Patent ID: 7144248
Filing Date: 2006-12-05
Classification: A61N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An optical apparatus for treating tissue in a mouth of a human being comprising: an ultraviolet light source that emits UV light having an intensity of at least about 1 MED; an optical fiber having a proximal end that receives said UV light from said ultraviolet light source and a distal end that outputs said UV light to expose said tissue in said mouth to said UV light; an elongate member for insertion in the mouth, said elongate member having proximal and distal ends and an inner channel for directing said 1 MED of UV light from said proximal end to said distal end and onto a region of said tissue for exposure to said UV light, wherein portions of said UV light reflect multiple times off the walls of the elongate member; a conduit inserted between said optical fiber and said elongated member such that light exiting said optical fiber will propagate longitudinally through said elongate conduit to said elongate member, said conduit having planar sidewalls; and a hollow prophylactic cap that fits over said elongate member, said prophylactic cap having an aperture for said UV light to pass, wherein said prophylactic cap comprises plastic.