Photodynamic foam composition and sclerosis treatment
A photodynamic composition and a method for in vivo photonic treatments that is minimally invasive, versatile and precise are described. The invention allows for photonic treatments with only minimal insertions into the area of treatment, often a single one. The invention may be used with a standard insertion component making the system inexpensive and easy for doctors to use. The invention has applications in several areas of treatment. In vivo treatment of aesthetic skin blemishes such as varicose veins can be performed with minimal external effects. A predetermined amount of a photodynamic composition, as a foam, is injected into the vein or structure of concern. The composition is a sclerosis foam including a photosensitizer. By external compression, where applicable, the photodynamic composition is forced to remain in the vein or structure. After a predetermined time, radiation of appropriate wavelength from a light source is delivered directly to the vascular structure. Among the key benefits of the present invention are the elimination of targeted varicose veins, without need for anesthesia along the length of the vein; no edema; no skin reaction; and tactile appreciation.
1 . A method for in vivo photonic treatments of vascular structures using a light source and a photodynamic sclerosis composition, comprising the steps of:
a. identifying one or more veins in an area of treatment;
b. introducing a photodynamic sclerosis composition into said one or more veins;
c. awaiting a sufficient time to allow said photodynamic sclerosis composition to interact with said one or more veins; and
d. applying radiation from an appropriate light source, emitting an activation wavelength absorbed by said composition, to said area of treatment for a sufficient time to activate a photosensitizer in said composition.
2 . The method for in vivo photonic treatments according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
e. monitoring a temperature of said area of treatment to insure an adequate activation of said photosensitizer.
3 . The method for in vivo photonic treatments according to claim 1 , wherein said one or more veins are selected for the group varicose veins, spider veins, reticular veins.
4 . The method for in vivo photonic treatments according to claim 3 , wherein said one or more veins are varicose veins.
5 . The method of in vivo photonic treatment according to claim 1 , wherein said photodynamic sclerosis composition is a foam.
6 . The method of in vivo photonic treatment according to claim 1 , wherein said radiation is from a laser source operating at a wavelength of about 652 nm.
7 . The method of in vivo photonic treatment according to claim 5 , wherein said foam has bubble diameters of less than or about 100 microns.
8 . A photodynamic composition for use in an in vivo method such as claim 1 , comprising:
a. a foam; and
b. a photosensitizer or a photosensitizer precursor.
9 . The photodynamic composition, for use in the in vivo method of claim 1 , according to claim 8 , wherein said foam is a sclerosis foam.
10 . The photodynamic composition according to claim 9 , wherein said sclerosis foam comprises a detergent and a glucose solution (glucose solution).
11 . The photodynamic composition according to claim 10 , wherein said detergent is polydodecanol.
12 . The photodynamic composition according to claim 8 , wherein said photosensitizer or photosensitizer precursor is temoporfin.