Devices and methods for treating subjects

Abstract

One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a device for providing light to the surface of a subject, comprising an array of a plurality of light emitting modules, wherein the plurality comprises four light emitting modules, each module of the plurality is flexibly connected to another module of the plurality, and two of the modules of the plurality comprise a polygonal perimeter having 4, 5, or 6 major sides, a light source, and a longest apex-to-apex dimension for a module of 5-50 millimeters, and, optionally, a non-adherent member configured to be adjacent to the subject.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A device for providing light to the surface of a subject, the device comprising:
 a) an array of a plurality of light emitting modules,
 each module of the plurality of light emitting modules being flexibly connected to another module of the plurality of light emitting modules, and 
 each module of the plurality of light emitting modules being capable of emitting light, 
   wherein the array is configured to conform to the surface of the subject.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 b) a light or energy source.   
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , further comprising:
 c) a connector for transmitting current or light from the light or energy source to the array of the plurality of light emitting modules.   
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 23 , wherein two or more modules of the plurality of light emitting modules are configured so as to be able to emit light simultaneously. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 24 , wherein the device is configured to allow changing an intensity of light across a wound bed so that some areas receive more light than other areas responsive to a degree of wound healing or closure. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 24 , wherein two or more modules of the plurality of light emitting modules are configured so as be separately controllable as to varying light intensity. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein one or more modules of the plurality of light emitting modules is configured so as to be able to simultaneously emit light at more than one wavelength. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the array of modules is flexible, stretchable, or can be molded to a surface. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 28 , wherein the array of modules can be bent to conform to a surface or body part of the subject, and when bent to a conforming shape, configured to retain the conforming shape. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 29 , wherein the array of the plurality of light emitting modules can be bent to conform to a surface or body party of the subject in a plurality of dimensions. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein each module of the plurality of light emitting modules is configured to provide light having a wavelength between 250 nm and 500 nm, and light having a wavelength between 280 nm and 315 nm. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein each module of the plurality of light emitting modules is configured to provide light at 0.25 to 25 milliWatts/cm 2  at a surface of the subject. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein each module of the plurality of light emitting modules is configured to provide light having a wavelength between: 380 nm and 500 nm; 390 nm and 430 nm; and 395 nm and 415 nm. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein each module of the plurality of light emitting modules is configured to provide light having a wavelength between: 625-690 nm for wound healing. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein each module of the plurality of light emitting modules comprises a first light emitting device which emits light at a first wavelength and a second light emitting device that emits light at a second wavelength. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein each module of the plurality of light emitting modules comprises a polygonal perimeter. 
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 36 , wherein each module of the plurality of light emitting modules comprises a hexagonal perimeter. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein a module of the plurality of light emitting modules comprises a layer configured to receive light from an edge of the hexagonal perimeter, the edge being internally reflective, and comprises one or a plurality of ports for emission of light. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 38 , further comprising a diffusing member, which results in a substantially uniform level of irradiation to the subject. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the array comprises:
 a flexible backing member including a layer of foam, which covers or contacts a module of the plurality of light emitting modules of the array; and   an adhesive member disposed between the backing member and a module of the plurality of light emitting modules.