Apparatus for delivering multiple forms of electromagnetic radiation and method for its use

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional application entitled, “Apparatus and method for pain relief and treatment of non-specific inflammation using low power laser in continuous wave form, pulse wave and electromagnetic field, simultaneously and separately” having Ser. No. 61/243,696, filed Sep. 18, 2009, and co-pending U.S. provisional application entitled, “Apparatus and method for pain relief and treatment of non-specific inflammation of smooth and skeletal muscle using low power laser in continuous wave form, pulse wave and electromagnetic field, simultaneously and separately” having Ser. No. 61/316,701, filed Mar. 23, 2010, both of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus for delivering multiple forms of electromagnetic radiation, and methods for using the apparatus.

BACKGROUND

0003A light emitting diode, or LED, is formed from a semiconducting material having a p-n junction. The p-n junction creates an electric field that separates charge carriers, namely free electrons and holes. When an electron reaches a hole, the two recombine and release energy in the process which generates a photon. The photon generally has a specific wavelength based on the band gap energy of the materials used to form the p-n junction. In particular, the materials used to form an LED have a direct band gap that corresponds to electromagnetic energies near the visible spectrum.

0004Other techniques may be used to cause the emission of electromagnetic radiation. One such technique is known as light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, or a laser. Typically, the electromagnetic radiation emitted from a laser is in the form of photons of light energy that are monochromatic, meaning they have the same wavelength. The photons are also generally coherent and travel in a very tight beam toward the same direction.

0005One specific type of laser is known as a laser diode. A laser diode is a type of laser formed from a semiconductor much like an LED. Laser diodes differ, however, in that they employ an optical cavity that confines the emitted light into a very narrow line like a laser and may employ lenses to form a collimated beam. Thus, unlike LEDs, laser diodes exhibit the same properties described above that define a laser.

0006Laser diodes and LEDs may be used for treating patients in various fields of medicine including dermatology, dentistry, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, orthopedics, etc. The current methods for employing laser diodes and LEDs in treating patients in these fields, however, suffer from various drawbacks. Some techniques use very low frequencies that may be too low to be optimally effective in treatment. Other techniques require significantly higher frequencies to be effective, which may be dangerous and uncomfortable for patients due to the higher operating temperatures and additional heat that is emitted.

0007Many electromagnetic radiation therapy devices are too limiting, allowing the production of radiation output of only a single type, frequency, wavelength, etc. Furthermore, the devices allow only a static form of treatment, meaning that the selected type, frequency, wavelength, etc., of the radiation device may not be adjusted, added, or removed during operation of the device for treatment. Due to the various drawbacks of these devices, a patient generally will require recurring treatments as the derived benefit only lasts for a short duration of time.

0008Therefore, there is a strong need in the art for producing a radiation device for treating patients using laser diodes and LEDs that overcomes the above-mentioned and other disadvantages and deficiencies of previous technologies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

0009Various embodiments of an apparatus for delivering multiple forms of electromagnetic radiation are herein disclosed. These embodiments of the invention overcome one or more of the above-described disadvantages associated with previous technologies. Embodiments of the invention provide several advantages for production of a radiation device that improves treatment and limits the cost required for its production.

0010According to an example embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for providing treatment using electromagnetic radiation therapy is provided. The apparatus comprises one or more light emitting diodes configured to provide for the emission of electromagnetic radiation in continuous wave form. The apparatus further comprises one or more laser diodes configured to provide for the emission of electromagnetic radiation in continuous wave form. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a frequency generator configured to provide a frequency generator waveform at a frequency. The frequency generator waveform converts the electromagnetic radiation of the one or more laser diodes from continuous wave form to pulse wave form and maintains the electromagnetic radiation of the one or more light emitting diodes in continuous wave form. Additionally, the frequency generator is further configured to cause the emission of an electromagnetic field proximate the apparatus.

