma ionization degree sensor.
However, it is also possible to control the plasma generator, the
indicating means and/or the opening/closing means by one or more
predetermined time spans. The one or more time spans can be preset
by the manufacturer of the treating device and/or individually
definable by a user, for example a physician or a nurse.
[0119] It is further possible to maintain the treating device in a
"stand by mode" as schematically shown in FIG. 16B. In FIG. 16B,
the plasma generator is initially switched on at time t. The plasma
generator is automatically switched off at time t'', automatically
switched on at time t', automatically switched off at time t'' and
so on. Thus, after initially switching on the treating device (for
example in the morning and switched off in the evening), the plasma
effectiveness/ionization degree within the housing 2 is kept at a
sufficient (predetermined) degree for treating/sterilizing. With
other words, the treating device is after switching on permanently
effective for treating an object, particularly for the in-vivo
sterilization. The embodiment shown in FIG. 16B can be used with
the indicating means, the opening/closing means and/or the plasma
ionization degree sensor according to FIG. 16A.
[0120] Although the invention has been described with reference to
the particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these
are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements of features,
and indeed many other modifications and variations will be
ascertainable to those of skill in the art.
* * * * *