Patent ID: 7730894
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for using photodynamic therapy to treat vascular tissue, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a vascular illumination apparatus comprising: (b) administering a photoreactive agent to target vascular tissue in a patient, the photoreactive agent having a characteristic absorption waveband corresponding to the characteristic emission waveband of the light source element; (c) advancing the vascular illumination apparatus through the vascular system of the patient until the forward facing light source element is disposed adjacent to the vascular target tissue, wherein the vascular illumination apparatus is advanced over a guidewire to properly position the forward facing light source element relative to the vascular target tissue; and (d) energizing the forward facing light source element to administer light to the vascular target tissue, the application of light to the vascular target tissue resulting in at least one of a therapeutic effect and generation of diagnostic data, such that when energized, light from the forward facing light source element is directed through an elongate linear light guide toward a diffusing distal tip of the vascular illumination apparatus, where the light is diffused before being directed to the vascular target tissue, the elongate linear light guide being disposed between the forward facing light source element and the diffusing distal tip.