Illuminator for photodynamic therapy

(22) No day (24) Running day (41) Aim. avail.

<td>20005342 2000.10.23</td><td>(86) Int. Entry date and application number</td><td>1999.04.26, PCT / US99 / 06550</td>

<td>1999.04.26</td><td>(85) Continuation day</td><td>2000.10.23</td>

<td>2000.12.13</td><td>(30) Priority</td><td>1998.05.01, US, 70772</td>

(71) Seeking (72) Inventor (74) Proxy

Dusa Pharmaceuticals Inc,

181 University Avenue, Suite 1208, Toronto, ON M5H 3M7, CA

Scott Lundahl, Norwell, MA, US

Rebecca Kozodoy, Norwell, MA, US

Ronald Carroll, Norwell, MA, US

Elton Leppelmeier, Highland Height, OH, US

Håmsø Patentbyrå ANS, 4302 Sandnes (54) Designation Illuminates for photodynamic treatment (57) Summary ^a apparatus and method for photodynamic treatment or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources which generally correspond to a contour surface and irradiate the contour surface with visible light at substantially uniform intensity. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent lamps driven by electronic ballasts. The regulation of the ballast voltage regulates the output power from the pipes. The tubes are worn by a sheet metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield - which conducts cooling airflow inside the unit and prevents contact between glass and patient in case a tube is to be broken. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output radiation and the uniformity of the distribution of the output radiation.