LIQUID FILLED LIGHT DISTRIBUTOR AND A METHOD OF USE

• US 20140205498A1
• Filed: 08/16/2012
• Published: 07/24/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/16/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: UV Clinical ApS
• Original Assignee: Technical University of Denmark
• Inventors: Bak, Jimmy
• Granted Patent: US 10,967,080 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/24 Medical instruments, e.g. endoscopes, catheters, sharps

Abstract

The present invention relates to liquid filled light distributor comprising an elongated tubular body with a tube wall defining an in inner lumen filled with a liquid, said tubular body having—a proximal end closed by first closing means—a distal end closed by second closing means. Wherein the proximal end is arranged to be in optical communication with a light source and wherein the refractive index of the tube wall is n1 and the refractive index of the fluid is n2 and n1/n2<1 so that light from the light source travels along the longitudinal direction of the tubular body and that a part of the light is emitted through the tube wall along at least a part of the tubular body. Further a method of use for the liquid filled light distributor is provided.

Claims

1. A liquid filled light distributor comprising an elongated tubular body with a tube wall defining an in inner lumen filled with a liquid, said tubular body having

a proximal end closed by first closing means,

a distal end closed by second closing means,

wherein the proximal end is arranged to be in optical communication with a light source and wherein the refractive index of the tube wall is n2 and the refractive index of the fluid is n1 and n2/n1<

1 so that light from the light source travels along the longitudinal direction of the tubular body and that a part of the light is emitted through the tube wall along at least a part of the tubular body.

2. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is a saline solution.

3. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, wherein the salt concentration of the saline solution is at least 10 g/100 ml, preferably at least 20 g/100 ml, more preferably 30 g/100 ml.

4. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, wherein n2/n1<

0.98, more preferably n2/n1<

0.96.

5. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, wherein the distal end of the inner lumen is coated with a reflective material.

6. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, wherein the ratio n2/n1 and the distance between the proximal and distal ends are configured such that 20-70% of the light is left at the distal end, more preferably 40-60% of the light is left at the distal end.

7. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, wherein the tube wall is configured to be transparent to UV light.

8. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, wherein the tube wall has a thickness of less than 0.15 mm, preferably less that 0.05 mm.

9. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end is arranged with a connector piece.

10. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, wherein the tubular body is flexible.

11. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, wherein the first closing means is a UV transparent film.

12. Liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1, comprising one or more transmitting fields preferably arranged near or as part of the distal end and/or second closing means.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the liquid filled light distributor is a liquid filled light distributor according to claim 1.

13-16. -16. (canceled)

17. Method of disinfecting the inner lumen of a hollow body at least comprising the steps of:

Acquiring a liquid filled light distributor with a tubular body,

Connecting the liquid filled light distributor with a tubular body to a UV source,

Inserting the liquid filled light distributor with a tubular body into the inner lumen of the hollow body,

submitting the inner lumen of the hollow body to UV light via the liquid filled light distributor with a tubular body for a period of time.

19. Method according to claim 17, wherein the hollow body is a medical device.

20. Method according to claim 17, wherein the medical device is operational during sterilization.