Illumination devices for wound healing

Abstract

Illumination devices and methods for impinging light on tissue and, more particularly, illumination devices and related methods for wound healing are disclosed. Illumination devices and related methods involve phototherapy alone or with other systems (e.g., vacuum-assisted wound closure) to avoid delayed wound healing and / or achieve successful wound closure in reduced time. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure describe administering light in the presence of vacuum pressure to a wound site. Providing a negative pressure with a vacuum may reduce fluid build-up and / or infection while increasing localized blood flow to promote healing. Administering phototherapy of light to the wound concurrently with vacuum pressure may further enhance the effects of negative pressure and / or elicit additional biological effects for enhanced wound healing.

Description

ILLUMINATION DEVICES FOR WOUND HEALINGField of the Disclosure

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to illumination devices and methods for impinging light on tissue and, more particularly, to illumination devices and related methods for wound healing.

[0002] Wound healing is a biological process that typically progresses sequentially through stages of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Proper wound healing is achieved with successful progression through each phase. Various factors may slow or delay progression through wound healing phases, such as localized oxygen depletion or infections at the wound site. Other systematic factors for impaired wound healing may include a subject’s age, underlying disease, and / or adverse effects of treatments of underlying disease. Larger wounds associated with skin grafting or associated with various trauma including severe burns or other injuries may also experience delayed or slow healing. Delayed wound healing can lead to chronic wounds, skin ulcerations, further risks of infections, and / or tissue necrosis, among other adverse effects.

[0003] The art continues to seek improved devices and methods for improved wound healing while being capable of overcoming challenges associated with conventional devices and methods.

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to illumination devices and methods for impinging light on tissue and, more particularly, to illumination devices and related methods for wound healing. According to principles of the present disclosure, devices and related methods involve phototherapy alone or with other systems (e.g. vacuum-assisted wound closure) to avoid delayed wound healing and / or achieve successful wound closure in reduced time.Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure describe administering light in the presence of vacuum pressure to a wound site. Providing a negative pressure with a vacuum may reduce fluid build-up and / or infection while increasing localized blood flow to promote healing. Administering phototherapy of light to the wound concurrently with negative pressure may further enhance the effects of negative pressure and / or elicit additional biological effects for enhanced wound healing.

[0005] In one aspect, an illumination device comprises a vacuum source configured to apply vacuum pressure to tissue and a light source configured to irradiate one or more peak wavelengths of light to the tissue while the tissue is under vacuum pressure. The one or more peak wavelengths of light may comprise various ranges, including 400 nanometers (nm) to 600 nm, or 600 nm to 750 nm, or combinations thereof. The one or more peak wavelengths of light may comprise a range of 315 nm to 400 nm or a range of 600 nm to 1600 nm, or combinations with any of the other specified ranges. Illumination devices may include additional elements, such as illumination heads, control modules, sensors, cameras, and / or communication modules.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of modulating wound healing comprises applying vacuum pressure to wound tissue, and concurrently irradiating the wound tissue with light from a light source. The light may comprise any of the above specified peak wavelength ranges or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, irradiating the wound tissue with the light comprises changing a peak wavelength of the light for one or more different wound healing stages of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodeling.

[0007] In another aspect, an illumination device attachment comprises an attachment structure configured for attachment to a vacuum source, the vacuum source configured to apply vacuum pressure to tissue, and a light source configured to irradiate one or more peak wavelengths of light to the tissue while the tissue is under vacuum pressure. The attachment structure may comprise an illumination head and the light source is integrated within the illumination head.In certain embodiments, the illumination head is configured to be removably attached to a tube of the vacuum source.

[0008] In another aspect, a stand-alone light device can be used to illuminate a wound tissue.

[0009] In another aspect, any of the foregoing aspects individually or together, and / or various separate aspects and features as described herein, may be combined for additional advantage. Any of the various features and elements as disclosed herein may be combined with one or more other disclosed features and elements unless indicated to the contrary herein.