0011According to another example embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed for providing treatment using electromagnetic radiation therapy. The method comprises receiving a power input initiating a radiation unit. The radiation unit comprises one or more light emitting diodes, one or more laser diodes, and a frequency generator. The method further comprises initiating the one or more light emitting diodes to provide for the emission of electromagnetic radiation in continuous wave form. Additionally, the method comprises initiating the one or more laser diodes to provide for the emission of electromagnetic radiation in continuous wave form. The method further comprises controlling the frequency generator to provide a frequency generator waveform at a frequency to convert the output of the one or more laser diodes from continuous wave form to pulse wave form, maintain the output of the one or more light emitting diodes in continuous wave form, and cause the emission of an electromagnetic field proximate the radiation unit.

0012Another example embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for providing radiation treatment. The method comprises providing continuous wave electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength. Additionally, the method comprises providing pulse wave electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength. The method further comprises providing an electromagnetic field of a third wavelength. The first, second, and third wavelengths are different from one another. The continuous wave electromagnetic radiation, the pulse wave electromagnetic radiation, and the electromagnetic field are provided simultaneously by a single device.

0013The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments of the invention so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described example embodiments should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way more restrictive than as defined by the specification and appended claims. It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention encompasses many potential embodiments, some of which will be further described below, in addition to those here summarized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

0014Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a radiation apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a schematic representation of a radiation apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; and

0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a flowchart according to an example embodiment of a method for using a radiation apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0018Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Those skilled in this art will understand that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

0019The radiation apparatus <b>5</b> according to the present invention may provide laser therapy through the combination of multiple types of electromagnetic radiation in a single device. The radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may allow a user to determine the desired combination among laser energy and other types of electromagnetic energy according to a patient's level of pain in addition to the level of inflammation. In certain embodiments, a user may be able to raise or lower the frequency of the radiation output according to the level of pain experienced by the patient alone. According to embodiments of the present invention, the type, form, frequency, and amount of radiation output may be adjusted during the operation of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>, without any side effects and at very low cost.

0020Within the application of treating pain and inflammation, the present invention may further be directed to treating cardiac cells affected by cardiac injury, for instance for treating a patient who suffers a myocardial infarction. Treatments based on the combination of various forms of electromagnetic radiation as in the present radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may decrease the infarct size, ventricular dilation post-myocardial infarction, and the size of the septum, among other things. Furthermore, similar treatment using the present invention may be provided to other types of muscle, skeletal and soft tissue as well as smooth muscle, which may assist in treatment of colitis, colitis ulcerosa, Crohn's disease, inflammation of the jejunum, and other chronic diseases.

0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates one embodiment of a radiation apparatus <b>5</b> in accordance with the present invention. The radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may comprise elements that emit light radiation energy. According to various embodiments, the light emitting elements may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) <b>10</b>. The LEDs <b>10</b> may be selected based on the wavelength of the light they emit. In some embodiments, each LED <b>10</b> may emit the same or approximately the same wavelength of radiation as the other LEDs <b>10</b>. Alternatively, one or more LEDs <b>10</b> may emit radiation of a different wavelength than one or more other LEDs <b>10</b>. In fact, any number of different types of LEDs <b>10</b> emitting different wavelengths of radiation may be used in combination in the same radiation apparatus.

0022The selection of an LED <b>10</b> of a given wavelength may be based on the form of treatment desired to be achieved by the radiation apparatus. According to example embodiments, the LEDs <b>10</b> may be selected such that the wavelength of the emitted light is within the range of 635 to 650 nm, for example 650 nm. In such example embodiments, the LEDs <b>10</b> may emit radiation in the form of visible light, in particular red light. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to LEDs <b>10</b> emitting radiation of this wavelength and may include LEDs <b>10</b> that emit radiation at any wavelength, including radiation of other wavelengths within the visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, broad spectrum (such as white light), and beyond.

