US20160015909A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20160015909A1
Application number: US14/801,515
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul Dabney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Dabney Patents LLC
Priority date: 2014-07-18
Filing date: 2015-07-16
Publication date: 2016-01-21
Also published as: US20160015494A1; US9579177B2

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a retainer for therapeutic treatment may be provided. The retainer for therapeutic treatment may include: a retainer that may retain a antimicrobial solution against tissue; a number of heating elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment; a number of power supply cables connected to the number of heating elements; a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment that may deliver an antimicrobial solution; a number of pieces of tubing having a first end connected to a antimicrobial solution reservoir and a second end connected to a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements; a number of fiber optic cables having a first end connected to a light source; and a number of light terminations rigidly connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment and connected to the second end of the fiber optic cable.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/026,498, filed Jul. 18, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous glands characterized by an eruption of the skin, often pustular in nature but not suppurative. One common bacteria associated with this disease is propionibacterium acnes. Acne is a common affliction of the adolescent and affects a small but significant percentage of the adult population. Acne lesions are of four basic types: comedones (blackheads or whiteheads), papules, pustules, and cysts (or nodules). Acne inflammatory disease may result in unsightly lesions, particularly on the face, and in some cases may result in severe scarring.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment, a retainer for therapeutic treatment may be provided. The retainer for therapeutic treatment may include: a retainer that may retain a antimicrobial solution against tissue; a number of heating elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment; a number of power supply cables connected to the number of heating elements; a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment that may deliver an antimicrobial solution; a number of tubes having a first end connected to a antimicrobial solution reservoir and a second end connected to a number of antimicrobial solution delivery elements; a number of fiber optic cables having a first end connected to a light source; and a number of light terminations rigidly connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment and connected to the second end of the fiber optic cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of exemplary embodiments of the system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another exemplary embodiment of a system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a full body suit retainer;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a bowl retainer; and

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a catheter retainer.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a hand held light emitting device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and related figures directed to specific exemplary embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternate exemplary embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The exemplary embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described exemplary embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other exemplary embodiments. Moreover, the terms “exemplary embodiments of the invention”, “exemplary embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all exemplary embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

In an exemplary embodiment, and generally referring to the figures, a system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment may provide a retainer to hold solutions in contact with tissues while the tissues and solutions may be simultaneously exposed to certain wavelengths of light. The antimicrobial solutions may be activated with certain wavelengths of lights and may eliminate or reduce microbes at a higher percentage than the solution alone. An exemplary embodiment of this retainer may create a synergistic effect between certain wavelengths of light and antimicrobial solutions that when applied to tissues may eliminate or reduce disease caused by microorganisms. An exemplary embodiments of this retainer may consist of a retainer for therapeutic treatment that emits certain wavelengths of light into the solution. When a specific light and solution combination is applied to tissues, a synergistic effect may be created that may reduce, and may eliminate microorganisms that cause disease.

In an exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, a layer ofantimicrobial solution102 may be held between thetissue100 and the retainer fortherapeutic treatment104. In an exemplary embodiment, one end of a number of fiberoptic cables103 may be rigidly attached to the retainer fortherapeutic treatment104 through a number of fiber optic connection interfaces orplugs101. In a further exemplary embodiment, the second end of the number of fiber optic cables may be rigidly connected to any desired source including, but not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED) and laser. The activation of the antimicrobial solution by a light of a pre-determined wavelength may create a synergistic antimicrobial effect. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. In an exemplary embodiment, theretainer104 may includetemperature control elements106 that warm and further activate theantimicrobial solution layer102. It may be further appreciated that thetemperature control elements106 may also cool the antimicrobial solution, or otherwise regulate the temperature of the antimicrobial solution, as desired. In a further exemplary embodiment, a number of antimicrobialsolution delivery elements114 may be rigidly connected to theretainer104 fortherapeutic treatment104 and to a number oftubes116.

Now referring to exemplaryFIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of a retainer for providing therapeutic treatment may be provided. A retainer fortherapeutic treatment204 may house a number ofheating elements206 connected to apower supply210 by apower cable208. In another exemplary embodiment, a retainer fortherapeutic treatment204 may house a number oflight terminations201 that may be connected to alight source205 byoptic cable203. In further exemplary embodiment, a retainer fortherapeutic treatment204 may house an antimicrobialsolution delivery element214 connected to anantimicrobial solution reservoir218 though atubing216.