[0010] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in association with the accompanying drawing figures.Brief Description of the Drawing Figures

[0011] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a chart that generally illustrates cell proliferation during progression through wound healing phases.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an illumination device capable of irradiating tissue in the presence of vacuum pressure according to principles of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an illumination device that is similar to the illumination device of FIG. 2 for embodiments where light sources are spaced from the wound tissue.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an illumination device that is similar to the illumination device of FIG. 3 and further includes one or more sensors and / or one or more cameras.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an illumination device that is similar to the illumination device of FIG. 4 and further includes a communication module for communication with an external device.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an illumination device configured to be a handheld device for providing light to wound tissue.Detailed Description

[0018] The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

[0019] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0020] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" or extending "onto" another element, it can be directly on or extend directly onto the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or extending "directly onto" another element, there are no intervening elements present. Likewise, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being "over" or extending "over" another element, it can be directly over or extend directly over the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast,when an element is referred to as being "directly over" or extending "directly over" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0021] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

[0022] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0024] Embodiments are described herein with reference to schematic illustrations of embodiments of the disclosure. As such, the actual dimensions ofthe layers and elements can be different, and variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are expected. For example, a region illustrated or described as square or rectangular can have rounded or curved features, and regions shown as straight lines may have some irregularity. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, sizes of structures or regions may be exaggerated relative to other structures or regions for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of the present subject matter and may or may not be drawn to scale. Common elements between figures may be shown herein with common element numbers and may not be subsequently redescribed.

[0025] Successful wound healing involves progression through various phases of healing over time. Hemostasis is the initial phase that occurs immediately whereby clotting is initiated to mitigate blood loss. Hemostasis is followed by an inflammatory phase where localized inflammation may serve to further control bleeding, reduce infection, and prepare the wound for new tissue formation. Next, a proliferation phase involves new tissue formation along the wound site, followed by a remodeling or maturation phase where collagen is remodeled to promote wound closure.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a chart that generally illustrates cell proliferation during progression through wound healing phases. As illustrated, relative amounts of various cell types and oxygen availability in associated tissue are plotted by number of days post wound initiation. FIG. 1 further provides exemplary timing for hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases, although it is expected that exact timing may vary from patient to patient. As illustrated, hemostasis and inflammation stages are marked by a rapid increase in neutrophils that serve to defend against infection and also consume available oxygen. As neutrophils decline, monocytes and then macrophages ramp up and further consume oxygen as the tissue transitions to proliferation. The heightenedactivity of the neutrophils and monocytes are signaling triggers for fibroblasts and endothelial cells that over a longer time duration may eventually close the wound during remodeling. In the case of delayed or interrupted wound healing, advancement to proliferation and remodeling phases does not readily occur. The resulting wound tissue may become infected, form chronic wounds and / or skin ulcerations, or even advance to tissue necrosis, among other adverse effects.

[0027] According to principles of the present disclosure, devices and related methods involve phototherapy alone or with other systems (e.g., vacuum- assisted closure) to avoid delayed wound healing and / or achieve successful wound closure in reduced time. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure describe administering light in the presence of negative pressure to a wound site. Providing negative pressure with a vacuum may reduce fluid build-up and / or infection while increasing localized blood flow to promote healing. Administering phototherapy of light to the wound concurrently with negative pressure may further enhance the effects of negative pressure and / or elicit additional biological effects for enhanced wound healing.

[0028] The mechanisms by which certain wavelengths of light are effective may vary, depending on the wavelength that is administered and the particular stage of healing. Various wavelengths of light may further induce one or more biological effects within or near irradiated wound tissue, including antimicrobial effects of inactivating microorganisms that are in a cell-free environment and / or inhibiting replication of microorganisms that are in a cell-associated environment, upregulating a local immune response, stimulating enzymatic generation of nitric oxide (NO) to increase endogenous stores of NO, releasing NO from endogenous stores of NO, and inducing an anti-inflammatory effect. According to aspects of the present disclosure, light may be provided over a wide range of wavelengths, including ultraviolet (UV) ranges, visible light ranges, and infrared (IR) ranges, and combinations thereof to modulate wound healing phases and / or induce other biological effects.

[0029] In certain aspects, shorter wavelengths of light in a range from near- UV through various wavelengths of blue-green light may elicit a biologicalresponse with reduced impact on tissue viability. In this manner, applications of light with a peak wavelength in a range from 300 nanometers (nm) to 600 nm, or in a range from 315 nm to 600 nm, or in a range from 400 nm to 600 nm, or in a range from 400 nm to 450 nm, or in a range from 410 nm to 430 nm, or a wavelength of 425 nm, may serve to down-regulate collagen biosynthesis and provide anti-proliferative effects in fibroblasts, thereby modulating formation of collagen and scarring. Such wavelengths of light may further provide expression of macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1 ) that may serve to modulate macrophage activation. In still further aspects, such wavelengths of light may induce increased endogenous NO production and / or release as described above.

