Lighting device for photodynamic therapy, method for treating skin disorders, and method for operating the lighting device

Abstract

An illumination device for photodynamic therapy, the illumination device comprising at least two electromagnetic radiation emitting units, each comprising at least one electromagnetic radiation source configured to generate radiation for irradiating an area of ​​an illumination object during an illumination session, the illumination object being arranged at a position of the object, the position of the object being arranged at a position remote relative to a radiation output area of ​​the radiation emitting unit from which radiation generated by the at least one electromagnetic radiation source exits the radiation emitting unit during operation of the illumination device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an illumination device for photodynamic therapy. The present disclosure also relates to a method of operating an illumination device, a method of treating skin disorders, and a computer program product and computer-readable medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been widely studied, and several approaches have been used successfully. Generally, PDT requires three components: a photosensitizer, molecular oxygen, and specific wavelengths of light. In dermatological PDT, a prodrug, such as aminolevulinic acid (ALA), is typically applied to the skin. The prodrug is then converted by cells (e.g., tumor cells) into the actual photosensitizer. The mechanism of action of PDT is based on the cellular uptake of ALA, the synthesis of the photosensitizer, and its accumulation. The photosensitizer is excited by specific wavelengths of light, which, in the presence of oxygen, can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS can trigger cell death in the form of apoptosis, necrosis, or autophagy.

[0003] However, one major issue preventing widespread patient acceptance of PDT is the relatively high level of pain experienced by patients during treatment, which can range from a mild inconvenience to severe pain that can force treatment to be discontinued. Furthermore, while PDT is highly effective, recurrence of some conditions, such as actinic keratosis, is not uncommon. Therefore, even after successful treatment, additional lesions often develop in other areas of the skin, requiring further medical intervention. Furthermore, some patients may not be cured after a single PDT session and may require a second PDT. Despite PDT's potentially high efficacy compared to other treatments, patients who experience significant pain during the initial PDT are less likely to initiate or complete a second PDT. As a result, many patients are reluctant to undergo treatment or retreatment. This, of course, is a significant negative factor for individual PDTs and for PDT as a whole.

[0004] Furthermore, the effectiveness of PDT is limited by the factors involved: photosensitizer, oxygen, and light. The reduced availability of any of these factors can impair the formation of ROS. Optimized drug formulation, pretreatment, and incubation methods can ensure adequate and abundant deposition of photosensitizer. However, sufficient amounts of light must reach the molecules, and oxygen must be available as an energy acceptor.

[0005] In particular, sufficient amounts of illumination light of the appropriate wavelength to activate each photosensitizer must be available. For topical applications, a frequently used photosensitizer is protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which is primarily produced within skin cells following application of precursor molecules such as 5-ALA. PpIX can be activated by a variety of different wavelengths of light, although red (approximately 635 nm), blue (approximately 420 nm), yellow (approximately 542 nm), or green (approximately 506 nm) light is most frequently used. In general, the radiation dose received by the target (e.g., the treated skin) depends on three main factors: the irradiance provided by the illumination device, the distance between the target area and the illumination device, and the duration of illumination.

[0006] Currently, it is common to deliver the entire radiation dose in a short time (e.g., 7–12 min for red light and 15–20 min for blue light). This approach is usually limited by the occurrence of pain for the patient. Furthermore, photobleaching of photosensitizers is more likely at higher light intensities, potentially limiting therapeutic efficacy. Photobleaching describes the inactivation of photosensitizers through permanent destruction of their chemical structure, e.g., cleavage of covalent bonds. This photobleaching effect may coincide with a temporary oxygen depletion in the target tissue due to a massive initial reaction. This results in a rapid decrease in the oxygen required for ROS generation. Photobleaching that occurs during the oxygen-limited phase is likely to be entirely nonproductive due to the low generation of cytotoxic singlet oxygen.

[0007] It should be noted that the above statements should not be construed as admissions of prior art, which are merely provided to provide background to the concepts disclosed herein, which may not yet be publicly available. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One object to be achieved is to provide an improved lighting device for photodynamic therapy. A further object to be achieved is to provide a method for treating skin conditions in which such a lighting device is used. A further object to be achieved is to provide a method for operating such a lighting device.

[0009] The respective objects may be achieved in particular by the subject matter of claims 1, 44 and 47. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. However, besides what is currently claimed, further advantageous concepts may be disclosed herein.

[0010] First, the lighting device is specified in more detail.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device includes at least one electromagnetic radiation emitting unit (hereinafter also referred to as "radiation-emitting unit"). "At least one" means that the lighting device may include one or more radiation-emitting units, for example, two or more radiation-emitting units. All features of one radiation-emitting unit disclosed below are equally applicable to all other radiation-emitting units of the lighting device, or to only some of the radiation-emitting units of the device. The radiation or light emitted from the radiation-emitting unit is, for example, radiation in the visible wavelength range.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation emitting unit comprises at least one electromagnetic radiation source (hereinafter also referred to as "radiation source"). This means that the electromagnetic radiation emitting unit may comprise one or more electromagnetic radiation emitting sources. All features disclosed below for one electromagnetic radiation source are likewise disclosed for all electromagnetic radiation sources of the radiation emitting unit or lighting device, or for only some of the radiation sources.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one radiation source is an optoelectronic component, for example a light emitting diode (LED) and / or a surface mountable component. All features of the at least one radiation source disclosed above and below are likewise disclosed for all or part of the radiation sources of the lighting device.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation source may emit radiation of the same or similar peak wavelength, e.g., the same color, e.g., red light (635 nm ± 4 nm), blue light (420 nm ± 4 nm), yellow light (542 nm ± 4 nm), or green light (506 nm ± 4 nm).

