Importance

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Abstract

Methods and devices for intracorporeal therapeutic illumination using an implantable light source are disclosed. The present invention can be used for short, intermediate and/or long-term light therapy of all internal tissues, organs and organ surfaces, including the blood, in the treatment of inflammatory, infectious, arthritic, allergic, musculoskeletal and parasitic pathologies. The implantable light source comprises a wide range of modifiable wavelengths and other light therapy parameters and can illuminate remote intracorporeal locations via optional fiber optic connection. Direct phototherapy of the blood is effected by implantable intravascular light sources, optical fiber conduits, a unique light source-bearing intravascular tubular platform or a novel, light emitting vascular prosthesis. Power and modulation of the light therapy parameters is provided by implantable power and control modules or, in preferred embodiments, by external sources in telemetric communication with the implanted light source. Light therapy parameters for individual treatment protocols can be precisely modulated in response to the physiological status of the patient, feedback from the tissues being treated or other, external stimuli.

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First Claim