Method and apparatus for light-activated drug therapy

Abstract

A prostate treatment system having a light delivery device positionable in a transurethral device for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The light delivery device includes light generator, such as light emitting diodes (LED), laser diodes (LDs) or a diffusion quartz fiber tip connected to a light generator or a light emitting polymer which produces light at a selected wavelength or waveband or alternative sources of suitable light energy. The treatment device may further include a temperature monitoring system for monitoring the temperature at the treatment site. A light-activated drug is administered to the treatment site prior to light activation. The light-activated drug therapy induces cell death of the target tissue. The device provides a minimally invasive transurethral method for treatment of BPH or prostate cancer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to a prostate treatment system for treating prostatic tissue in combination with a photoactive agent, and more specifically a transurethral device in combination with a light-activated drug for use in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are common conditions in the older male population. For people with BPH, the enlarged prostate can compress the urethra causing obstruction of the urine pathway, which results in difficulty urinating. The enlarged prostate can also cause urethral stones, inflammation, infection and in some instances, kidney failure.[0005]Major treatment methods for BPH include surgical treatment such as a prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate. These treatments require the patient to be hospitalized, which can be a financial burden to the pa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]According to another embodiment of the invention, the treatment device has a light delivery device positioned within a catheter-like device, such as a Foley catheter or a conventional balloon catheter. In one embodiment, a light bar, sized to fit into a standard or custom optically clear Foley catheter, is inserted into the catheter which has been placed via the urethra at the prostate. The device can be used in a sterile Foley catheter or can be delivered in a sterile pack kit prepackaged with the catheter and / or an appropriate photoactive agent dose so that it is convenient for prostatic procedures, and thus facilitates treatment in a non-surgical environment leading to potential reduction in costs and medical complications.

[0016]In additional embodiments, the light emitting region of the treatment device is fixed in place in the elongated support member. In yet another embodiment, the light emitting region of the light delivery device is movable within or along the elongated support member. For example, at the end of the treatment the light delivery device may be removed and the elongated support member left in place to act as a urine drain. The treatment device may further include printed markings or indicia on the catheter to aid in placement of the light bar within the catheter.

[0017]In additional embodiments, the catheter has a selective coating to control where light transmits to the prostatic tissue thus directing the light activate drug therapy and reducing the potential to treat adjacent tissue.

[0018]According to still further embodiments, a Y-connection with a leakage control valve is included to allow the light delivery device to be inserted into the elongated support member through a separate lumen from a urine collection lumen. The elongated support member may include one or more lumens as needed to provide light transmission source manipulation and placement. In additional embodiments, the elongated support member may include a balloon to further aid in positioning the light delivery device proximate to the prostate using non-incision type methods. In additional embodiments, the catheter may include a retractable fixation device such as balloon, umbrella, tines, disk or other means for fixation and placement within the bladder.

[0019]In additional embodiments, to make the light bar visible to ultrasound, the elongated support member and light bar may include echogenic material to reflect high-frequency sound waves and thus be imageable by ultrasound techniques. Echogenic material will aid in proper placement of the elongated support member and the light bar in operation. In additional embodiments, the light delivery system also includes temperature sensors which are electrically connected to temperature monitors for monitoring temperature at the treatment site.

[0020]Several embodiments of the present invention are expected to provide efficient, low cost, and minimally-invasive treatments of prostate conditions. The treatment device may be used to treat prostate cancer, prostatits, cystitis, bladder cancer, hypertrophic trigone, and hypertrophic urethral sphincter. The present invention utilizes light-activated drug therapy to minimally-invasively treat BPH or prostate cancer via the urethra. As a result, patients with BPH or prostate cancer can be treated using the present invention without being admitted to a hospital, undergo general anesthesia and blood transfusion, and thus have lower risk of complications.

Problems solved by technology

For people with BPH, the enlarged prostate can compress the urethra causing obstruction of the urine pathway, which results in difficulty urinating.

The enlarged prostate can also cause urethral stones, inflammation, infection and in some instances, kidney failure.

These treatments require the patient to be hospitalized, which can be a financial burden to the patient.

Additionally, surgical procedures can result in significant side effects such as bleeding, infection, residual urethral obstruction or stricture, retrograde ejaculation, and / or incontinence or impotence.

Patients who are too old or who have weak cardiovascular functions are not good candidates for receiving these treatment methods.

One of the challenges in design and production of light bars relates to size.

The largest diameter of the light bar is defined by human anatomy and the smallest diameter is defined by the size of the light emitters that emit light of a desired wavelength or waveband at a sufficient energy level, and the fragility of the bar as its thickness is reduced, which increases the risk of breaking in the patient.

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