[0030] In certain aspects, UV light may be administered as part of wound healing phototherapy. UV wavelength ranges of light may include UV-A light having a peak wavelength in a range from 315 nm to 400 nm, UV-B light having a peak wavelength in a range from 280 nm to 315 nm, and UV-C light having a peak wavelength in a range from 200 nm to 280 nm. However, overexposure to UV light may lead to cytotoxicity concerns in associated tissue. It may therefore be desirable to use shorter cycles and / or lower doses of UV light than corresponding treatments with only visible light.

[0031] In certain aspects, longer wavelengths ranges that are inclusive of red and / or near IR light, such as having a peak wavelength in a range from 600 nm to 1600 nm or in a range from 750 nm to 1600 nm may also be useful to elicit different modulating responses for wound healing than the previously described shorter wavelengths of light described above. While the shorter wavelengths listed above may serve to modulate collagen formation and / or macrophage activation, longer wavelengths of light may elicit a different response, such as promoting progression to collagen and / or fibrous tissue formation along various stages of healing.

[0032] Turning back to FIG. 1 , aspects of the present disclosure may relate to irradiating wound tissue with one or more combinations of light in one or more wavelength ranges to modulate various biological effects along various stages of wound healing. In one example, light with a peak wavelength in a range from400 nm to 600 nm, or in a range from 400 nm to 450 nm, or in a range from 410 nm to 430 nm may be applied during one or more time intervals associated with wound healing stages. Such light may be applied throughout the wound healing stages, or during selected time intervals, such as proliferation and remodeling. In other aspects, devices and related methods may include irradiation with light of different wavelength ranges to modulate wound healing differently in different time intervals. For example, the associated wound tissue may first be irradiated with near UV and / or blue wavelengths of light (e.g., such as in a range from 400 nm to 450 nm) to inactivate and / or disrupt replication of pathogens, followed by irradiation of longer wavelengths of light (e.g., red and / or near IR such as in a range from 600 nm to 750 nm or in a range from 600 nm to 1600 nm) to induce localized healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. In other embodiments, the red and / or near IR light may be applied during one or more portions of hemostasis and / or inflammation stages to induce initial localized healing, followed by irradiation of the near UV and / or blue wavelengths of light to modulate later stages of healing.

[0033] In still further embodiments, devices and related methods may provide different dosing of light during the various stages of wound healing. Different dosing of light may refer to different dose intervals (i.e., time between doses), dose durations (i.e., time of a particular dose), dose locations, and / or different wavelengths. By way of example, one or more combinations of light with peak wavelengths described above may be applied throughout the various stages of wound healing, with longer initial dose intervals and / or shorter initial dose durations during time intervals associated with hemostasis and inflammation stages, followed by shorter dose intervals and longer dose durations during time intervals associated with proliferation and remodeling phases. In still further examples, one or more combinations of light with peak wavelengths described above may be initially applied during proliferation and remodeling phases with no light of any wavelength being applied during hemostasis and inflammation stages. Stated differently, dosing of light may be increased after an initial time period after wound initiation, where the initial time interval may embody no lightirradiation or a lower dosing of light than the subsequent time interval. In various embodiments, the above-described time intervals for the different wavelengths may involve overlapping intervals or nonoverlapping time intervals, depending on the intended application.

[0034] The term “peak wavelength” is generally used herein to refer to the wavelength that is of the greatest radiometric power of the light emitted by a light emitter. The term “dominant wavelength” may refer to the perceived color of a spectrum, i.e., the single wavelength of light which produces a color sensation most similar to the color sensation perceived from viewing light emitted by the light source (i.e., it is roughly akin to “hue”), as opposed to “peak wavelength”, which refers to the spectral line with the greatest power in the spectral power distribution of the light source. Because the human eye does not perceive all wavelengths equally (e.g., it perceives yellow and green light better than red and blue light), and because the light emitted by many solid state light emitters (e.g., LEDs) is actually a range of wavelengths, the color perceived (i.e., the dominant wavelength) is not necessarily equal to (and often differs from) the wavelength with the highest power (peak wavelength). A truly monochromatic light such as a laser may have the same dominant and peak wavelengths. For the purposes of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified herein, wavelength values are discussed as peak wavelength values.