In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer fortherapeutic treatment104 may hold solutions in contact withtissues100, such as flesh or teeth, while thetissues100 andsolutions102 may be simultaneously exposed to certain wavelengths of light. The retainer fortherapeutic treatment104 may include at least one tooth covering tray that may emit light for oral treatmentscreating a synergistic antimicrobial effect between an antimicrobial solution and a light of certain predetermined wavelengths. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. Theretainer104 may be installed on an arch of one or more human teeth. A light source may shine from a light emitting device or from the end of a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable may have one side exposed down its length. Anantimicrobial solution102 may fill a dental arch-shaped tray. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source may be blue, or another certain predetermined wavelength of light that may supercharge the solution, with an exposure from, but not limited to, a few second to several minutes, as desired. It may be appreciated that any desired wavelength or exposure time may be applied.

In an exemplary embodiment, anantimicrobial solution102 may be used without a reservoir. Theantimicrobial solution102 may be inserted directly into the body cavity and exposed to light by a fiber optic wand with a number of light emitting fibers. Further exemplary embodiments of a carrier or reservoir may be thesolution102 itself or a gel. This gel may be inserted in a body cavity with a catheter and exposed to the synergizing light by the same catheter or a different catheter. The synergizing light may create an antimicrobial effect between an antimicrobial solution and a light of certain predetermined wavelengths. The resulting antimicrobial effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. It may be appreciated that theantimicrobial solution102 may be delivered by any desired expedient, including, but not limited to, reservoirs, bandages, gels, solutions, head coverings, wraps, socks, stockings, hats, helmets, mitts, suits, tents, probes, and catheters. In another exemplary embodiment the retainer for therapeutic treatment may be a light emitting sponge that can apply and hold the solution on the surface of the tissue.

According to another exemplary embodiment, and generally referring toFIG. 3, a full body suit retainer may be provided. A full body suit with tubing may carry a light-enhanced antimicrobial mist or solution to a user wearing the suit. An embodiment of a suit may include a one-piece garment that generally retains air around the user's body. Exemplary embodiments of a full body suit may include a portion that covers at least a user's torso, as desired. Exemplary embodiments may further include portions to cover a user's legs, feet, arms, head, or hands, as desired. Further exemplary embodiments may have collars, cuffs, or elastic portions that may fit against the user to help retain the antimicrobial solution, as desired. The portions may cooperate to provide a garment that may retain the antimicrobial solution within the suit when the suit is worn. A fiber optic cable may wrap around the inside of the suit. A full body suit may include sleeves with gloves or mittens, pants with feet, and a hood with fiber optic cable spaced along the inner fabric of the suit, or otherwise within or on the fabric.

In an exemplary embodiment, gloves, mittens, or feet may help retain the antimicrobial solution within the suit, and may be integrated with the rest of the suit or may be removable. Exemplary embodiments of integrated portions may include fiber optic cable, similar to the rest of the suit. Exemplary embodiments of removable portions may lack fiber optic cable, or may include fiber optic cable that can be connected to the fiber optic cable in the sleeves or pants, as desired. The fiber optic cable may have light terminations spaced along the fiber optic cable inside the suit. The fiber optics may irradiate an antimicrobial solution with a light of certain predetermined wavelengths and may create a synergistic antimicrobial effect. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. An exemplary embodiment may include a heating element inside the body suit, such heating wires may be embedded in the fabric of the suit.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the suit may include an input tube or input tubing to carry antimicrobial solution into the suit, an area within the suit to circulate the antimicrobial solution against the user, and an exhaust tube or exhaust tubing to allow air and the antimicrobial solution out of the suit. Exemplary embodiments of tubing may include an input tube on one side of the torso and an output tube on the opposite side, such as input and output tubes on opposite shoulders.

In an exemplary embodiment, a user may put on the garment, add anti-microbial solution using the input tube, allow the mist to circulate within the suit, and turn on the light source.

The user may simultaneously input and output antimicrobial solution to circulate through the suit. The user may power on the heating element to warm the mist and/or otherwise activate or control any portion of the suit, as desired.

