Ceramoptec Industries, Inc.

Biolitec Pharma Marketing Ltd

Bistitec Pharma Marketing Ltd

Stefan Spaniol

Wolfgang Neuberger

Volker Albrecht

Dietrich Scheglmann

Brian Foley

Thomas Sandrock

Endrik Groenhoff

Heinrich Kudla

A special photosensitizer formulation and Photodynamic Therapy method for treating choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is provided. CNV is a major cause for vision loss in elderly patients. A special drug delivery formulation is used to encapsulate the hydrophobic photosensitizer, preferably a pegylated liposome. This improves the solubility and therapeutic index of the photosensitizers. In one preferred embodiment, a pegylated photoactive agent remains confined in the intravascular compartment of neovasculature for a longer duration. Thus efficient elimination of neovascular proliferation and minimal damage to extravascular tissue and normal vessels is ensured. In this method, a hydrophobic photosensitizer, that is able to photochemically destroy neovessels, is injected into the patient. CNV irradiation with a non-thermal laser follows after a predefined time interval. The excited photosensitizer photocoagulates newly formed blood vessels thereby improving the vision and preventing further loss of vision.

Pegylated compounds for age-related macular degeneration

The invention relates to a system for medicinal treatment, in particular for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH, for use in the event of tumor resection or for use in thoracic surgery. The system comprises a diode laser device for producing a laser beam and to an application system based on optical wave guides that can be endoscopically introduced into a patient. Said system is designed in such a manner that the laser beam, produced by the diode laser device is guided through the application system and is emitted by said application system so that biological tissue can be treated in a selective manner with the emerging laser beam.

Urological diode laser systems having a glass-fiber application system

A method and device used for treating body cells affected by abnormal cell growth or by oncogenic viruses. In particular the invention relates to photonic device for treating gynecological problems comprising at least one light source incorporated into the irradiation head or into the hand piece or as a external unit connected by light guide. The light source used in the photonic device has a LED, Laser or lamps. This photonic device is used for treating a subject having unwanted cell proliferation, example dysplasia of the portio and/or cervix with Photodynamic therapy (PDT). The advantage of using LED device is, for its radiation safety, cost effectiveness and is easy to handle compared to laser system. A drug applicator is also described which is employed for homogenously application of photoactive drug in the affected area.

Photonic device and method for treating cervical dysplasia

An active endoscopic system is disclosed containing an electromagnetic radiation system located at the distal end of the endoscopic device allowing for variable intensity application of desired wavelengths in the application of PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) over a broad area. The power sources are varied according to the needs of a specific application. Various attachments and configurations may be used to enhance performance of a desired application, including but not limited to multi-balloon systems for centering the apparatus or limiting the treatment area, fiber optics for directly viewing the treatment area, vacuum systems for waste removal, tubes for delivering aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or other photosensitizers, and other fiber optics for illumination of treatment area. A preferred embodiment for PDT employs a multitude of low wattage diodes at the distal end of the endoscope, a scattering glass, cooling channel, external cooling unit, an inflatable balloon with a reflective surface and a tube connected to an external pump for the delivery and removal of photosensitizers. Each diode is selected to emit the respective frequency needed to activate the selected photosensitizer. Alternatively, a range of diodes may be selected to maximize the activation of the photosensitizer. Other embodiments include a chemiluminescent light source at the distal end of the endoscope. Other electromagnetic sources include microwave or radio frequency devices. The prime benefit of this system is the placement of the radiation source at the distal end of the device to bring the light source directly to the desired site.

Active endoscopic photodynamic therapy devices; systems and method

Briefly stated, the present invention discloses a novel device that automatically calibrates and adjusts the intensity, dosage, and other parameters of a radiation delivery system and radiation source based on selected or detected radiation delivery systems. Such radiation delivery systems include optical fiber systems, and any type of diffuser, as well as bare fiber tips. The functions of a radiation source and a calibration device are combined by storing the characteristics of a wide variety of delivery system types and brands and calibrating the radiation based on those stored characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, a calibration sheath is provided that fits over a delivery system, such as a bare fiber tip or a diffuser at the distal end of a fiber, to both protect the system during calibration and direct output radiation to a detector. In another embodiment, one or more detectors are situated on the interior surface of the calibration sheath to directly measure at least a preselected portion of the emitted radiation. Power readings are directed to a calibration subsystem from the detector or detectors, which then adjusts the emitted power to conform to desired treatment parameters. The need for different calibration devices based on the characteristics of the delivery system is alleviated.

Autocalibrating medical diode laser system

A safe connection system for coupling radiation from radiation sources, such as lasers, into optical fibers is provided. The system prevents the accidental use of standard optical fibers with radiation sources that require fibers capable of transmitting high power or other radiation with unique characteristics. Because often the fibers for use with high power lasers, for example, may also be used with standard lasers, the system preserves the interchangeability of standard connection systems such as SMA by providing connectors that can properly fit both in standard receptacles and in the receptacles of the present invention. Thus, this connection system preserves the advantages of a standard laser-fiber connection system while increasing the safety of such systems, where it is necessary.

SMA compatible, safe laser connector system

The present invention provides a device and method for a laser treatment that couples surgical or activating laser power with a biomodulating power to enhance proper tissue healing and regeneration after treatment. This treatment is achieved using an optical fiber system delivering laser power from two separate laser sources. One source provides laser energy at a power level and density suitable for the surgical or activation action desired. The second source produces laser power at a wavelength suitable for producing biomodulating effects in the treated tissue. Biomodulation treatment of the tissue promotes cellular healing and regeneration and ensures that proper healing occurs. In addition, the present invention describes a method by which the device is used for treatment. The surgical or activating laser energy is applied to a site as the device is passed over the treatment area. During this treatment, the device also emits a biomodulating treatment beam onto the site over which the first beam has already passed. The device in this manner systematically performs a surgical or activation action and then follows immediately with a healing action, enhancing the success of the treatment by ensuring that the treated tissue heals quickly and properly.

Device and method for laser biomodulation in PDT/surgery

A tunable medical laser diode system for activating PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) compounds is disclosed. A tunable medical laser diode system for activating PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) compounds and other moderate or low energy multiple wavelength applications is disclosed. Interchangeable diode laser cartridges are used. Each cartridge contains a diode laser, which consists of at least one diode or diode array or some combination thereof. Typically, each diode laser cartridge is tuned to a different wavelength. Multiple cartridges, however may be tuned to the same wavelength for some applications One or more cartridges are attached to the system base unit simultaneously. The cartridges may be powered in series or in tandem for different applications. Selectively powering these cartridges causes light to be emitted at a certain wavelength or wavelengths. Selection of cartridges is facilitated by a drug identification scanner which scans drug activation wavelength information into the system. The wavelength can then be changed by selecting different cartridge(s) with diodes operating at other wavelengths. Applicator fiber parameters are recognized by the system as are power output and energy density. Modifications of input power are made accordingly. On a finer scale, tuning can be accomplished using a Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA). Still Finer tuning can be done by adjustment of system operating temperature. The ability to vary output wavelengths allows for multiple PDT compounds to be activated by one laser system. Other medical applications, such as aiding coagulation, may also be performed with diode lasers using the present invention, while retaining the inherent advantages of diode lasers, i.e., simplicity, low cost, and ease of maintenance.

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Bonn, Germany

Stefan Spaniol