[0035] Depending on the target application, full width half maximum (FWHM) values for any of the above-described peak wavelength ranges may be less than or equal to 100 nm, or less than or equal to 90 nm, or less than or equal to 40 nm, or less than or equal to 20 nm. In certain aspects, lower FWHM values are typically associated with single emission color light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in any of the above-described wavelength bands. Larger FWHM values (e.g., from 40 nm to 100 nm) may be associated with phosphor-converted LEDs where spectral bandwidths are a combination of LED emissions and phosphor-converted emissions. Exemplary phosphor-converted LEDs that may be applicable to the present disclosure are phosphor-converted amber LEDs having peak wavelengths in a range from 585 nm to 600 nm and FWHM values in a rangefrom 70 nm to 100 nm, and phosphor-converted mint and / or lime LEDs having peak wavelengths in a range from 520 nm to 560 nm. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applicable to broad spectrum white LEDs that may include an LED with a peak wavelength in a range from 400 nm to 470 nm, and one or more phosphors to provide the broad emission spectrum. In such embodiments, a broad spectrum LED may provide certain wavelengths that induce one or more biological effects while also providing broad spectrum emissions to the target area for illumination. In this regard, light impingement on tissue for single and / or multiple biological effects may be provided with light of a single peak wavelength or a combination of light with more than one peak wavelength.

[0036] Light sources may include one or more of LEDs, organic LEDs (OLEDs), lasers and other lamps according to aspects of the present disclosure. Lasers may be used for irradiation in combination with optical fibers or other delivery mechanisms. LEDs are solid state electronic devices capable of emitting light when electrically activated. LEDs may be configured across many different targeted emission spectrum bands with high efficiency and relatively low costs. Accordingly, LEDs may be used as light sources in photonic devices for phototherapy applications. Light from an LED is administered using a device capable of delivering the requisite power to a targeted treatment area or tissue. High power LED-based devices can be employed to fulfill various spectral and power needs for a variety of different medical applications.

[0037] In addition to various sources of light, the principles of the present disclosure may also include one or more other types of directed energy sources. As used herein, a directed energy source may include any of the various light sources previously described, and / or an energy source capable of providing one or more of heat, IR heating, resistance heating, radio waves, microwaves, soundwaves, ultrasound waves, electromagnetic interference, and electromagnetic radiation that may be directed to a target body tissue. Combinations of visual and non-visual electromagnetic radiation may include peak wavelengths in a range from 180 nm to 4000 nm. Illumination devices asdisclosed herein may include a light source and another directed energy source capable of providing directed energy beyond visible and UV light. In other embodiments, the other directed energy source capable of providing directed energy beyond visible and UV light may be provided separately from illumination devices of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an illumination device 10 capable of irradiating tissue 12 in the presence of vacuum pressure according to principles of the present disclosure. As illustrated, a portion of the tissue 12 includes a wound site or wound tissue 14. The illumination device 10 includes a vacuum source 16 with a tube 18 extending to the wound tissue 14. In operation, the vacuum source 16 applies vacuum pressure to the wound tissue 14 to draw gas and / or excess fluid away. For illustrative purposes, the direction of gas and / or fluid flow within the tube 18 is illustrated by superimposed dashed-line arrows. A dressing 20 may be positioned to cover the wound tissue 14 while receiving the tube 18 from the vacuum source 16. In certain embodiments, the dressing 20 may be formed of a material such as a sterile foam configured to apply even distribution of vacuum pressure to the wound tissue 14. An adhesive 22, such as an adhesive tape, may be applied over the dressing 20 to effectively seal the underlying wound tissue 14 for holding negative pressure under vacuum.

[0039] The illumination device 10 may further include one or more light sources 24. In certain embodiments, the light sources 24 are configured to apply light to the wound tissue 14 while under vacuum pressure. For illustrative purposes, light from the light sources 24 is represented as a number of superimposed arrows directed to the wound tissue 14. The light sources 24 may be configured to provide one or more combinations of peak wavelengths as described above. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the light sources 24 as labeled may instead embody any of the directed energy sources described above. In certain embodiments, the light sources 24 may be embedded within the material of the dressing 20 in positions to directly illuminate the wound tissue 14. Such arrangements may be applicable for applications where the dressing 20 is formed of a material with a color that is light-blocking and / or light-absorbing.In certain embodiments, the illumination device 10 may include an illumination head 26 positioned to house the light sources 24 and / or the dressing 20. In certain embodiments, the light sources 24 may be part of an attachment structure that is removably coupled with the vacuum source 16. For example, the illumination head 26 may form an attachment structure configured to be removably attached to the vacuum source 16 and / or tube 18. The illumination head 26 may be removably attached by any number of connectors or connector mechanisms, such as a mechanical connection including a threaded connection, a snap fit, or a spring clip, among others. In certain embodiments, the illumination head 26 may be attached to the tube 18 by way of the adhesive 22. For example, the tube 18 may be inserted through an opening of the illumination head 26 and held in place with the adhesive 22 during use. In certain embodiments, an end 18’ or flange of the tube 18 may include a larger diameter than the remainder of the tube 18 to form a stopper when inserted through the illumination head 26.