Further to the above, another exemplary embodiment of the therapeutic treatment retainer may be illustrated inFIG. 3. An embodiment of amedical device50 may include afull body suit52 having anintegrated torso portion54,sleeves56, pants58,feet60, and ahood62, and removable gloves64 or mittens66. Thesleeves56 may havecuffs68 to tighten and/or form a seal against the user's wrists. Thehood62 may haveelastic portions70 to tighten against the user's face. Further exemplary embodiments may include an input tube72, such as one located on shoulder of thetorso portion54, and anexhaust tube74 on the opposite shoulder of thetorso portion54. Exemplary embodiments may further include afiber optic cable76 spaced along the inner fabric of thesuit52.Fiber optic cable76 may be coupled to thesuit52 in any desired fashion.

In further exemplary embodiment, and generally referring toFIG. 4, the retainer may be in the shape of a container and may apply an antimicrobial solution that may be enhanced with light of a predetermined wavelength. An exemplary embodiment may include a bowl, such as a round, open-top container that retains an antimicrobial solution. The bowl may be made of generally watertight material so it can retain liquid solution. A fiber optic cable may wrap all around the inside surface of the bowl, with light terminations spaced along the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable may have a number of light terminations so that an antimicrobial solution in the bowl is lighted with light from the cable so as to substantially surround an item immersed in the bowl. An exemplary embodiment may include a heating element at the bottom of the bowl. The bowl may have a stand or base, and the heating element may be located in the base, or any other location, as desired. The fiber optic cable may connect through a connection cable to a light source. The light source may have an on/off switch and may have a timer control. Embodiments may include a control box that includes the light and heating power source, such as batteries or a connection to a power outlet. Embodiments of a control box may also include controls for turning the light or heater on or off, setting of timers, and status display. A control box may include receptacles or cables for interfacing with the rest of the retainer, such as a combined interface for both fiber optics and heater power.

In an exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial solution may be warmed in the bowl. An object or a body part such as fingers may be placed into the antimicrobial solution, and the light source may be turned on. The light source may interact with the antimicrobial solution and may create a synergistic antimicrobial effect. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. The user may utilize a control box, or any other wired or wireless controller, to turn on or off, or set timers for, the light source, the heater power, or both. It may be appreciated that any desired functions may be managed and timed by the control box.

As depicted in exemplaryFIG. 4, an embodiment of amedical device30 may include abowl32 with a number offiber optic cables34 that may wrap around aninside surface36 of thebowl32. The number offiber optic cable34 may have any number oflight terminations38. Exemplary embodiments may have a base40, which may contain a number ofheating elements42. Thefiber optic cable34 may connect to a number oflight sources44 through a number of fiberoptic connection cables46. The number oflight sources44 may include an off/offswitch48 or atimer control49.

In an exemplary embodiment, and referring generally toFIG. 5, the retainer may include a catheter that can be inserted into a user's body to dispense antimicrobial fluid. Embodiments may also dispense other medicines or fluids, or may be used in a surgical procedure, as desired. An exemplary embodiment of a catheter may include a light source running into a fiber optic cable, a catheter tube, a mesh to dispense antimicrobial solution, and a termination emitting light. The antimicrobial solution may pass into a first end of the catheter tube, which may be a thin tube or canal down the center of the catheter, made of medical grade materials. An exemplary embodiment may receive medicine or antimicrobial solution in one end of the tube, which may be dispensed out of a mesh near an opposite or distal end of the tube.

Additional exemplary embodiments may include an integrated heating element to warm the antimicrobial solution while in use, or a separate heater to warm the antimicrobial solution before use. An exemplary embodiment may also include a thin fiber optic cable inside the catheter tube, or the catheter tube itself may be made of fiber optic material so that the tube conducts both light and antimicrobial solution. A number of light terminations may be positioned at, or proximate, an end of the tube, near the mesh portion so that the light shines onto the antimicrobial solution when the solution may be dispensed into the user. An exemplary embodiment may include a light emitting cable that may be integrated with the catheter, or a light emitting cable that may be separated from the catheter tube carrying the antimicrobial solution.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the catheter may be inserted into a body cavity, and may be used for purposes such as drainage or administration of therapeutic materials before or after the device may be used to apply antimicrobial solution. Antimicrobial solution may be preheated with the separate heating element, pumped into the catheter, and dispensed into the user's body. The light may be turned on to supercharge the antimicrobial material while it may be dispensed or immediately after it may be dispensed and the catheter may be left in place until the treatment may be completed. The treatment may create a synergistic antimicrobial effect between an antimicrobial solution and a light of certain predetermined wavelengths. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone.

