Flexible array

Abstract

Physically flexible radiation-emitting probes and associated illumination methods and systems for delivering radiation or light to the interior of a lumen or cavity. Light-emitting devices are immersed in a flowing liquid coolant within a probe to provide high light output power, and convoluted electrical power buss structures provide physical flexibility of a probe about a longitudinal axis. The probes can be configured for delivering light to the interior of any lumen including for performing therapeutic medical procedures at locations in body lumens including the interior of the human gastrointestinal tract.

1 - 28 . (canceled)  
   
   
       29 . A flexible array, comprising: 
 (a) a plurality of segments;    (b) a plurality of flexible electrical connectors; and    (c) an elongated probe having: 
 (i) a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end being connected to a cooling element;  
 (ii) a flexible shaft connecting the distal end and proximal end, wherein the flexible shaft includes a working fluid which transfers heat from the distal end to the proximal end.  
   
   
   
       30 . The flexible array of  claim 29 , further comprising a catheter.  
   
   
       31 . The flexible array of  claim 29 , further comprising a catheter with a reversibly inflatable member for positioning the elongated probe within an interior.  
   
   
       32 . The flexible array of  claim 29 , wherein the elongated probe is substantially optically transparent or translucent.  
   
   
       33 . The flexible array of  claim 29 , wherein the working fluid has optical properties suitable for passing light out of the elongated probe.  
   
   
       34 . The flexible array of  claim 29 , wherein the working fluid is selected from the group consisting of fluorinated organic compounds, silicone oils, hydrocarbon oils, and deionized water.  
   
   
       35 . A method to deliver radiation to an interior, comprising: 
 (a) providing a flexible probe having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein 
 (i) the proximal end is attached to a radiation emitting device;  
 (ii) the flexible probe is flexible enough to navigate from an insertion point to an interior; and  
   (b) delivering radiation to the distal end.    
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the radiation is at a wavelength substantially centered between approximately 400 nanometers and 410 nanometers.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the radiation facilitates a chemical or biological reaction.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the flexible probe delivers light to the interior of a lumen.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the method is used to diagnose and treat infections within a lumen in a patient.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the radiation kills porphyrin-containing bacteria.  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the method is used to perform therapeutic medical procedures on the interior of the gastrointestinal tract of a living human or animal.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the radiation treats  Helicobacter pylori.    
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the radiation treats  Helicobacter mustelae.    
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising: 
 (c) circulating a working fluid from a cooling source at the proximal end through the probe to the distal end; and    (d) transferring heat from the distal end to the cooling source.    
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein delivering radiation to the distal end comprises emitting radiation at approximately four to ten times the nominal factory-specified light power of the radiation emitting device.  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the radiation emitting device comprises one or more light-emitting diodes emitting approximately 120 milliwatts.  
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the interior is a human stomach.  
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the radiation facilitates a chemical or biological reaction.  
   
   
       49 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the flexible probe delivers light to the interior of a lumen.  
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the method is used to diagnose and treat infections within a lumen in a patient.  
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the radiation kills porphyrin-containing bacteria.  
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the method is used to perform therapeutic medical procedures on the interior of the gastrointestinal tract of a living human or animal.  
   
   
       53 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the radiation treats  Helicobacter pylori.    
   
   
       54 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the radiation treats  Helicobacter mustelae.