[0015] According to at least one embodiment, the emission spectrum of the optoelectronic component has a peak wavelength in one of the following ranges: 634 nm ± 4 nm, 634 nm ± 5 nm, 635 nm ± 4 nm, 635 nm ± 5 nm, 542 nm ± 4 nm, 542 nm ± 5 nm, 506 nm ± 4 nm, 506 nm ± 5 nm, 420 nm ± 4 nm, or 420 nm ± 5 nm. In particular, this peak wavelength is achieved when the optoelectronic component is operating at a temperature of 50°C or less, e.g., 25°C, and the operating current is between 100 mA and 1000 mA, inclusive. The half-band width of the spectrum is, e.g., at least 10 nm and / or at most 20 nm, e.g., 16 nm.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation source is configured to generate radiation for irradiating a region of an irradiation object (hereinafter also referred to as "irradiation region") in an illumination session. The electromagnetic radiation source is therefore an element of the electromagnetic radiation emitting unit that generates the radiation emitted by the radiation emitting unit. The irradiation object is, for example, a mammal, such as a human. The irradiation region of the irradiation object is, for example, a skin region of the human. The illumination session may, for example, last for up to 120 minutes, up to 80 minutes, up to 60 minutes, up to 40 minutes, up to 30 minutes, e.g., 20 minutes or less.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment, the duration of the entire lighting session is less than or equal to one of the following values: 25 minutes, 24 minutes, 23 minutes, 22 minutes, 21 minutes, 20 minutes, 19 minutes, 18 minutes, 17 minutes, 16 minutes, 15 minutes, 14 minutes, 13 minutes. Session lengths up to 25 minutes, such as 22 minutes, are typically acceptable to users. Additionally or alternatively, the duration of the entire lighting session is greater than or equal to one of the following values: 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes. The session length is between 10 and 25 minutes, such as 18 or 22 minutes.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment, the illumination object is to be placed at a predetermined target position, e.g., during a lighting session. The predetermined target position is preferably a spatial region or point in space spaced apart from the lighting device and / or the radiation-emitting unit. During the intended operation, the region of the illumination object to be illuminated is located at or within the predetermined target position, e.g., completely within the predetermined target position. Also, the region of the illumination object is spaced apart from the lighting device and / or the radiation-emitting unit during the intended operation.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment, the predetermined target position is positioned at a distance relative to a radiation output region of the radiation-emitting unit through which radiation generated by the at least one electromagnetic radiation source is emitted from the radiation-emitting unit during operation of the lighting device. Herein, the distance between two objects is defined as the shortest connection between the two objects. For example, during a lighting session, the distance between the predetermined target position and the output region is one or more of 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, and 80 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the distance may be equal to or less than any of the following values: 800 mm, 700 mm, 600 mm, 500 mm, 400 mm, 300 mm, 100 mm, and 80 mm. Similarly, the distance between the illumination region of the illuminated object and the radiation output region may take these values ​​during a lighting session.

[0020] When an object to be irradiated is placed at the target position during the lighting session, the irradiance may be greater than or equal to one of the following values: 30 J / cm 2 , 35J / cm 2 , 37J / cm 2 Alternatively, or in addition, when the illuminated object is placed at the target position during the illumination session, the irradiance may be less than or equal to any of the following values: 45 J / cm 2 , 40J / cm 2 , 37J / cm 2When an illuminated object is placed at the target position during a lighting session, the average or maximum irradiance may be greater than or equal to any of the following values: 25 mW / cm 2 , 40mW / cm 2 , 50mW / cm 2 Alternatively, when the illuminated object is placed in the illuminated position during the lighting session, the average or maximum irradiance may be less than or equal to any of the following values: 75 mW / cm 2 , 65mW / cm 2 , 60mW / cm 2 For example, the average or maximum irradiance when the illuminated object is placed at the target position during the lighting session is 62 mW / cm 2 ±1mW / cm 2 The above values ​​are particularly true for red light, for example, at least for a peak wavelength of 635 nm at 25°C.

[0021] Sufficient radiation dose is one of the key requirements for successful PDT. However, the maximum level of pain that the patient can tolerate should also be considered when determining the radiation dose. A radiation dose of 30–45 J / cm is recommended, especially when using red light. 2 in the range of 37J / cm 2 is considered to be the best compromise between adequate therapeutic effect and pain burden. Additionally or alternatively, a mean or maximum irradiance of 25 mW / cm 2 and 75 mW / cm 2 Especially when the average or maximum irradiance is 62 mW / cm 2 However, when using, for example, red light, it is considered to be the best compromise between adequate treatment efficiency and pain burden.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device is configured to irradiate an area of ​​an illumination target with a predetermined amount of radiation during an illumination session, the amount of radiation being 8 J / cm when the illumination target is positioned at the target position during the illumination session. 2 , 9J / cm 2 , 10J / cm 2Alternatively, or additionally, when the illumination target is positioned at the target position during the illumination session, the irradiance may be less than or equal to one of the following values: 12 J / cm 2 , 11J / cm 2 , 10J / cm 2 The above values ​​are at least particularly true for blue light.

[0023] 8J / cm 2 to 12 J / cm 2 The radiation dose between 10J / cm 2 is considered to be the best compromise between adequate therapeutic effect and pain burden when using, for example, blue light.

[0024] As mentioned above, pain reduction is a crucial concern for increasing the overall acceptance of PDT treatment and increasing utilization of this excellent treatment. One important step toward achieving this goal is to improve the efficacy of PDT, for example, by improving the homogeneity or uniformity of skin irradiation, respectively. This increases the probability that one or a few sessions will be sufficient to treat the affected skin area. Furthermore, increasing homogeneity also reduces the likelihood of photobleaching in certain areas.

[0025] The term "homogeneity" means a particular homogeneity, i.e. a uniform specific distribution of radiation in the illuminated area, and a homogeneity in the radiation power and / or wavelength, i.e. the radiation power and / or radiation wavelength are temporally homogeneous during the lighting session.

[0026] The illumination device of the present disclosure achieves an improvement in the amount of radiation received by the target, particularly in terms of the uniformity of the illumination.

[0027] Further aspects of the lighting device that lead to improved lighting effects and experience of illuminated objects are described in more detail below.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emitting unit includes a plurality of radiation sources arranged on a common radiation source carrier. The radiation source carrier is part of the radiation emitting unit. The radiation source carrier may, for example, be a continuously formed carrier. The carrier may have a continuous surface on which the plurality of radiation sources are arranged. The radiation source carrier may be freestanding. The radiation source carrier conveniently carries the radiation sources arranged thereon. The carrier may be a circuit board.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation sources on the radiation source carrier are grouped into a plurality of groups, the radiation sources of each group being arranged in a regular group pattern, and at least two of the plurality of groups have different group patterns. In the regular pattern, a basic translation vector does not change across the group. The different group patterns differ from each other, for example, with respect to one or two basic translation vectors. For example, each radiation source on the radiation source carrier is assigned to one group.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, at least two groups, in particular all groups, have the same number of source carriers.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment, each group comprises a plurality of radiation sources, for example, between 4 and 40, or between 10 and 25.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device includes an electronic control unit configured to control operation of the lighting device, and each radiation-emitting unit is operably coupled to the electronic control unit.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device is configured to adjust lighting session parameters to account for temperature-dependent variations in the radiation wavelength emitted by the radiation source and / or temperature-dependent variations in the optical output power, e.g., the radiant power, in order to irradiate the illumination area with a predetermined radiation dose.

