Method and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region through a bandage. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method, comprising acts of determining the transmissivity of at least a portion of a bandage to ultraviolet light, and selecting an intensity of ultraviolet light to be applied through at least a portion of the bandage. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of sterilizing or disinfecting a region underneath a bandage on a patient. A further embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for sterilizing or disinfecting a region of tissue of a patient. The apparatus comprises an ultraviolet light-emitting lamp and a bandage adapted to transmit at least some of the ultraviolet light emitted by the lamp. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bandage, comprising an ultraviolet light-transmissive film, and a color-changing material coupled to the film to indicate an exposure of the film to ultraviolet light.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of sterilizing or disinfecting a region underneath a bandage on a patient, comprising an act of: 
 applying ultraviolet light to the region through the bandage.