Dual filter multiple pulse photo-dermatological device with pre/post optical heating, quasi-logarithmic spacing, and laser rod spectrum infusion

Abstract

Method and apparatus to treat unwanted dermatological conditions on a specific area of the body. The area of treatment is exposed to a specific pattern of multi-wavelength light which may have an added infusion of a particular wavelength from a unique non-collimated laser rod optical insertion. The light is generated by specific gas mixture multiple flashlamps that allow simultaneous, overlap, or consecutive firing with quasi-logarithmic spacing between pulses. Pre/Post low level optical heating increases lesion temperature to optimize pulsed treatment. The optimum fixed specific wavelength distribution pattern allows the treatment of various skin conditions by adjusting the intensity of light, and delay between pulses. The need for skin cooling and damage to skin treatment areas is eliminated by the quasi-logarithmic pulse spacing in conjunction with optimum length and characteristic shape of the individual pulses of light.

1 . A method for treating various dermatological conditions comprising the steps of: 
 generating a light that has a specific wavelength distribution pattern output and intensity;    filtering said light through a first filter and a second filter to construct an optimum wavelength distribution pattern to encompass multiple modalities of dermatologic treatment with said light;    placing a hollow reflective light guide with a window against a skin section forming an optical seal to contain said light; and    covering said skin section with a plume barrier lotion; and    illuminating said skin section by directing said light through said first and second filters through said hollow reflective light guide through said plume barrier lotion.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said light has a specific pulse geometry.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said light exiting said hollow light guide has a wavelength greater than 390 nm.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said light generated may be infused with a single wavelength laser rod source.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said light source comprises multiple individual flashlamps which are fired simultaneously or consecutively with a delay between each said pulse.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said pulses from said flashlamp are approximately 14 ms in duration.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said flashlamp(s) are fired with progressive logarithmic spacing between said pulses to eliminate active skin cooling.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said flashlamps are individually powered by an electrical energy supply that is 160-400 joules for every cm2 of output.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said light source is non-laser and radially emitted and photons from said light source are reflected from said hollow reflective light guide and exit through said first filter at multiple angles through the light guide cooling water down said hollow reflective light guide and through said second filter for further desired wavelength cutoff and through said hollow reflective light guide into said skin section at multiple angles.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said light source comprises: 
 a power source(s);    single or plurality of flashlamps;    a water or air cooling system;    a control source for firing said flashlamps with logarithmic spacing; and    a laser rod head insertion for single wavelength infusion.    
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein said flashlamps consist of Kr, Xe gas.  
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said hollow reflective light guide is made of ceramic.  
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said light spectral output pattern is generated in an output between 390 nm and 1,200 nm.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said light spectral output pattern is generated at a low level pre/post pulse firing for dermatological lesion pre/post heating.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said control source allows simultaneous, overlap and consecutive firing of said flashlamps.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein said flashlamps consist of synthetically fused quartz doped with cerium oxide.  
   
   
       17 . An apparatus for treating a dermatological condition comprising: 
 a water cooled delivery head;    at least one flashlamp contained within said delivery head wherein said flashlamp produces a desired light output;    an individual energy source connected to said flashlamp;    a control mechanism connected to said individual energy source said control mechanism allowing for simultaneous, overlapping and consecutive firing of said flashlamps;    a laser rod inserted into the delivery head for single wavelength light infusion into said light output;    a first light filter and a second light filter positioned beneath said delivery head wherein    said first and second light filters eliminate selected wavelengths or portions thereof of said light; and    a water cooled hollow reflective light guide directing said light to a treatment area;    
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein said energy source is provided by battery power.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein said energy source is able to deliver low level light through said flashlamps for pre/post dermatological lesion heating.