[0034] Changes in the temperature of the radiation source and / or the operating environment of the illumination device can shift the radiation emission characteristics (e.g., wavelength). For example, depending on the temperature and characteristics (e.g., type) of the radiation source, the irradiation wavelength or peak emission wavelength may increase or decrease. Wavelength shifts can cause the emission spectrum to move away from the maximum of the absorption spectrum, resulting in consequences similar to insufficient delivered energy. Insufficient absorbed energy also reduces the formation of cytotoxic singlet oxygen, resulting in similar adverse effects on treatment success.

[0035] Temperature variations in the environment in which the radiation is generated can affect the wavelength of the emitted radiation and thus the success of the treatment. By taking into account temperature-dependent variations in the wavelength of the radiation emitted by the radiation source, temperature variations in the operating environment depending on different seasons, e.g., winter and summer, different times of the day, e.g., early morning and afternoon, and / or the geographic location of the lighting device, can be taken into account to ensure better treatment during operation of the lighting device, e.g., during a lighting session.

[0036] Furthermore, this also ensures a more flexible use of the lighting device, especially in terms of location: the lighting device can be moved, for example within a room or building, without the user having to take into account temperature variations in different locations, thereby providing uniform and homogeneous therapeutic results regardless of the environment in which the lighting session takes place.

[0037] It is therefore desirable to take into account temperature dependent variations in the wavelength of the radiation emitted by the radiation source.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, temperature-dependent variations in optical output power are also taken into account. The optical output power of radiation sources such as LEDs is temperature-dependent and therefore prone to temperature-dependent variations. Adjusting the parameters of the illuminator according to the temperature-dependent variations in optical output power can compensate for these variations and ensure more efficient and effective treatment.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device includes at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature, e.g., a temperature characteristic of the radiation source. The at least one temperature sensor may be operatively connected to the electronic control unit to provide the temperature data to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may be configured to adjust operation of the lighting device based on the temperature data to ensure a predetermined amount of radiation is delivered to an object to be irradiated.

[0040] At least one temperature sensor may be located at or near the radiation source. If there are many radiation sources, each radiation source may be provided with a temperature sensor, or one or more of the radiation sources may be provided with one or more temperature sensors (e.g., at least one or only one per radiation-emitting unit).

[0041] If there are more temperature sensors, each temperature sensor may be operatively connected to the electronic control unit to provide a temperature value, and the electronic control unit may, for example, average some or all of the different values ​​to obtain a single temperature data value for some or all of the radiation sources.

[0042] The temperature sensor may be physically connected to the electronic control unit, for example by a cable connection, or may be operably connected to the electronic control unit wirelessly, for example by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or similar methods.

[0043] At least one temperature sensor may provide temperature data continuously during operation of the lighting device. The temperature sensor may provide temperature values ​​periodically during operation of the lighting device, for example, every 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, or longer. In other words, the temperature sensor may be queried (polled) at appropriate intervals.

[0044] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device includes a radiation sensor arranged to receive radiation emitted from the lighting device to generate radiation data characteristic of a wavelength shift of the peak wavelength of the radiation source, and the electronic control unit is configured to adjust the operation of the lighting device based on the radiation data, for example to ensure that a predetermined amount of radiation is delivered to the illuminated area during a lighting session.

[0045] For example, if the peak wavelength of the radiation source is shifted to such an extent that it is no longer possible to ensure an optimal radiation dose for the irradiated area of ​​the irradiated object, the electronic control unit may adjust its operation, for example by increasing or decreasing the duration of irradiation of the irradiated object and / or by increasing or decreasing the wavelength of radiation emitted from the radiation emitting unit.

[0046] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation received by the radiation sensor is radiation reflected by an illuminated object. The radiation may be radiation generated by a radiation source.

[0047] The radiation sensor, like the temperature sensor, can be used to regulate the operation of the lighting device by the electronic control unit. In particular, the lighting device may include one or more radiation sensors.

[0048] If there are more radiation sensors, each radiation sensor may be operatively connected to an electronic control unit to provide radiation data, and the electronic control unit may average the different values, such as to obtain a single radiation data value.

[0049] The radiation sensor may be physically connected to the electronic control unit, such as by a cable connection, or may be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or similar methods.

[0050] The radiation sensor can provide radiation data continuously during operation of the lighting device. The radiation sensor can provide data periodically during operation of the device, such as every 1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds, 4 seconds, 5 seconds, or longer. In other words, the radiation sensor can be queried at any appropriate frequency.

[0051] One or more radiation sensors may be positioned at or near the radiation source and configured to receive radiation reflected from the object to be irradiated, and the data may then be provided to an electronic control unit, which may estimate the amount of radiation absorbed by the object to be irradiated based on the received information and adjust the amount of radiation accordingly.

[0052] According to at least one embodiment, the operation of the lighting device is adjusted using one, any combination, or all of the following measures: - varying the distance between the respective radiation-emitting unit and the object to be irradiated, for example by increasing or decreasing it; - adjusting the radiation power emitted by each radiation-emitting unit, for example by increasing or decreasing it; and / or -Adjusting the duration of a lighting session, for example by increasing or decreasing it.

[0053] The adjustments may change the radiant power delivered to the target. The operation of the illuminator, and therefore the delivery to the target (e.g., patient), can then be optimized to compensate for variations in, for example, peak wavelength or radiant power, allowing for greater control and precision in delivering the target.

[0054] According to at least one embodiment, the at least two radiation emitting units are connected to a common support via a mechanical connection system.

[0055] According to at least one embodiment, the common support of the lighting device is a portion of the lighting device that extends substantially perpendicular to the floor, for example, extending along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the floor. The common support may further include foot elements for securing the lighting device to the ground. Furthermore, the foot elements may include wheels to allow movement of the entire lighting device.

[0056] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation-emitting units are movably, for example pivotally, connected to one another.

