Systems and methods for laser-assisted topical treatment of nail fungal infections

Abstract

Systems and methods for a laser-assisted topical treatment of nail fungal infections are provided. The laser-assisted topical treatment includes a laser that is configured to output a beam that penetrates the infected nail and creates a channel therethrough. The laser-assisted topical treatment further includes a treatment agent comprising a vehicle and a drug. The treatment agent is applied to an exterior surface of the infected nail so that the treatment agent may flow into the channel.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A laser-assisted topical treatment system for treating an infected nail, the treatment system comprising:
 a laser; and   a treatment agent comprising a vehicle and a drug;   wherein the laser is configured to output a beam that penetrates the infected nail and creates a plurality of channels therethrough; and   wherein the treatment agent is applied to a surface of the infected nail and flows into the plurality of channels.   
     
     
         2 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , further comprising an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to move the laser along a path. 
     
     
         3 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels define widths of 250 micrometers or less. 
     
     
         4 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels are spaced less than 1 millimeter apart. 
     
     
         5 . The treatment system of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of channels are spaced 50 to 200 micrometers apart. 
     
     
         6 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels are arranged in a distal portion of the infected nail. 
     
     
         7 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels are arranged in a proximal portion of the infected nail. 
     
     
         8 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle comprises at least one of epoxy resins, acrylates, silicone, rubber, fiberglass, keratin, collagen, or casein. 
     
     
         9 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment agent defines a refractive index between 1.45 and 1.55. 
     
     
         10 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , further comprises a plurality of lasers. 
     
     
         11 . The treatment system of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of lasers are configured to move along parallel paths. 
     
     
         12 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the laser is a near-infrared laser or ultraviolet laser. 
     
     
         13 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the laser is configured to output the beam with a wavelength of 400 nanometers or less. 
     
     
         14 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , wherein the laser is configured to move along a path. 
     
     
         15 . The treatment system of  claim 14 , wherein the path the laser moves along is linear. 
     
     
         16 . The treatment system of  claim 14 , wherein the path the laser moves along is curved. 
     
     
         17 . The treatment system of  claim 1 , further comprising an enclosure arranged to enclose the infected nail. 
     
     
         18 . The treatment system of  claim 17 , wherein the enclosure is connected to a pressure source that is configured to provide alternating positive and negative pressure to the infected nail to promote distribution of the treatment agent in the plurality of channels.