0023According to various embodiments, the light emitting elements may comprise one or more laser diodes <b>15</b>. The laser diode elements <b>15</b> may be chosen based on the wavelength of the light they emit. In some embodiments, each laser diode <b>15</b> may emit the same or approximately the same wavelength of radiation as the other laser diodes <b>15</b>. Alternatively, one or more laser diodes <b>15</b> may emit radiation of a different wavelength than one or more other laser diodes <b>15</b>. In fact, any number of different types of laser diodes <b>15</b> emitting different wavelengths of radiation may be used in combination in the same radiation apparatus.

0024The selection of a laser diode <b>15</b> of a given wavelength may be based on the form of treatment desired to be achieved by the radiation apparatus. According to example embodiments, the laser diodes <b>15</b> may be selected such that the wavelength of the emitted light is within the range of 780 to 785 nm, for example 785 nm. In such example embodiments, the laser diodes <b>15</b> may emit radiation in the form of infrared radiation, which is invisible to the human eye. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to laser diodes <b>15</b> emitting radiation of this wavelength and may include laser diodes <b>15</b> that emit radiation at any wavelength, including radiation of other wavelengths within the infrared spectrum, visible spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, broad spectrum (such as white light), and beyond.

0025According to an example embodiment, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> comprises a combination of one or more LED <b>10</b> elements and one or more laser diode <b>15</b> elements. In alternative embodiments, the radiation apparatus may comprise only laser diodes <b>15</b>. The LEDs <b>10</b> and laser diodes <b>15</b> may be arranged in a matrix layout. The number of LEDs <b>10</b> and laser diodes <b>15</b> in the radiation unit may be varied to achieve a particular treatment objective. In an example embodiment, the radiation unit may comprise 64 LEDs <b>10</b> and 64 laser diodes <b>15</b>. Although these embodiments employ the same number of LEDs <b>10</b> and laser diodes <b>15</b>, alternatively, the number of LEDs <b>10</b> may differ from the number of laser diodes <b>15</b>. The LEDs <b>10</b> and laser diodes <b>15</b> may be arranged in the matrix in a number of rows and columns, for example 16 rows and 8 columns. An example embodiment of a base laser radiation unit that may be modified according to the present invention is the Hyper Photon 3D from Medical Electronics GmbH. It is appreciated that various other types of base laser radiation units may be modified according to the present invention.

0026According to some embodiments, the LEDs <b>10</b> and laser diodes <b>15</b> may be disposed along the inside of a curved surface of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>, for example a surface that approximates a lateral half of a cylinder. In some embodiments, each LED <b>10</b> and laser diode <b>15</b> may be positioned such that the radiation from the element emits toward the axis of the cylinder. The LEDs <b>10</b> and laser diodes <b>15</b> may be spaced evenly along the curve. In example embodiments, the distance between the centers of two adjacent elements may be approximately 20 mm. The length of the arc of a row of elements may be 290 mm and have a sagittal distance of 90 mm. According to these example embodiments, the curvature radius of a row may be approximately 160 mm. As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, each radiation element may be either a light emitting diode <b>10</b> or a laser diode <b>15</b>.

0027In certain embodiments, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may further include additional elements for controlling the radiation emitting elements, as shown in the schematic representation of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may comprise for example, a power supply element <b>205</b>, a time control element <b>210</b>, an internal safety control element <b>215</b>, a poly/alpha frequency generator element <b>220</b>, one or more buffer and protection logic elements <b>225</b>, one or more laser power control elements <b>230</b>, a laser radiator area element <b>235</b>, and/or the like. Although not shown, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may also include various other components for controlling and powering the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> and its radiation elements, for example a processing device (e.g., a processor, controller, and/or the like). It will be appreciated that one or more of these radiation apparatus <b>5</b> components may be located remotely from one another. Furthermore, one or more of the components may be combined and additional components performing functions described herein may be included.