[0057] According to at least one embodiment, the mechanical connection system includes a connection arm that is fixedly and / or axially connected to at least two radiation-emitting units that are movable relative to each other and can be connected to each other. The connection arm thus connects the at least two radiation-emitting units to a common support. By "axially" connected, it is meant that the connection prevents axial movement of the radiation-emitting units to which the arm is connected, and the point of connection to the arm is prevented. Rotational movement may be permitted.

[0058] According to at least one embodiment, the connecting arm is U-shaped, for example horseshoe-shaped, V-shaped, or C-shaped.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, the connecting arm is configured to be movable from a first position to a second position, and the U-shape, e.g., horseshoe, V, or C-shape, of the connecting arm in the first position is narrower than the U-shape, e.g., horseshoe, V, or C-shape, of the connecting arm in the second position. A narrower U-shape, V-shape, or C-shape in the first position is defined as a U-shape, V-shape, or C-shape in which the distance between the two endpoints of the "U," "V," or "C" in the first position is smaller than the distance in the second position.

[0060] According to at least one embodiment, the connecting arm has an adaptable length so as to accommodate different positions that the radiation-emitting units can assume relative to one another when moved relative to one another.

[0061] According to at least one embodiment, the connecting arm comprises two end portions, and according to at least one embodiment, at least one of the end portions is movable relative to the other end portion, e.g., to increase or decrease the length of the connecting arm, e.g., to accommodate different positions that the radiation-emitting units occupy relative to one another when moved.

[0062] According to at least one embodiment, the connecting arm is telescoping in length, e.g., one or both of the two end portions of the connecting arm can telescope out relative to the connecting arm or retract towards the connecting arm. Telescoping the distance between the two end portions increases the length of the connecting arm.

[0063] According to at least one embodiment, the connecting arms include a fully extended position, i.e., a position where the end portions of the connecting arms are furthest from each other, and a fully retracted position, i.e., a position where the end portions of the connecting arms are closest to each other.

[0064] According to at least one embodiment, at least one radiation-emitting unit, for example only one, is arranged between the at least two radiation-emitting units to which the connecting arms are connected.

[0065] According to at least one embodiment, at least one radiation-emitting unit is connected to two radiation-emitting units connected to a connecting arm. At least three radiation-emitting units form a panel or arrangement of radiation-emitting units. The panel or arrangement of radiation-emitting units is therefore connected to the connecting arm via the two radiation-emitting units.

[0066] According to at least one embodiment, the panel or arrangement of radiation-emitting units includes five radiation-emitting units, the panel or arrangement being attached to a connecting arm via two of the radiation-emitting units.

[0067] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation-emitting units within a panel or arrangement of radiation-emitting units are movable relative to one another, in particular to adjust the lighting device for irradiating non-planar surfaces, where the shape of the different surfaces to be irradiated may vary.

[0068] For example, the lighting device may be arranged to illuminate a cylindrical surface or an idealized or approximately cylindrical human head, and the radiation-emitting units may then be positioned such that the radiation output areas of the radiation-emitting units are all the same distance to the sides of the cylinder that define the cylindrical shape.

[0069] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation-emitting units may be arranged at first irradiation locations where the radiation output areas of the radiation-emitting units all have the same distance to the sides of a cylinder defining the first cylindrical shape.

[0070] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emitting units may be positioned at a second irradiation position in which the radiation output areas of the radiation emitting units all have the same distance to the sides of a cylinder defining a second cylinder, the second cylinder having a larger diameter than the first cylinder.

[0071] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation-emitting units can be arranged in a C-shaped configuration and / or a semicircular configuration. In particular, when all of them are in a C-shaped or semicircular configuration, they can emit radiation toward an illumination target, such as a human head. The radiation of the radiation-emitting units can overlap at the target location. In the C-shaped or semicircular configuration, the angle between each two adjacent radiation-emitting units is at least 100°, or at least 110° and / or at most 150°, or at most 130°, e.g., 120°. Such a configuration can more uniformly illuminate, for example, a human face.

[0072] In particular, the angle between two radiation-emitting units is defined as the angle between the output areas and / or radiation source carriers of the two radiation-emitting units, which may be the smaller of the angles defined by the (planar) emitting surfaces of the two radiation-emitting units.

[0073] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation-emitting units may be arranged such that their radiation output areas are aligned parallel to a plane, thereby ensuring the possibility of irradiating a planar irradiation target, such as a patient's leg. According to at least one embodiment, the aligned parallel positions of the radiation-emitting units correspond to the fully extended position of the connecting arm.

[0074] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation-emitting units may be arranged or moved into a linear arrangement, for example, which may be particularly suitable for irradiating legs or arms.

[0075] According to at least one embodiment, the duration of the overall lighting session may differ depending on whether the radiation-emitting units are arranged such that the radiation output areas of the radiation-emitting units are aligned parallel along a plane, or whether the radiation-emitting units are arranged in a C-shaped configuration and / or a semicircular configuration.

[0076] According to at least one embodiment, the duration of a lighting session when the radiation-emitting units are arranged in a C-shaped configuration and / or a semicircular configuration may be shorter than when the radiation-emitting units are arranged such that the radiation output areas of the radiation-emitting units are aligned parallel along a plane.

[0077] According to at least one embodiment, in the C-shaped and / or semicircular configurations, the duration of the lighting session may be less than or equal to any of the following values: 18 minutes, 17 minutes, 16 minutes, 15 minutes, 14 minutes, 13 minutes. Additionally or alternatively, the duration of the entire lighting session is greater than or equal to any of the following values: 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes. The duration of the lighting session may be, for example, 18 minutes.

[0078] According to at least one embodiment, when the radiation-emitting units are arranged such that their radiation output areas are aligned parallel along a plane, the duration of the lighting session may be equal to or less than any of the following values: 25 minutes, 24 minutes, 23 minutes, 22 minutes, 21 minutes, 20 minutes, 19 minutes, 18 minutes, 17 minutes, 16 minutes, 15 minutes, 14 minutes, 13 minutes. Session times of up to 25 minutes, e.g., 22 minutes, are typically acceptable to users. Additionally, or alternatively, the duration of the entire lighting session is equal to or greater than any of the following values: 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes. The session duration may be between 10 and 25 minutes, e.g., 22 minutes.

