Chemiluminescent sources for photodynamic therapy and photomedicine

摘要

An optical source (10) for exciting a photosensitive drug that responds to light within a predetermined band of wavelengths. The optical source uses a chemiluminescent source in combination with at least one fluorescer selected to output light within the predetermined band of wavelengths. The chemiluminescent source can be flowed during use. In one embodiment the chemiluminescent source is stored in a heated reservoir, and is pumped from the reservoir through a conduit, such as a catheter. A patch can be used for spreading the chemiluminescent source over a wider area. An active feedback system can also be used for controlling the output light. In preferred embodiments a plurality of reactants are mixed for forming a chemiluminescent source in combination with at least one fluorescer selected to output light within the predetermined band of wavelengths. The mixing of the reactants causes an excitation of the at least one selected fluorescer by energy transfer from an energetic immediate in a chemiluminescent reaction to provide a fluorescent emission in the predetermined band of wavelengths.