[0040] In operation, the vacuum source 16 applies a negative pressure, such as a slight suction, to the wound tissue 14 while light from the light sources 24 irradiates the wound tissue 14. The presence of the vacuum may remove excess fluid from the wound tissue 14 that may otherwise build up over time. In certain embodiments, the vacuum source 16 may include a reservoir for collecting the excess fluid. Removing excess fluid may reduce swelling while also reducing infection risk at the wound tissue 14 by removing bacteria as excess fluid is removed. Additionally, vacuum pressure may further improve blood flow within and near the wound tissue 14 and promote repair tissue growth. As described above, light at various wavelengths may also be applied to modulate various healing stages, including reducing the presence and / or the proliferation of pathogens such as bacteria, increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and modulating tissue growth among others. Any one of these may assist in wound healing, and combinations thereof may provide advanced wound healing. Since the light is applied concurrently with the vacuum pressure, excess fluid may continually be removed from the wound tissue 14, thereby providing a moredirect path of light to the wound tissue. In this manner, an additive or even synergistic effect may be achieved where effectiveness of light therapy is improved by the vacuum pressure and conversely, effectiveness of the vacuum pressure in promoting wound healing is enhanced.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an illumination device 28 that is similar to the illumination device 10 of FIG. 2 for embodiments where the light sources 24 are spaced from the wound tissue 14. In certain embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide such spacing to reduce unwanted heat transfer from the light sources 24 to the wound tissue 14. For embodiments that include the dressing 20, the material of the dressing 20 may be light-transmissive to light generated by light sources 24. In this regard, the light sources 24 may be separated from the wound tissue 14 by one or more portions of the dressing 20. For example, the light sources 24 may reside within the illumination head 26 to direct light through the dressing 20 to the wound tissue 14. For embodiments that do not include the dressing 20, the illumination head 26 may house the light sources 24 and the illumination head 26 may be structured to provide even distribution of vacuum pressure. In a similar manner as described above for FIG 2, the light sources 24 may be part of an attachment structure that is removably coupled with the vacuum source 16 for the illumination device 28 of FIG. 3. For example, the illumination head 26 with integrated light sources 24 may form an attachment structure configured to be removably attached to the vacuum source 16 and / or tube 18 as described above for FIG. 2.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an illumination device 30 that is similar to the illumination device 28 of FIG. 3 and further includes one or more sensors 32 and / or one or more cameras 34. The one or more sensors 32 and / or cameras 34 may be arranged to monitor various conditions of the wound tissue 14. In certain embodiments, data collected by the one or more sensors 32 and / or cameras 34 may be relayed to a control module 36 of the illumination device 30. The control module 36 may embody circuitry, such as a one or more of a microcontroller, a memory element, and / or logic configured to control operation of the vacuum source 16 and the light sources 24. By receiving datafrom the one or more sensors 32 and / or cameras 34, the control module 36 may alter illumination conditions, such as peak wavelengths or dosing, as healing progresses at the wound tissue 14. The control module 36 may also alter vacuum conditions based on the received data. In certain embodiments, the control module 36 may alter or halt illumination and vacuum conditions based on the collected data. For example, the wavelength of light, the dose of light, the vacuum pressure, or other conditions may be altered based on the received data. The one or more sensors 32 may embody any of temperature sensors, photosensors, image sensors, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, chemical sensors, biosensors, moisture sensors, and oximeters, among others. In one example, at least one sensor 32 may embody a transcutaneous blood gas monitor for measuring oxygenation and ventilation of the wound tissue 14. The one or more cameras 34 may capture images of the wound tissue 14 to monitor various stages of healing.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an illumination device 38 that is similar to the illumination device 30 of FIG. 4 and further includes a communication module 40 for communication with an external device. In certain embodiments, information captured by the one or more sensors 32 and / or cameras 34 may be transmitted by the communication module 40 to an external device, such as a mobile phone, a computer, a data logging device, or another suitable device that may optionally be connected to a local network, a wide-area network, a telephonic network, or other communication network. The communication module 40 may embody circuitry configured to communicate data via wired or wireless means (e.g., via Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, or another suitable protocol) to the external device. In certain embodiments, the communication module 40 may include a data port (e.g., micro USB or other type) to permit extraction or interrogation of information contained in memory of the control module 36. In this manner, the illumination device 38 may irradiate the wound tissue 14 with light while under vacuum pressure, monitor conditions of the wound tissue 14, relay information to an external device, and receive control instructions back from the external device for adjusting and / or halting treatment.