In an exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG. 5, aretainer140 may include acatheter142 having acatheter tube144, amesh dispenser screen146, and afiber optic cable148 having one or more light terminations . Aheating element152 may be external to thecatheter tube144, and may provide heatedantimicrobial solution154 through aninput tube156. Alight source158 may be connected through a fiberoptic connection cable160 to thefiber optic cable148 with a fiberoptic connection interface162.

Now referring to exemplaryFIG. 6, an exemplary embodiment of a hand held light emittingdevice600 may be provided. The hand held light emittingdevice600 may include ahandle portion602 rigidly connected to the first end of aneck604. The second end of theneck604 may be rigidly connected to ahead portion606 housing the light source outlet. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source may be situated in thehandle portion604 and the light may be guided through the neck by optical element including, but not limited to, fiber optic and mirrors. It may be further appreciated that theneck604 may be flexible and orientable. The light source may produce a light at a wavelength of about360 nm to about600 nm. In an exemplary embodiment, hand held light emittingdevice600 may be used to irradiate an antimicrobial solution, thus creating a synergistic reaction with an antimicrobial effect greater than the light or the solution acting alone. In an exemplary embodiment, the hand held light emittingdevice600 may be powered by electric power. Power sources may include, but may not be limited to, batteries, rechargeable batteries, and grid power supply. Thehandle portion602 may house any necessary elements required to provide the current and intensity required by the light source, such as electrical transformers and electronic components. In a further exemplary embodiment, the hand held light emittingdevice600 may be powered with batteries and may optionally require thepower supply cable608.

Acne inflammatory disease results in unsightly lesions, particularly on the face, and in some cases results in severe scarring. An exemplary embodiment of the system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment may decrease the inflammatory disease and the associated scarring by creating a synergistic antimicrobial effect between an antimicrobial solution and a light of certain predetermined wavelengths. The resulting synergistic effect may be greater than the effect of an antimicrobial solution or the light acting alone. In an exemplary embodiment, the system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment generally referred to inFIGS. 1-6 may provide an improved method for the treatment of acne vulgaris involving the periodic application of an antimicrobial solution containing an effective amount of peroxide agents alone or in combination with one or more of a topical antibiotic, topical anesthetic, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, antimicrobials, salicylic acid, sulfur, retinoids such as 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxy-phenyl]naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid, glycolic acid, tretinoin, borax, and additional chemicals useful in the method.

In other exemplary embodiments, the system, retainer and method of providing therapeutic treatment may utilize blue light, or another certain predetermined wavelength of light that may supercharge the solution, with an exposure from about a few second to a few minutes. In a further exemplary embodiments the antimicrobial solution may be an H₂O₂solution, such as a gel, with concentration of 0.3 mM or any concentration of solution that may be suitable as an antimicrobial agent. In an exemplary embodiment, hydrogen peroxide, if used alone may kill 30% of bacteria that may be exposed to it for 20 seconds. Similarly, a 20 seconds irradiation with light of the wavelength from 360 nm to 500 nm may kill 3% of bacteria that may be exposed to it. But then hydrogen peroxide in combination with light of 360 nm to 500 nm may exhibit a synergistic reaction that kills 96% of bacteria exposed to this combination for 20 seconds. This solution may work best at a temperature of about 57 degrees Celsius. It may be appreciated that other chemicals may have different preferred temperatures.

In an exemplary embodiment, and generally referring toFIGS. 1-6, topical solutions, including, but not limited to, hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, benzoyl peroxide and other chemicals deemed effective may be delivered in various organic vehicles or carriers. Exemplary embodiments of carriers may include a combination of ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol in which the active ingredient may present in the range of from about 0.001% to about 50% by volume of the carrier. The pH of the solution may be adjusted so that tissue sensitivity may be minimized while the effectiveness of the solution may not be hampered. The temperature of the solution may be adjusted to increase or optimize its effectiveness. In an exemplary embodiment, systemic antimicrobial agents may be used to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. The solution may be exposed to light in a wavelength of 360 nm to 600 nm or any other wavelength that proves effective for a certain time that may range from 1 second to 1 minute.

In an additional exemplary embodiment, topical solutions of peroxide compounds may include hydrogen peroxide and/or carbamide peroxide and/or benzoyl peroxide in various organic carriers in concentrations that may range from about 0.001% to about 50% by volume of the carrier.

