Phototherapy apparatuses and methods
A phototherapy treatment apparatus and methods are provided. In particular, the present disclosure provides a phototherapy treatment apparatus configured to diffusely transmit light emitted from a light source to a patient.
1. A phototherapy treatment method comprising:
forming a plurality of microstructure on a top surface of a bed, the bed being formed of at least one of a translucent or transparent material;
placing a patient on the top surface of the bed;
generating light from a light source;
directing the generated light at one of a plurality of side surfaces of the bed; and
transmitting the generated light through the material of the bed and through a plurality of microstructures located on the top surface of the bed such that the light exits the plurality of microstructures having a more diffusive distribution so as to enhance the treatment of an ailment of the patient placed on the bed,
wherein the plurality of microstructures include cracks.
2. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of microstructures are formed via one or more of CNC machining, laser engraving, sand blasting, and chemical engraving.
3. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of microstructure include greater than approximately 1000 cracks per square inch.
4. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 1 , wherein the surface of the bed defines an inwardly sloped channel to intersect the light transmitted from the one of the plurality of side surfaces and through the material of the bed, and wherein the inwardly sloped channel is configured to concentrate the light that exits the plurality of microstructures and increase an area of the patient exposed to the light.
5. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 1 , which includes transmitting the light generated by the light source through a transition device structured to at least one of (i) focus, (ii) scatter or (iii) diffuse the light rays.
6. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 1 , further comprising:
placing the light source in contact with a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the light source.
7. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 1 , wherein the light source is configured to generate light having a wavelength between approximately 350 nanometers and 550 nanometers.
8. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 1 , further comprising:
providing a heat source operable to aid in treating abnormally low body heat of the patient.
9. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 1 , further comprising:
forming a plurality of branched tree channels in the material of the bed via a voltage being applied to the bed, the branched tree channels being configured to transmit the light generated by the light source therethrough.
10. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 1 , further comprising:
covering the surface of the bed with a cover pad having at least one of a transparent or translucent material, the cover pad being sealingly engaged to the surface of the bed to prevent liquid from contacting the light source and to provide a cushion to the patient.
11. A phototherapy treatment method comprising:
forming a plurality of microstructure on a top surface of a bed, the bed being formed of at least one of a translucent or transparent material;
placing a patient on the top surface of the bed;
generating light from a light source;
directing the generated light at one of a plurality of side surfaces of the bed;
transmitting the generated light through the material of the bed and through a plurality of microstructures located on the top surface of the bed such that the light exits the plurality of microstructures having a more diffusive distribution so as to enhance the treatment of an ailment of the patient placed on the bed; and
covering the surface of the bed with a cover pad having at least one of a transparent or translucent material, the cover pad being sealingly engaged to the surface of the bed to prevent liquid from contacting the light source and to provide a cushion to the patient, and the cover pad acting as a buffer to balance out intensity variations of the generated light across the bed.
12. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of microstructures include at least one of voids, cracks, or char particles.
13. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 11 , further comprising:
placing the light source in contact with a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the light source.
14. The phototherapy treatment method of claim 11 , further comprising:
providing a heat source operable to aid in treating abnormally low body heat of the patient.