Medical treatment of deeply seated tissue using optical radiation

摘要

The invention features a treatment method of deeply seated tissue and a corresponding medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a light guide adapted to transmit light energy of a selected wavelength from a light source to a selected volume of tissue, a conduit constructed to deliver a flow of coolant from a source of coolant to a surface of the selected tissue volume through which the light energy passes in reaching the volume. The irradiation and cooling is governed by control means adapted to regulate the intensity of the light energy in respect of the flow of coolant delivered to the surface to prevent substantial damage of surface tissue while irradiating the tissue volume.