Flash lamp method for treating onychomycosis
OwnerJan Enemaerkeinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A rechargeable battery operated hand-held light emitting device that will treat the symptoms of common onychomycosis. The device preferably is operated utilizing a flash lamp of as the source of energy, a reflector and special window filter limiting the wavelength output to the narrow band range of 900-1100 nm. This will optimize the absorption of light energy in the nail bed, and thus increase the temperature of the nail bed to a efficacious level, by and while transmitting the optical light energy through the nail. The targeted tissue is located below the nail and is heated by a series of flashes in a sequential release of energy. A disposable treatment tip can be attached to the hand-held device to ensure safety in form of tissue contact and providing user safety.
Claims18
A method to treat and cure onychomycosis caused by infecting fungi comprising the steps of:
- A) providing a hand held broadband pulsed light source with output wavelengths primarily in the visible and infrared spectral range;
- B) administering a pre-set dosage of broadband pulsed light with a total energy density of approximately 4 to 8 joules/cm2;
- wherein the broad band pulsed light heats the target tissue to a sufficient temperature to damage infecting fungi, but not cause any permanent damage to the patient's tissues.
A method to treat and cure onychomycosis caused by Candida or similar yeasts in a patient comprising the steps of:
- A) using a hand held pulsed light from a broadband light source with output wavelengths of approximately 900 nm-1100 nm;
- B) administering a pre-set dosage of light with a total energy density of approximately 6 joules/cm2, wherein the broad band pulsed light heats the target tissue to a sufficient temperature to damage Candida or similar yeasts, but not cause any permanent damage to the patient's tissues.
A method to treat and cure onychomycosis caused by nondermatophytic molds in a patient by comprising the steps of:
- A) using a hand held pulsed light from a broadband light source with output wavelengths of approximately 900 nm-1100 nm;
- B) administering a pre-set dosage of light with a total energy density of approximately 6 joules/cm2,
- wherein the broad band pulsed light heats the target tissue to a sufficient temperature to damage the nondermatophytic molds but not cause any permanent damage to the patient's tissues.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.