The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 16, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 22, 1999
Wolfgang Neuberger, F.T. Labaun, MY;
Stefan Spaniol, Bonn, DE;
CeramOptec Industries, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA (US);
Abstract
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.