[0079] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation-emitting units are tiltable relative to the connecting arm. The radiation-emitting units (e.g. the overall arrangement of different radiation-emitting units) may be tiltable along an axis that is tilted, e.g. perpendicular, to an axis along which the interconnected radiation-emitting units are movable, e.g. pivotally, relative to one another.

[0080] The tiltability of the radiation emitting unit provides additional flexibility in the mobility of the lighting device, in particular the mobility of the radiation emitting unit, ensuring the possibility of irradiating different parts of the object to be irradiated at different angles or with different angles of illumination.

[0081] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation emitting unit may be movable, for example tiltable, during the irradiation process in a lighting session.

[0082] The radiation-emitting unit can be connected to the connecting arm via a joint connection, such as to enable tilting movement of the radiation-emitting unit. The joint connection can be a hinge joint, a saddle joint, a pivot joint, a ball-and-socket joint, or a combination thereof. Such a joint connection increases the degree of freedom of movement of the radiation-emitting unit, thereby ensuring better positioning of the radiation-emitting unit relative to the irradiation target.

[0083] The movement of the radiation emitting unit may be controlled by an electronic control unit depending on data values ​​obtained by different sensors, such as, for example, temperature sensors, radiation sensors and / or distance sensors.

[0084] According to at least one embodiment, one or more of the radiation-emitting units may be provided with a handle.

[0085] The handle is particularly useful for manually moving the radiation delivery unit to a desired position or configuration (e.g., C-shaped, linear, etc.) and / or for moving the radiation delivery unit panel or arrangement to a different position relative to the object to be irradiated.

[0086] According to at least one embodiment, each radiation-emitting unit may have two opposing end faces connected by two opposing side faces. Each unit may be elongated. In other words, the side faces may be longer than the end faces. The side faces may be parallel and / or the end faces may be parallel. The side faces may be oriented parallel to a pivot axis about which the radiation-emitting unit can rotate relative to an adjacent connecting unit.

[0087] According to at least one embodiment, the handles can be located at different locations on the two radiation-emitting units, for example on the backsides of each of the radiation-emitting units, and one handle can extend along a side of one unit and the other handle can extend along an end face of the other unit.

[0088] According to at least one embodiment, two sections of the connecting arm that are movable relative to one another are each provided with a handle, these sections may for example be two end portions.

[0089] Handles are located at different parts of the connecting arm, particularly at each end, so that the length of the connecting arm can be easily adjusted manually, for example, to a fully extended or fully retracted position.

[0090] By locating the handles on two different radiation-emitting units, it becomes easier to tilt the radiation-emitting unit, for example a panel of the radiation-emitting unit, so that the radiation output area coincides with the object to be irradiated.

[0091] According to at least one embodiment, the connecting arm is movably connected to a positioning arm of the lighting device, the connection allowing for rotational movement, e.g., only rotational movement, of the connecting arm relative to the positioning arm.

[0092] According to at least one embodiment, the positioning arms are movably connected to the common support, the connection allowing rotational and / or pivotal movement of the positioning arms relative to the common support, e.g., rotational and / or pivotal movement only.

[0093] The positioning arm can be used, for example, to set the connecting arm, in particular the radiation emitting unit, at a predetermined and / or set distance from the irradiation object.

[0094] According to a further embodiment, the positioning arm is connected or connectable to a connecting arm at a first end and to a common support at a second end.

[0095] According to at least one embodiment, the positioning arm extends along a first axis and includes a first and a second end. The first end is connected or connectable to the connecting arm and thereby also to the electromagnetic radiation emitting unit. The second end is connected or connectable to the common support, preferably to an upper portion, e.g., a portion at a distal end of the common support relative to a base / foot element of the common support.

[0096] The positioning arms may extend from the common support at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the common support. The angle may be any angle between 1° and 179°, but may be in the range of 70° to 110°. The positioning arms may, for example, be pivotally connected to the common support so that they can be positioned at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the common support.

[0097] The positioning arm may extend substantially perpendicular to the connecting arm.

[0098] According to at least one embodiment, the connecting arm is movably connected to the positioning arm via an attachment element extending along the longitudinal axis.

[0099] According to at least one embodiment, the mounting element may include a connection means for connecting to the positioning arm and / or the connecting arm. According to at least one embodiment, the connection means may include a joint connection, such as a hinge joint, a saddle joint, a pivot joint, a ball joint or the like.

[0100] The connecting arm may be connected to the positioning arm via a mounting element, for example to allow rotation of 180°, or 360°, or more than 360° relative to the positioning arm.

[0101] According to at least one embodiment, the positioning arm is a spring arm, for example a gas spring arm.

[0102] In accordance with at least one embodiment, the lighting device includes a gas spring operatively connected to the positioning arm to support the positioning arm.

[0103] According to at least one embodiment, the gas spring may have an extension force that is less than or equal to 4100N, 4000N, 3900N, 3800N, 3700N, etc. According to at least one embodiment, the gas spring may have an extension force that is greater than or equal to 3400N, 3500N, 3600N, 3700N, etc.

[0104] Such a stretching force is advantageous for supporting the total weight of the support part and the radiation emitting unit without compromising stability.

[0105] According to at least one embodiment, the gas spring may have a weight of 1.5 kg, 1.4 kg, 1.3 kg, 1.2 kg or less. According to at least one embodiment, the gas spring may have a weight of 1.1 kg, 1.2 kg, 1.3 kg or more. For example, the gas spring may have a weight of 1.305 kg.

[0106] According to at least one embodiment, the illumination device includes an illumination object cooling system, for example a system for supplying a cooling gas to the illumination object.

[0107] The object to be irradiated may be, for example, a mammal suffering from a skin disease, for example a human patient suffering from a skin disease.

[0108] One of the problems associated with PDT is the pain felt and endured by the irradiated subject, i.e., the patient during irradiation. The pain felt by patients is often moderate to severe and is recognized as a reason for reluctance to undergo PDT treatment.

[0109] Pain may be caused by a topically applied substance performing its function and / or by a rise in the temperature of the skin surface due to radiation. The normal skin surface temperature of a patient not in contact with a heat source is approximately 32°C. For more information on the thermal sensitivity of human skin, see Jeon & Caterina (2018): Chapter 4 - Molecular basis of peripheral innocuous warmth sensitivity; Handbook of Clinical Neurology, Vol. 1, 56, 2018, pp. 69-82 (https: / / doi.org / 10.1016 / B978-0-444-63912-7.00004-7).