0028According to example embodiments, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may further comprise a frequency generator <b>240</b>, or modulator. The frequency generator <b>240</b> may be used to generate an electrical waveform as an input to the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. According to certain embodiments, the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be external to the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. The external frequency generator <b>240</b> may be any commercially available frequency generator <b>240</b> that can be connected or disconnected based on the type of treatment to be applied. An example of such an external frequency generator <b>240</b> is model MXG 9802 manufactured by Voltcraft (Lindenweg 15, D-92242 Hirschau/Germany). In embodiments with an external frequency generator <b>240</b>, an output of the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be connected to an input of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>, for example via an optional input jack <b>20</b>. The optional input jack <b>20</b> of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may be a type of pin connector commonly used in electrical instruments that accepts inputs in the form of a plug. According to alternative embodiments, the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be a component internal to the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> and connected to one or more of the other internal components of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>.

0029According to certain embodiments, a user of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may be able to control the output waveform of the frequency generator <b>240</b>. In particular, the frequency generator <b>240</b> may have an accessible control that allows a user to increase or decrease the frequency of the output waveform during the operation of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the frequency generator <b>240</b> may have a toggle control such that the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be initiated or terminated during the operation of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. In these embodiments, the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be alternatively initiated and terminated as many times as desired during the operation of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>.

0030<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a flowchart according to an example method for using the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention may use different steps or different variations of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. Accordingly, the described example of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken in any way as limiting embodiments of the present invention to the example provided.

0031Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, according to one embodiment, at operation <b>305</b> a radiation apparatus may receive an electrical power input. The power input may be provided by an external voltage source such as a standard wall socket supplying mains power, for example an alternating current (AC) voltage source in the range of 110 to 250 volts at a frequency of 50-60 hertz (Hz). Alternatively, the power supply may be an internal power supply that allows the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> to benefit from added mobility.

0032At operation <b>310</b>, the components of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may provide power to the radiation elements <b>10</b>, <b>15</b> of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. In certain embodiments, the LED elements <b>10</b> may be configured to receive power sufficient to produce a continuous wave radiation output at a power density of approximately 1 milliwatt per centimeter squared (mW/cm²). The laser diode elements <b>15</b> may be configured to receive power sufficient to produce a continuous wave radiation output at a power density of approximately 6 mW/cm². According to various embodiments of the present invention, the intensity of radiation for either the LED elements <b>10</b> or laser diode elements <b>15</b> may range from approximately 1 mW/cm²to approximately 55 mW/cm².

0033Operation <b>315</b> may comprise generating a waveform at a particular frequency using the frequency generator <b>240</b>. The waveform of the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be applied to the radiation elements <b>10</b>, <b>15</b> of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. According to an example embodiment, the frequency generator <b>240</b> may apply the waveform to the radiation elements <b>10</b>, <b>15</b> via the one or more laser power control elements <b>230</b>. Alternatively, the waveform of the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be applied to the laser diodes <b>15</b> but not the LEDs <b>10</b>. It will be appreciated that the waveform from the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be applied to the radiation elements <b>10</b>, <b>15</b> via various other components of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>.

0034At operation <b>320</b>, the continuous wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> may be converted to pulse wave output due at least in part to the waveform applied by the frequency generator <b>240</b>. According to various embodiments, the frequency of the pulse wave of the laser diode <b>15</b> radiation output may equal or approximate the frequency of the waveform supplied by the frequency generator <b>240</b>. As a result, the frequency of the pulse wave of the laser diodes <b>15</b> may be controlled by modifying the frequency of the waveform supplied by the frequency generator <b>240</b>. That is, the pulse rate of the laser diodes <b>15</b> may correspond closely or identically with the frequency of the waveform of the frequency generator <b>240</b>.

