DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC ENERGY

摘要

A device for insertion into a mammalian patient comprises a shaft and a light delivery element. The shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The light delivery element is constructed and arranged to deliver light to prevent infection, reduce infection and/or cause a therapeutic benefit or physiologic effect.

主权项

1. A device for insertion into a mammalian patient comprising:
a shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therebetween, wherein the shaft further comprises an outer surface and an inner surface; and a light delivery element constructed and arranged to deliver light to perform a function selected from the group consisting of: prevent infection; reduce infection; cause a physiologic effect selected from the group consisting of:
blood temperature increase; vasodilation;an increase in local nitric oxide;enhance nitric oxide release from the vascular endothelium;prolong local nitric oxide effects; an alteration in the function of erythrocytes;a modification in oxygen release from hemoglobin;a modification in pH of blood;a modulation in the immune response of blood leucocytes;a modulation of the coagulation and/or thrombocyte function;a modification in the function of heme catalyst enzymes in the blood;a modification in hormonal action of a peptide and/or non-peptide hormone;a modification in the binding capacity of one or more antibodies;a decrease in blood glucose level;affect circulating tumor cells by selective heating, photocoagulation and/or photolysis; and combinations thereof; and combinations thereof.