In an exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial solution may be incorporated into various vehicles or carriers including solutions, lotions, creams, gels, mists, pastes and ointments along with one or more of the following ingredients: nicotinic acid or nicotinamide that may be present in concentrations from about 0.001% to 30% by volume of the carrier.

In an exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial solution may include erythromycin base in concentrations that may present from about 0.001% to about 30% by volume of the carrier.

In another exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial solution may contain clindamycin phosphate methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1-5 methyl-trans-4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L-threo-α-D-galacto-octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate) with a concentration from about 0.001 to 30% by volume of carrier.

In another exemplary embodiment, the antimicrobial solution may contain tetracycline hydrochloride in concentrations of from 0.001 to 30% by volume of the carrier; retinoids such as 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxy-phenyl]naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid; It may be appreciated that the antimicrobial solution may contain any desired compounds deemed effective in treating acne vulgaris.

In still other exemplary embodiments, the antimicrobial solution carriers may include combinations of ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol, surface active agents such as lauryl ethers and lauryl esters, and other carriers effective for the desired purposes.

In other exemplary embodiments, the antimicrobial solution may include a light activated pigment that may fluoresce when exposed to the wavelength of light used in the treatment. This pigment may indicate to the user that the synergistic effect may be occurring.

Another exemplary embodiment may describe a method of decreasing open and closed comedones and associated inflammation in patients infected with acne vulgaris by topically administering a therapeutically effective amount of peroxide compounds and other therapeutic chemicals that together may form a solution that may be an effective antimicrobial compound for treating acne vulgaris. This solution, once applied, may be exposed to a wavelength of light, for example using embodiments described herein, that may create a synergistic antimicrobial effect that reduces or eliminates bacteria causing acne vulgaris. This synergistic antimicrobial effect may be greater than the solution's antimicrobial effect or the light's antimicrobial effect if they were used separately.

In one exemplary embodiment, an about 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide in a gel carrier may be prepared. Twice daily topical applications of this solution may be administered to an infected area on a patient suffering from acne vulgaris. After application, the solution may be exposed to light with a wavelength of about 360 nm to about 500 nm for 20 seconds (or some other amount of time) creating a synergistic effect that may be greater than 10 irradiations with the light or 10 applications the antimicrobial solution alone. The light may be applied by a LED device exposing the patient's entire infected area at one time. The solution may be then rinsed off with clean water. After two weeks of treatment, the comedones count on the patient, and the inflamed areas that result from an acne infection may have measurably declined.

In another exemplary embodiment, a solution of containing chemical species including, but limited to, about 3% hydrogen peroxide, about 3% benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid may be combined in a cream form. This solution may be buffered to a pH of about 6. The cream may be applied to areas infected with acne vulgaris on a patient daily. Once the cream is applied, it may be exposed to a 10 watt light source emitting at wavelengths from about 410 nm to about 500 nm thus creating a synergistic effect between the solution and the light causing a greater reduction in microbes than with the light or with the solution acting alone. The retainer may have a number of terminations having a diameter of about 15 mm. This particular size would enable the patient to target small areas. However, it may be appreciates that the diameter of the termination may have any desired value. The exposure time of the light may be about one minute. However, it may be appreciated that any desired duration of treatment may be selected. This exemplary embodiment may be used to maintain an area that once exhibited an active acne vulgaris infection.

In another exemplary embodiment, a solution containing chemical species including, but not limited to, about 15% carbamide peroxide, about 2.5% clindamycin phosphate (Methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1-methyl-trans-4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L-threo-α-D-galacto-octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate)) and tretinoin may be combined in a gel-form carrier. The carrier gel may be heated to about 40 degrees Celsius. The warmed solution may help to open the patient's pores once it is applied to the infected area. This solution may be applied three times per day. The infected area may be exposed to a light of a wavelength from about 410 nm to about 500 nm by a number of light terminations that would expose an area with a diameter of about 30 centimeters. The infected area and solution may be exposed to this certain wavelength of light for about 30 seconds. The synergistic effect of the light and solution that may be warmed may be greater than the effect of the light or the solution acting individually.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred exemplary embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular exemplary embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the exemplary embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described exemplary embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those exemplary embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A retainer for therapeutic treatment comprising:

a retainer that retains an antimicrobial solution against tissue;

at least one heating element connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment;

at least one power supply cable connected to the at least one heating element;

at least one antimicrobial solution delivery element connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment that delivers an antimicrobial solution;

at least one tube having a first end connected to an antimicrobial solution reservoir and a second end connected to the at least one antimicrobial solution delivery element;

at least one fiber optic cable having a first end connected to a light source; and

at least one light termination rigidly connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment and connected to the second end of the fiber optic cable.