0035The output waveform of the frequency generator <b>240</b> may have any frequency desired, which may depend on the type of treatment to be provided by the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. In certain embodiments, the output waveform of the frequency generator <b>240</b> may range from 0.1 hertz to over 2.5 megahertz (MHz). The frequency of the waveform of the frequency generator <b>240</b>, and therefore the frequency of the pulse wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b>, may be increased without compromising the integrity of the pulse wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b>. Additionally, it may be possible to obtain pulses with variable repetition rates and pulse widths by controlling the frequency and shape of the modulating waveform of the frequency generator <b>240</b> as well as its duty cycle. By changing the laser diodes <b>15</b> output from continuous wave to pulse wave and adjusting its frequency, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may provide enhanced pain relief without any relation or dependence on the wavelength of the radiation output.

0036By using the method of the present invention, no additional components aside from the frequency generator <b>240</b> are required to convert the continuous wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> to pulse wave output. In particular, the conversion of the continuous wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> to pulse wave output may be achieved without the use of a laser tube or pulse generator. That is, there is no need to bombard the laser diodes <b>15</b> with different types of radiation to achieve the conversion, but rather the user need only modulate the continuous wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b>. As a result, the amount of energy delivered to the patient is not increased, as the output is simply modulated. Thus, the present invention provides the advantages of simplicity, control, and reduced cost in comparison to the alternatives.

0037At operation <b>325</b>, an electromagnetic field may be generated in close proximity to the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. The electromagnetic field may form as a result of enabling the frequency generator <b>240</b>. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic field may be in the form of RF radiation, that is, radiation having a frequency in the range of 9 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz). According to example embodiments, the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation may vary depending on the modulating frequency of the frequency generator <b>240</b>.

0038In an example embodiment, the detectable intensity of the electromagnetic field proximate the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> when the frequency generator <b>240</b> is disabled may be approximately 0.3 volts per meter (V/m). In this example embodiment, when the frequency generator <b>240</b> is enabled at a relatively low modulating frequency in the range of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 MHz, the intensity of the electromagnetic field may be approximately 0.72 V/m. In this same example embodiment, when the frequency generator <b>240</b> is enabled at a relatively high modulating frequency in the range of approximately 1 to 2.5 MHz, the intensity of the electromagnetic field may be approximately 1.73 V/m. Thus, the intensity of the electromagnetic field may increase at relatively higher modulating frequencies by approximately 250% more than at relatively lower modulating frequencies.

0039An unexpected result of the present invention is the fact that the continuous wave output of the LED elements <b>10</b> is not affected by the waveform of the frequency generator <b>240</b>. In certain embodiments, the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be enabled thereby both converting the continuous wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> to pulse wave output and generating an electromagnetic field without affecting the continuous wave output of the LED elements <b>10</b>. As a result, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may simultaneously provide pulse wave laser diode output, continuous wave LED output, and an electromagnetic field output in a single device when the frequency generator <b>240</b> is enabled.

0040As noted above, the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be enabled or disabled during operation of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> as desired in order to switch the output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> back and forth between pulse wave and continuous wave. Additionally, the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be enabled or disabled during operation of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> to increase or decrease the intensity of the electromagnetic field generated proximate the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. Similarly, the modulating frequency of the frequency generator <b>240</b> may be increased or decreased during operation of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> as desired in order to increase or decrease the pulse rate of the output pulse wave of the laser diodes <b>15</b>. The modulating frequency of the frequency generator <b>240</b> may also be increased or decreased during operation of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> as desired in order to increase or decrease the intensity of the electromagnetic field generated proximate the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. Accordingly, the output levels of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> can be adjusted, namely via the frequency generator <b>240</b>, thus enabling the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> to switch the laser diodes <b>15</b> outputs between continuous wave and pulse wave, and to increase and decrease the electromagnetic field proximate the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> without the need for building separate devices. Additionally, the wavelengths of the radiation outputs of the LEDs <b>10</b> and the laser diodes <b>15</b> outputs may be adjusted for treatment of different pain or inflammation conditions.

