Raymond V Hartman

US Patent:

20100222852, Sep 2, 2010

Filed:

Feb 24, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/712076

Inventors:

David B. Vasily - Bethlehem PA, US
Raymond A. Hartman - Carlsbad CA, US
Alfred Intintoli - West Chester PA, US

International Classification:

A61N 5/067
A61N 5/06

US Classification:

607 89, 607 88

Abstract:

The invention is directed to an apparatus for decolonizing microbes from skin surfaces and body cavities, in particular the decoloniziation of MRSA from nasal cavities using UVC preferably combined with visible light. The device consists of a lightguide, dispensing tip plus accessories, and a housing with a UV source, optical filtering and light collection means, shutter and timer. An internal or external radiometer provides dosimetry information to the operator. The device has additional utility in killing microbes on skin surfaces and beneath nail beds. The lightguide itself comprises the holder for the dispensing tip for use in cavities and as a holder for surface use. The dispensing tips serve to protect decolonization subjects from cross-contamination and may act to shape the nasal cavity and the light distribution pattern of the emitted UVC and visible radiation.