2. The retainer ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer for therapeutic treatment light source includes at least one of a light emitting diode (LED) and a laser.

3. The retainer ofclaim 2, further comprising:

a container having an open top and a base beneath the bowl, wherein the fiber optic cable wraps up an inner surface of the bowl, and the fiber optic cable has a number of light terminations so that the antimicrobial solution in the bowl is lighted with light from the optic cable so as to substantially illuminate an item immersed in the bowl from all sides.

4. The retainer ofclaim 2, further comprising:

a catheter tube that receives the antimicrobial solution at a first end and a mesh on the catheter tube near a second end opposite the first end, to dispense antimicrobial solution, wherein the light termination is located on the fiber optic cable proximate the mesh.

5. The retainer ofclaim 2, further comprising:

a dental tray that retains the antimicrobial solution in a cavity on a side of the tray, wherein the fiber optic cable is retained within the tray, the tissue is a number of teeth of the user, each of the teeth having two opposite sides, and the tray is shaped to hold the lighted antimicrobial solution against the number of teeth; and

a number of light terminations on the fiber optic cable that emit light from the fiber optic cable into the antimicrobial solution, the light terminations being positioned and of sufficient quantity so that there is at least one light termination adjacent to each of the two opposite sides of each tooth.

6. The retainer ofclaim 2, wherein the antimicrobial solution is exposed to light of 350 nm to 600 nm for a duration of 1 second to 60 seconds.

7. The retainer ofclaim 2, wherein the antimicrobial solution comprises at least one of 3% hydrogen peroxide in a gel carrier.

8. The retainer ofclaim 2, wherein the antimicrobial solution comprises at least one of 3% of hydrogen peroxide, 3% benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid and the solution is buffered to pH of 6 and irradiated with a 10 watt light source.

9. A method of providing therapeutic treatment, comprising:

coupling a retainer that retains an antimicrobial solution against tissue;

connecting at least one heating element connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment;

powering the heating element;

connecting at least one antimicrobial solution delivery element connected to the retainer for therapeutic treatment;

connecting at least one piece of tubing having a first end connected to an antimicrobial solution reservoir and a second end connected to the at least one antimicrobial solution element;

providing at least one fiber optic cable having a first end connected to a light source;

connecting at least one light termination rigidly to the retainer for therapeutic treatment and to the second end of the fiber optic cable;

applying the antimicrobial solution on a tissue to be treated;

retaining the antimicrobial solution against the tissue to be treated;

providing a predetermined wavelength of light;

bringing the antimicrobial solution to a predetermined temperature; and

irradiating the antimicrobial solution.

10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising:

exposing the antimicrobial solution to light of 350 nm to 600 nm for a duration of 1 second to 60 seconds.

11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the antimicrobial solution includes 3% hydrogen peroxide in a gel carrier.

12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the antimicrobial solution includes at least one of 15% carbamide peroxide, 2.5% clindamycin phosphate and tretinoin, and the antimicrobial solution is heated to about 40 degrees Celsius.

13. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the antimicrobial solution includes at least one of about 3% of hydrogen peroxide, about 3% benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid, and further comprising:

buffering the solution to a pH of 6; and

irradiating the solution with a 10 watt light source.

14. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the antimicrobial solution includes at least one of 15% carbamide peroxide, 2.5% clindamycin phosphate, and tretinoin and further comprises heating the antimicrobial solution to a temperature of about 57 degrees Celsius and exposing the antimicrobial solution to light of about 400 nm to about 500 nm for about 30 seconds.

15. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the antimicrobial solution comprises tetracycline hydrochloride in concentrations of from 0.001 to 30% by volume of the carrier.

16. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the antimicrobial solution includes clindamycin phosphate at a concentration from 0.001 to 30% by volume of carrier.

17. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising incorporating the antimicrobial solution into one or more carriers.

18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the carriers include at least one of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide present in concentrations from 0.001% to 30% by volume.

19. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the antimicrobial solution includes retinoids.

20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the retinoids include 6-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-methoxy-phenyl]naphthalene-2-carboxylic acid erythromycin base in concentrations from 0.001% to about 30% by volume of the carrier.