[0110] During a lighting session, the temperature of the irradiated area of ​​the irradiated object may rise up to 40° C. An elevated temperature, for example 42° C, may cause a sensation of heat on the patient's skin, making the whole treatment uncomfortable and making the patient less likely to undergo such treatment again, even if medically recommended, since photodynamic reactions, especially those involving reactive oxygen species, may intensify or amplify the heat sensation or sensitize the skin to such heat sensations.

[0111] A cooling system for the irradiation object may provide some relief to the irradiation object.

[0112] According to at least one embodiment, the irradiation object cooling system includes at least one cooling gas outlet configured to face the target position, and the lighting device is configured such that the cooling gas exits the lighting device through the at least one cooling gas outlet.

[0113] According to at least one embodiment, the lighting device includes a cooling gas drive system including at least one cooling gas driver configured to flow cooling gas through the cooling gas outlet. The cooling gas driver may be included in the radiation-emitting unit.

[0114] According to at least one embodiment, the cooling gas driver is a fan.

[0115] According to at least one embodiment, each radiation emitting unit includes one or more cooling gas drivers.

[0116] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one radiation emitting unit includes at least one cooling gas outlet opening towards the target location.

[0117] According to at least one embodiment, at least one radiation-emitting unit may include one or more cooling gas outlets. In particular, at least one radiation-emitting unit may include one or two cooling gas outlets. For example, each radiation-emitting unit may include one or two cooling gas outlets.

[0118] According to at least one embodiment, at least one radiation emitting unit comprises at least two cooling gas outlets, preferably arranged in opposite end regions of the radiation emitting unit, e.g. separated along a main longitudinal direction or an axis perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of the radiation emitting unit.

[0119] By arranging at least two cooling gas outlets at opposite ends of the radiation emitting unit, it becomes possible to cool the irradiated area of ​​the irradiated object from different sides and / or angles and / or positions. If the irradiated object is a patient and the irradiated area is a part of the patient's skin, it is possible to achieve a more uniform cooling distribution on the skin part, which may provide a more comfortable feeling to the patient or at least reduce the pain burden.

[0120] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation source carrier includes one or more cooling gas passages for a flow of cooling gas from one side of the radiation source carrier to an opposite side of the radiation source carrier.

[0121] The radiation source carrier may have a continuous surface on which the radiation sources are arranged. During operation, the temperature of the radiation sources increases. It is therefore advantageous to provide the radiation sources with a cooling mechanism.

[0122] The cooling gas passage serves to indirectly cool the radiation source carrier, which in turn indirectly cools the radiation source.

[0123] According to at least one embodiment, each cooling gas passage defines one cooling gas outlet or each cooling gas passage is fluidly connected to at least one cooling gas outlet.

[0124] According to at least one embodiment, cooling of the radiation source carrier and the irradiation area of ​​the irradiation object may be combined. A cooling gas flow provided by a cooling gas driver may be passed along the radiation source and / or through a cooling gas passage. This allows heat loss from the radiation source to be guided away (in the case of LEDs, there is not much heat loss, but heat can affect wavelength / temperature, and this effect should be kept as low as possible). From the cooling gas outlet, the cooling gas flows towards the irradiation object, cooling it.

[0125] According to at least one embodiment, the cooling gas passage may form a cooling gas outlet, for example, the passage may terminate in an open distal end that defines the cooling gas outlet.

[0126] According to at least one embodiment, each cooling gas passage is fluidly connected to at least one cooling gas outlet such that the cooling gas flows first through the passage and then through the cooling gas outlet.

[0127] According to at least one embodiment, the radiation source carrier forms a cooling gas barrier and / or is closed, for example, without cooling gas passages defined within the radiation source carrier. In such an embodiment, the cooling gas may not need to pass within the carrier. For example, the cooling gas may pass laterally through the carrier.

[0128] According to at least one embodiment, one or more cooling gas passages for flowing cooling gas from one side of the radiation source carrier to the opposite side of the radiation source carrier are arranged adjacent to the edges that laterally bound the radiation source carrier.

[0129] By being positioned along the side edges of the radiation source carrier, the coolant passages are positioned closer to the cooling gas outlets, so that the temperature loss of the cooling gas flow is minimized by its path towards the cooling gas outlets, thereby avoiding the passage of the cooling gas through the radiation source carrier. At the same time, by passing through the side edges of the radiation source carrier, the passage of the cooling gas still provides a cooling effect on the carrier and therefore on the radiation sources on the carrier.

[0130] According to at least one embodiment, each radiation emitting unit includes at least one cooling gas inlet, e.g., at least one inlet per gas driver, which may overlap with the radiation source carrier in a plan view of the cooling gas inlets.

[0131] According to at least one embodiment, the illumination device is configured such that the cooling gas flows from a side of the radiation source carrier remote from the cooling gas outlet towards the cooling gas outlet. The cooling gas inlet may be arranged on a side of the radiation source carrier remote from the cooling gas outlet. The cooling gas inlet may be arranged on a side of the radiation emitting unit remote from the radiation emission surface.

[0132] According to at least one embodiment, the temperature of the cooling gas at the cooling gas outlet is higher than the ambient temperature and lower than or equal to the temperature of a radiation source or radiative cooler (e.g., a heat sink or heat spreader) thermally connected to one or more radiation sources of the radiation emitting unit.

[0133] According to at least one embodiment, the illumination device includes an active source cooling system that actively cools the radiation source, particularly during operation in the irradiation process.

[0134] According to at least one embodiment, the source cooling system includes a gas driver, e.g., a fan, configured to move the source cooling gas relative to the radiation source. The source cooling system may include multiple gas drivers, e.g., multiple fans.

[0135] The gas drive of the radiation source cooling system may be, but need not be, a cooling gas drive as described above, for example there may be a separate cooling gas drive or the irradiation system may not have an irradiation target cooling system etc. The gas drive may move a source cooling gas towards, through or near one or more radiation sources in order to actively cool the radiation sources.

[0136] According to at least one embodiment, the active cooling system includes one or more gas drivers, such as fans. The gas inlet may be arranged as the cooling gas inlet described above.

[0137] In at least one embodiment, the lighting device is configured such that the source cooling gas is used as cooling gas for cooling the irradiation object in an object cooling system, so that only one cooling system is needed to serve both the radiation source and the irradiation object, which makes the lighting device lighter and easier to operate.

