Patent ID: 6152951
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
A method of treating cancer comprising:injecting a photosensitizer into a part of a body affected with cancer;providing a cancer therapeutic instrument comprising:a source of laser light;a thin tube having an open end and a closed end and having a substantially uniform diameter along its entire length, said tube being formed of a material that transmits light, said closed end of said tube being configured such that said tube can be inserted into a subject to be treated;an optical fiber having first and second ends, said first end being slidably disposed within said tube and said second end being connected to said light source; anda driving mechanism comprising a motor and connected to said optical fiber, said mechanism being capable of moving said optical fiber within said tube by reciprocating said optical fiber along a longitudinal axis of said tube and by rotating said optical fiber;inserting the closed end of said tube into said affected part; andirradiating said affected part with said laser light by simultaneously and continuously rotating and reciprocating said optical fiber along an axis of said tube adjacent said affected part.