Irradiation device

Abstract

An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body for providing photodynamic therapy or diagnosis comprises: a housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 adapted to be fully inserted and secured in the orifice, the housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 enclosing an LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72 and a power source 41, 68, 78 , for powering the LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72 , wherein the device is independently operational while within the orifice.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body for providing photodynamic therapy or diagnosis, the device comprising: a housing adapted to be insertable and securable in the orifice, the housing enclosing an LED lamp system and a power source for powering the LED lamp system, and the housing comprising a treatment surface with the LED system being arranged to emit radiation from the treatment surface; wherein the device is independently operational while located in the orifice and has a front end and a rear end, the rear end being the end of the device which, in use, is closest to the entrance of the orifice, characterised in that the housing comprises a flexible outer portion forming a continuous surface that can, in use, adjust its shape to form a secure fit within the walls of the orifice, the outer portion extending away from the treatment surface towards the rear end of the device and tapering outwards such that the widest section of the outer portion is located rearwards of the treatment surface, whereby the housing is adapted to be fully insertable and securable in the orifice. 
     
     
         21 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the flexible outer portion is formed of a resilient material. 
     
     
         22 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the entire housing is flexible. 
     
     
         23 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the treatment surface is fully transparent to light having wavelengths emitted by the LED lamp system. 
     
     
         24 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the treatment surface has a size and/or shape adapted for complementary fit with a treatment area of the orifice such that, when the device is in use, the treatment area is illuminated with light from the LED lamp system. 
     
     
         25 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the treatment surface is formed by a surface of a portion of the housing material, and the material is arranged to diffuse the light emitted from the LED lamp system. 
     
     
         26 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , comprising a switch for activation of the lamp system, wherein the switch is enclosed within the housing and is arranged to be operated whilst sealed within the housing. 
     
     
         27 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the LED lamp system is arranged to provide, in use, a light intensity in the range of 1-50 mW/cm 2 . 
     
     
         28 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the at least one LED emits light having wavelengths in the range of 300-800 nm. 
     
     
         29 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , the LED lamp system comprising a control circuit for regulating the irradiation provided by the at least one LED. 
     
     
         30 . The device as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein the control circuit comprises a receiver for connection to a remote terminal and/or a feedback system and/or one or more performance indicator lights for informing a user whether the device has operated correctly. 
     
     
         31 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the device further comprises a lens system arranged to provide homogenous illumination over the treatment area. 
     
     
         32 . The device as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein the treatment surface comprises the lens system. 
     
     
         33 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , further comprising a drug carrying area for carrying a composition comprising a photosensitizer or precursor of a photosensitizer. 
     
     
         34 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the device includes one or more features that promote single-use and/or prevent repeat use, preferably wherein the power source is arranged to provide power that is only sufficient for a single-use and/or the control circuit is arranged to prevent re-use by means of features of its programming and/or the control circuit includes a deactivation mechanism that destroys circuitry or software when triggered. 
     
     
         35 . The device as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the orifice is the vagina of a human. 
     
     
         36 . The device as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the treatment area of the orifice is the cervix of a human. 
     
     
         37 . The device as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein the light intensity is 1-10 mW/cm 2 . 
     
     
         38 . The device as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the composition comprises the HCl salt of 5-ALA hexyl ester. 
     
     
         39 . The device as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the orifice is the vagina of a human, the treatment surface has a size and/or shape adapted for complementary fit with the cervix of a human, and the composition comprises the HCl salt of 5-ALA hexyl ester. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 29  wherein the control circuit is programmed to provide pulsed illumination. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 33  wherein the composition comprises 5-ALA or a derivative of 5-ALA. 
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 33  wherein the composition comprises a 5-ALA ester.