0041The use of the example embodiment of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> according to the example method provided, as well as additional embodiments of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> and additional methods for using the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>, may be useful in the field of laser therapy. In particular, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may be useful in the general treatment of both pain and inflammation in a patient. According to certain embodiments, the continuous wave output of the LEDs <b>10</b> may provide anti-inflammation relief. The continuous wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> may provide analgesic relief. The pulse wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> may similarly provide analgesic relief. In some instances the pulse wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> provides greater analgesic relief than the continuous wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b>. Like the outputs of the laser diodes <b>15</b>, the electromagnetic field generated proximate the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may also provide pain relief.

0042The radiation apparatus <b>5</b> according to the present invention is also directed to methods of treating pain generally. In several example embodiments, the present invention includes methods of treating orthopedic pain, neurological pain, rheumatic pain, muscle pain, tendon pain, joint pain, nerve pain, as well as pain and inflammation of smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle, including cardiac pain and myocardial infarction (MI). In some embodiments, treatment of the smooth muscle may assist with treatment of colitis, colitis ulcerosa, Crohn's disease, inflammation of the jejunum, and other chronic diseases. Use of the frequency generator in the present invention will allow for a patient's pain relief to be varied over time.

0043In example embodiments, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may be positioned proximate the treatment area of the patient during operation. In particular, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may be positioned from one to ten inches from the treatment area of the patient. According to alternative embodiments, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may be pressed directly against the patient's skin, covering an area of approximately 20 cm×10 cm in front of the treatment area.

0044According to various embodiments, the combination of the three types of radiation outputs may provide additional benefits over their separate use. In particular, the combination of the electromagnetic field with the laser diodes may improve pain treatments of a patient. The radiation output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> may lower the impedance of the target area on a patient, in some embodiments by warming the target area, so that the RF radiation from the electromagnetic field may penetrate more deeply and more easily into the target area. Such improved penetration may allow the RF radiation to reach the soft tissue of the patient at the target area thereby increasing the intensity of the effect on the patient. In particular, the more penetrating radiation outputs may provide significantly improved treatment on the peripheral nervous system, including the sympathetic system.

0045Pain alleviation may be felt by the patient when the modulating frequency of the frequency generator <b>240</b> is approximately 20 kHz and when the corresponding electromagnetic field intensity is 0.72 V/m. Generally, beyond this intensity, pain relief may be mainly due to the RF field, which is still weak enough not to produce erythema on skin. In additional embodiments of the present invention, the laser diodes <b>15</b> may achieve pain relief when the modulating frequency is at least 10 kHz. It is appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to a certain frequency range of the pulse wave laser diodes <b>15</b>.

0046According to example embodiments, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> according to the present invention may achieve pain relief by applying a modulating frequency of approximately 1 to 2 MHz such that the pulse wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> achieves the same frequency pulse rate. Alternatives to the present invention are less favorable due to the use of low level laser therapy, which is typically limited to noninvasive treatments up to 10 kHz. The present invention, however, may provide significantly higher frequencies of radiation output that will further reduce pain beyond the capacity of devices limited to 10 kHz.

0047Additionally, the operation of the present invention according to the design of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> does not produce the expected negative effects due to the higher frequencies used in the embodiment described above. For example, unlike certain cosmetic devices used in dermatological clinics that are limited to a single radiation output at very high frequencies of 4 to 8 MHz, the present invention does not produce additional heat or elevated temperatures that can be damaging to the patient. The lack of additional heat output at the higher frequency output may be a result of the ability of the present invention to modulate the radiation outputs at higher frequencies without the need to increase the overall energy of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b>. Moreover, the use of the present invention does not require invasive techniques such as the injection of needles into the patient parallel to the target nerve at high temperatures, as practiced with RF treatments in pain clinics.

