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Method and apparatus to prevent infections

  • US 6,551,346 B2
  • Filed: 03/20/2001
  • Issued: 04/22/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Medical apparatus for placement in the human body comprisinga member having an exterior surface adapted for physiological contact;

  • at least one photosensitizer at or in said exterior surface;

    at least one light conductor extending along said member, each light conductor having an input at a proximal location along said member and an output at a distal location along said member, and a light transmitter for transmitting light energy to said input of the light conductor so that said light energy is conveyed along said member and is emitted at said output so as to illuminate said surface and said photosensitizer(s) residing on or in said exterior surface, the light energy being in a wavelength range to both activate the photosensitizer(s) so as to release toxic oxygen from said surface and also kill microorganisms on or opposite said surface.

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