Irradiation device

Abstract

An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body for providing photodynamic therapy or diagnosis comprises: a housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 adapted to be fully inserted and secured in the orifice, the housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 enclosing an LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72 and a power source 41, 68, 78 , for powering the LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72 , wherein the device is independently operational while located within the orifice.

1 . An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body for providing photodynamic therapy or diagnosis, the device comprising: a housing adapted to be fully inserted and secured in the orifice, the housing enclosing a light emitting diode (“LED”) lamp system and a power source for powering the LED lamp system; wherein the device is independently operational while located in the orifice. 
     
     
         2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the housing includes a flexible outer portion which is, in use, adapted to adjust its shape to form a secure fit with walls of the orifice. 
     
     
         3 . A device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the flexible outer portion forms a continuous surface which tapers outwards towards a rear part of the device. 
     
     
         4 . A device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the flexible outer portion is formed of a resilient material. 
     
     
         5 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the entire housing is flexible. 
     
     
         6 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the housing includes a treatment surface, the LED system being arranged to emit radiation from the treatment surface. 
     
     
         7 . A device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the treatment surface is fully transparent to light having wavelengths emitted by the LED lamp system. 
     
     
         8 . A device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the treatment surface has at least one of (a) a size and (b) a shape adapted for complimentary fit with a treatment area of the orifice such that, when the device is in use, the treatment area is illuminated with light from the LED lamp system. 
     
     
         9 . A device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the treatment surface is formed by a surface of a portion of a housing material, and the material is arranged to diffuse light emitted from the LED lamp system. 
     
     
         10 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a switch for activation of the LED lamp system. 
     
     
         11 . A device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the switch is enclosed within the housing and is arranged to be operated whilst sealed within the housing. 
     
     
         12 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the LED lamp system is arranged to provide, in use, a light intensity in the range of 1-50 mW/cm 2 . 
     
     
         13 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the LED lamp system emits light having wavelengths in the range of 300-800 nm. 
     
     
         14 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the LED lamp system includes a control circuit for regulating irradiation provided by the LED lamp system. 
     
     
         15 . A device as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the control circuit includes at least one of (a) a receiver for connection to a remote terminal, (b) a feedback system, and (c) one or more performance indicator lights for informing a user whether the device has operated correctly. 
     
     
         16 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a lens system arranged to provide homogenous illumination over a treatment area. 
     
     
         17 . A device as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the housing includes a treatment surface, the LED lamp system being arranged to emit radiation from the treatment surface, and the treatment surface includes the lens system. 
     
     
         18 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a drug carrying area. 
     
     
         19 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device includes at least one feature that promotes single-use and/or prevents repeat use. 
     
     
         20 . A device as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the control circuit is programmed to provide pulsed illumination. 
     
     
         21 . A device as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the drug carrying area carries a composition comprising a photosensitizer or precursor of a photosensitizer. 
     
     
         22 . A device as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the composition comprises 5-ALA or a derivative of 5-ALA. 
     
     
         23 . A device as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the composition comprises a 5-ALA ester. 
     
     
         24 . A device as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein at least one of (a) the power source is arranged to provide power that is only sufficient for a single-use, (b) a control circuit is arranged to prevent re-use by means of features of its programming, and (c) the control circuit includes a deactivation mechanism that destroys circuitry or software when triggered.