0048As noted above, an additional benefit in the treatment of patients with radiation apparatus <b>5</b> of the present invention is the ability to simultaneously provide anti-inflammation and analgesic relief with a single device. Due to the fact that the radiation outputs of the LEDs <b>10</b> are not affected by the modulating waveform of the frequency generator <b>240</b>, the single radiation apparatus <b>5</b> of the present invention may provide the anti-inflammatory benefits of the LEDs <b>10</b> along with the pain-relieving benefits of the laser diodes <b>15</b> and the electromagnetic field. Of additional significance is the fact that the radiation output of the LEDs <b>10</b> does not affect the ability of the frequency generator <b>240</b> to modulate the pulse wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b> at a given frequency or to increase the intensity of the electromagnetic field.

0049Through the use of the various forms of electromagnetic radiation outputs at different wavelengths, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> of the present invention may help achieve significant, if not complete, resolution of pain resulting from cardiac injury, such as a myocardial infarction. The present invention may be useful not only for treatment of patients with high risk of cardiac injury, but also, in certain embodiments, the present invention may be used to treat persons suffering from definite cardiac injury.

0050The use of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> to provide laser therapy to patients suffering from or at risk of cardiac injury may enhance ATP synthesis, mitochondrial survival and maintenance of cytochrome C oxidase activity, accelerate wound healing, promote skeletal muscle regeneration, decrease inflammatory response, reduce infarct size, reduce the size of the septum, reduce release of troponin, reduce scar tissue, reduce ventricular dilatation, up-regulate key factors that regulate angiogenesis and cardioprotection in the ischemic heart (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)), elevate inducible heat shock protein (HSP70i), increase presence of loose matrix containing sparse collagen post MI, and induce proliferation of existing cardiac stem cells (CSCs), among other things.

0051The present invention provides the additional benefit that it does not require the chest cavity to be open, or the skin removed to the side, to provide treatment to patients with cardiac injury. That is, the present invention may treat a myocardial infarction and its effects without undertaking any invasive procedures. Instead, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may be positioned closely above the patient's chest directed toward the patient's heart. In one example embodiment the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may be placed very close to the patient's chest. In another preferred embodiment, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may be pressed directly against the patient's skin, covering an area of approximately 20 cm×10 cm in front of the heart. As a result of the combined effect of the various forms of electromagnetic radiation along with the ability to change the wave mode of the laser diodes <b>15</b> (i.e., from continuous to pulse and back), the present invention may achieve penetration of the heart muscle.

0052The administration of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> treatment to the heart may be made either before a patient's diagnosis of a myocardial infarction, after the diagnosis, or both before and after diagnosis. In several example embodiments, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> of the present invention may be used to treat a patient suffering from symptoms related to a myocardial infarction. In these embodiments, the use of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may achieve reduction in the size of the ischemic area of the patient's heart, reduction in any necrotic area of the patient's heart, reduction in dilation of the left ventricle, and reduction in the size of the septum. In another example embodiment, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> of the present invention may reduce the septum to normal size.

0053Treatment with the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may reduce blood viscosity for a limited period of time, thereby increasing oxidation and increasing blood supply to the heart. Such treatment according to the present invention may be used before, during, and after diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction to achieve significant health benefits. Additional benefits may be accomplished by using the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> in combination with blood diluting medication, such as, for example, heparin.

0054The operation of the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> of the present invention is simple and reliable. It can easily be operated by any doctor, nurse, or technician seeking to treat a patient with several conditions generally involving pain and inflammation. The present radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may allow for improved treatment of pain and inflammation at lower cost because, as previously mentioned, it operates without inputting more energy than is required for a laser device that solely operates in continuous mode. Moreover, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> may be embodied as a single device that does not require the use of expensive techniques to form a pulse wave from the continuous wave output of the laser diodes <b>15</b>.

0055In an additional embodiment of the present invention, a computer, processor, controller, or the like may be connected to the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> to establish the proper treatment energy level in joules for the particular medical syndrome to be treated. According to various embodiments, the radiation apparatus <b>5</b> and the above treatment may be administrated in addition to the conventional treatment.

0056Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of steps, elements, and/or materials than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.