[0138] A method for treating skin disorders will now be described, and the lighting device defined herein is suitable for use in this method. Accordingly, all features disclosed with respect to the lighting device are also disclosed with respect to this method, and vice versa.

[0139] According to at least one embodiment, the method includes, in step a), applying a medicinal substance to the surface of the skin in the area to be treated. In step b), the skin area to be treated is placed at a predetermined target position of an illumination device, such as a device according to any embodiment described herein. In step c), the skin area to be treated is illuminated with the illumination device. In this step, an illumination session is performed.

[0140] In accordance with at least one embodiment, the method includes adjusting operation of the illumination device, e.g., adjusting radiation emitted by a radiation source, based on temperature-dependent wavelength variations of the radiation emission and / or temperature-dependent optical output power variations.

[0141] According to at least one embodiment, the method includes cooling the skin area to be treated with an irradiation object cooling system.

[0142] The skin disease or disorder may be or include a neoplastic skin disease, such as actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, warts, acne, wound healing disorders / chronic wounds, bacterial and / or fungal infections, or inflammatory skin diseases. For example, the pharmaceutical substance is suitable for topical application to the skin in the area to be treated. It should be noted that the present disclosure includes therapeutic and non-therapeutic methods.

[0143] According to at least one embodiment, the pharmaceutical agent is a photosensitizer or a precursor to such an agent that is excitable by light in the radiation spectrum emitted by the lighting device.

[0144] According to at least one embodiment, the pharmaceutical agent comprises 5-aminolevulinic acid, which has been well studied and is considered a reliable prodrug for generating photosensitizers.

[0145] According to at least one embodiment, the skin disease is or comprises actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, or neoplastic skin diseases such as warts, acne, impaired wound healing / chronic wounds, bacterial and / or fungal infections, inflammatory skin diseases.

[0146] A method of operating a lighting device will now be described. In particular, the lighting device defined herein can be operated in this manner. Accordingly, all features disclosed in relation to the lighting device are also disclosed in relation to this method, and vice versa.

[0147] According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises the step of providing a measurement signal, the measurement signal being indicative of a distance between the radiation-emitting unit and the object to be irradiated, and in a further step, an operating signal is generated as a function of the measurement signal, i.e. in response to the measurement signal, the operating signal being configured to cause the lighting device to adjust its operation or to make a request for the adjustment of the operation of the lighting device.

[0148] According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step of providing a measurement signal, the measurement signal being indicative of a temperature-dependent variation of the wavelength of the emitted radiation and / or a temperature-dependent variation of the optical output power.

[0149] As a further step, an operating signal is generated as a function of the measurement signal, i.e. depending on the measurement signal, the operating signal being configured to cause the lighting device to adjust the wavelength of the radiation emitted by the radiation source of the lighting device or to request that the wavelength of the radiation emitted by the radiation source of the lighting device be adjusted by a user, e.g. a medical professional.

[0150] Additionally or alternatively, in a further step, an operating signal is generated as a function of the measurement signal, i.e. dependent on the measurement signal, the operating signal being configured to adjust the optical output power of the lighting device or to prompt a user, e.g. a medical professional, to adjust the optical output power of the lighting device.

[0151] According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step of providing a measurement signal, the measurement signal being indicative of a temperature in an irradiated area of ​​the irradiated object, and in a further step generating an operating signal as a function of the measurement signal, i.e. dependent on the measurement signal, the operating signal being configured to adjust or to request an adjustment of the operation of an irradiated object cooling system of the lighting device.

[0152] Further, a computer program product is specified, which includes machine-readable instructions configured, when loaded and executed by a processor, to cause a lighting device to perform any of the embodiments of the method for operating a lighting device, the processor may be part of the lighting device.

[0153] Additionally, a computer-readable medium is specified having a computer program product stored thereon, which may be a non-transitory storage medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0154] The present disclosure is further illustrated by, but not limited to, the following figures and examples.

[0155] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighting device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a radiation emitting unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary configuration of a radiation-emitting unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiation emitting unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a mechanical connection system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary mechanical connection system to which the radiation-emitting units are connected. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a further configuration of the mechanical connection system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a further configuration of the mechanical connection system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a positioning arm. [Figure 11a] FIG. 11a shows a single exemplary radiation emitting unit including an active radiation source cooling system. [Figure 11b] FIG. 11b shows a single exemplary radiation emitting unit including an active radiation source cooling system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates in flow chart form an exemplary embodiment of a method for treating a skin disorder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0156] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary lighting device 100.

[0157] The lighting device 100 includes a common support 110. The common support extends longitudinally along an axis A1 and includes foot elements 112 that include wheels 114 for movement therewith.

[0158] The positioning arm 30 is connected to an upper end portion 110a of the common support 110 and extends at an angle to the central axis A1.

[0159] The positioning arm 30 can pivot or swing perpendicularly to the common support 110 according to arrow a3. The connecting arm 1 is connected to a first end 32a of the positioning arm 30 via an attachment element 35.

[0160] The connecting arm 1 further comprises a radiation-emitting unit panel 20 connected thereto and including five radiation-emitting units 20, one radiation-emitting unit 20e being shown tilted relative to the panel 20.

[0161] The connecting arm 1 further includes two handles 28a and 28b at its two end portions. The radiation emitting unit 20 also includes four handles, one of which, for example, handle 29b, is attached to the radiation emitting unit 20e.

[0162] The illumination device 100 may be configured to adjust the parameters of the illumination session to irradiate the illumination area with a predetermined amount of radiation, taking into account temperature-dependent variations in the wavelength of the radiation emitted by the radiation source (not shown) and / or temperature-dependent variations in the optical output power, e.g., radiation output.

[0163] The operation of the lighting device 100 can be adjusted using one, any combination, or all of the following means: - varying the distance between each radiation-emitting unit 20 and the object to be irradiated (see, for example, Figures 3 and 4); - adjusting the radiation power emitted by each radiation-emitting unit 20; and / or - Adjust the duration of the lighting session.

[0164] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the connection mechanism and movability of the various elements of the lighting device according to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1. Parts not explained in this figure are explained in Figure 1.

[0165] As will be explained in more detail in Figure 6, the length of the connecting arm 1 is adjustable. Specifically, one end portion 12a can be extended as shown by arrow a, thereby increasing or decreasing the distance between the two end portions 12a, 12b. Also, both end portions 12a, 12b may be movable.