[0044] In another aspect, a stand-alone illumination device may be used to illuminate wound tissue according to principles of the present disclosure. In this regard, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an illumination device 42 configured to be a handheld device for providing light to wound tissue. The illumination device 42 includes a housing 44 and one or more light sources, such as LEDs, that are positioned within the housing 44. In certain embodiments, a lens 46 may control and direct an emission pattern of light exiting the illumination device 42 toward the wound tissue. The housing 44 may include one or more attachment features 48, such as notches, configured for attachment with additional light-directing structures, such as reflectors and / or light guides. The illumination device 42 may further include a user interface element 50, such as a tactile element, button, or switch so that a user may initiate operation of the illumination device 42. A port 52 for one or more of charging the illumination device 42, providing data for storing within the illumination device 42, and accessing data stored in the illumination device 42 may be integrated with the housing 44.

[0045] The illumination device 42 of FIG. 6 may be well suited for illuminating wound tissue with one or more combinations of light during various wound healing stages without vacuum pressure. However, the principles described above for FIG. 6 are also applicable for embodiments where the illumination device 42 provides light in combination with vacuum pressure. For example, the illumination device 42 may be attached to a structure for applying vacuum pressure proximate wound tissue by way of the attachment features 48.

[0046] It is contemplated that any of the foregoing aspects, and / or various separate aspects and features as described herein, may be combined for additional advantage. Any of the various embodiments as disclosed herein may be combined with one or more other disclosed embodiments unless indicated to the contrary herein.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims that follow.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:1 . An illumination device comprising: a vacuum source configured to apply vacuum pressure to tissue; and a light source configured to irradiate one or more peak wavelengths of light to the tissue while the tissue is under vacuum pressure.

2. The illumination device of claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises one or more light-emitting diodes.

3. The illumination device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more peak wavelengths of light comprise a range from 400 nanometers (nm) to 600 nm.

4. The illumination device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more peak wavelengths of light comprise a range from 600 nanometers (nm) to 750 nm.

5. The illumination device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more peak wavelengths of light comprise a first peak wavelength in a range from 400 nanometers (nm) to 450 nm and a second peak wavelength in a range from 600 nm to 750 nm.

6. The illumination device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more peak wavelengths of light comprise a range from 315 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm.

7. The illumination device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more peak wavelengths of light comprise a range from 600 nanometers (nm) to 1600 nm.

8. The illumination device of claim 1 , further comprising an illumination head in which the light source resides.

9. The illumination device of claim 1 , further comprising a control module configured to control operation of the light source and the vacuum source.

10. The illumination device of claim 9, further comprising at least one sensor configured to collect data relating to conditions of the tissue and relay the data to the control module.1 1 . The illumination device of claim 9, further comprising at least one camera configured to capture images of the tissue and relay the images to the control module.1 . The illumination device of claim 9, further comprising: at least one of a sensor configured to collect data relating to conditions of the tissue or a camera configured to capture images of the tissue; and a communication module configured to send at least one of the data and the images to an external device.

13. A method of modulating wound healing, the method comprising: applying vacuum pressure to wound tissue; and concurrently irradiating the wound tissue with light from a light source.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein irradiating the wound tissue with the light comprises changing a peak wavelength of the light for one or more different wound healing stages of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.

15. An illumination device attachment comprising: an attachment structure configured for attachment to a vacuum source, the vacuum source configured to apply vacuum pressure to tissue; and a light source configured to irradiate one or more peak wavelengths of light to the tissue while the tissue is under vacuum pressure.

16. The illumination device attachment of claim 15, wherein the attachment structure comprises an illumination head and the light source is integrated within the illumination head.

17. The illumination device attachment of claim 16, wherein the illumination head is configured to be removably attached to a tube of the vacuum source.

18. The illumination device attachment of claim 17, wherein the illumination head is configured to be removably attached to the tube of the vacuum source with adhesive tape that is configured for adhering to the tissue.

19. The illumination device attachment of claim 17, wherein the illumination head is configured to be removably attached to the tube of the vacuum source by a mechanical connection.