[0166] The connecting arm 1 is connected to the positioning arm 30 via a mounting element 35. The mounting element 35 is rotatable as shown by arrow a1, thereby causing the connecting arm 1 to rotate according to arrow a1.

[0167] Additionally or alternatively, the connecting arm 1 may be able to rotate relative to the attachment element 35 according to the arrow a1.

[0168] Furthermore, the mounting element 35 is configured so as to be able to pivot relative to the positioning element 30 in accordance with the arrow a2. The positioning element 30 is able to pivot relative to the common support 110 shown in FIG.

[0169] The mounting element 35 may include connection means (not shown) for connection to the positioning arm 30 and / or the connecting arm 1. The connection means may include a joint connection, for example a hinge joint, a saddle joint, a pivot joint, a ball joint or the like.

[0170] The connecting arm 1 may be connected to the positioning arm 30 via a mounting element 35 so that it can rotate relative to the positioning arm 35, for example, by 180°, or even 360° or more, as shown by arrow a1.

[0171] The panels 20 of the radiation-emitting units are adapted to tilt according to arrow a4, as illustrated in the following figure. Each radiation-emitting unit 20a to 20e can move, for example in a pivotal manner, relative to the other radiation-emitting units, as shown by arrow a5.

[0172] The radiation emitting units of the radiation emitting unit panel 20 further include four handles 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d. The handles 29a and 29b are respectively arranged on the outermost radiation emitting units 20a and 20e of the panel 20, and the two handles 29c and 29d are respectively arranged on the radiation emitting units 20b and 20d directly connected to the connecting arm 1.

[0173] Handles 29a and 29b are located on the outermost side of each radiation-emitting unit relative to panel 20. These are used, for example, to pivot each radiation-emitting unit, for example radiation-emitting unit 20e, relative to the other radiation-emitting units 20b to 20e.

[0174] Instead, the handles 29c and 29d are located on the top or bottom of the radiation emitting units 20b and 20d, and are used to move the entire connecting arm 1 and / or the panel 20.

[0175] 3 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a part of an illumination device 100 for photodynamic therapy. The part of the illumination device 100 comprises a number of radiation-emitting units 20 connected to one another in a linear manner. The radiation-emitting units 20 are connected to one another in a movable, in particular pivotal, manner. For this purpose, hinges 15 are used between the radiation-emitting units 20. The radiation-emitting units 20 each comprise a radiation output area 21 into which the radiation generated by the respective radiation-emitting unit 20 is coupled out of the illumination device 100. The output area 21 is formed, for example, by a (plexiglass or glass) cover plate of the respective radiation-emitting unit 20, respectively.

[0176] 3, the lighting device 100 is configured to illuminate a plane. The radiation-emitting units 20 are arranged such that their radiation output areas 21 lie substantially in a common plane. The main emission directions of the radiation-emitting units 20 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0177] The lighting device 100 includes an electronic control unit 4 configured to control the operation of the lighting device 100 , and each radiation-emitting unit 20 is operably coupled to the electronic control unit 4 .

[0178] The lighting device 100 may further include at least one temperature sensor (not shown) that may be operably connected to the electronic control unit 4 to provide temperature data to the electronic control unit 4. The electronic control unit 4 may be configured to adjust the operation of the lighting device 100 based on the temperature data to ensure that a predetermined amount of radiation is delivered to an object to be illuminated.

[0179] At least one temperature sensor may be located near the radiation source, and in the case of multiple radiation sources, each radiation source may have a temperature sensor, or one or more radiation sources may have one or more temperature sensors, for example one temperature sensor per radiation emitting unit 20.

[0180] If there are more temperature sensors, each temperature sensor may be operatively connected to the electronic control unit 4 to provide a temperature value. The electronic control unit 4 may average some or all of the different values ​​to obtain a single temperature data value for some or all of the radiation sources.

[0181] The at least one temperature sensor may provide temperature data continuously during operation of the lighting device. The temperature sensor may be queried at any suitable frequency.

[0182] The lighting device 100 may further include a radiation sensor (not shown) arranged to receive radiation emitted from the lighting device 100 and generate radiation data characteristic of a wavelength shift of the peak wavelength of the radiation source, and the electronic control unit 4 may be configured to adjust the operation of the lighting device 100 based on the radiation data to ensure that a predetermined amount of radiation is delivered to the illuminated area.

[0183] The radiation sensor and / or temperature sensor may be physically connected to the electronic control unit 4, for example by a cable connection or by a wireless operating connection via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or the like.

[0184] The radiation sensor may provide radiation data continuously during operation of the lighting device 100. The radiation sensor may be queried at any suitable frequency.

[0185] One or more radiation sensors may be positioned at or near the radiation source and configured to receive radiation reflected from the object to be irradiated. The data is then provided to an electronic control unit 4, which may estimate the amount of radiation absorbed by the object to be irradiated based on the received information and adjust the amount of radiation accordingly.

[0186] A radiation sensor may be provided for each radiation-emitting unit 20. Each radiation sensor may be configured to receive radiation reflected from an object to be illuminated back to the respective radiation-emitting unit.

[0187] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of another configuration of the lighting device 100 of FIG. 3, where the lighting device 100 is configured to illuminate a non-planar surface, i.e., a cylindrical surface, in particular a human face. The radiation-emitting units 20 are arranged in a C-shaped configuration. For this purpose, the radiation-emitting units 20 are pivotable relative to one another so that the distance between the radiation output areas 21 of the radiation-emitting units and the cylindrical surface is substantially the same. Repositioning or moving the radiation-emitting units 20 can be done manually. In this embodiment, each radiation-emitting unit 20 is assigned a motor 42, which is configured to move / pivot the respective radiation-emitting unit 20 relative to the other radiation-emitting units 20.

[0188] However, the radiation emitting unit can also be moved manually, for example using the handle described in connection with FIGS.

[0189] The cylinder in which the radiation-emitting units 20 are arranged defines a predetermined target position 300. The target position 300 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the irradiation area 21 of the radiation-emitting units 10. An irradiation target 200 is arranged inside the target position 300. The irradiation target 200 is, for example, a human head. The head 200 is treated by irradiating it with the illumination device 100.

[0190] The duration of the entire lighting session may vary depending on whether the radiation-emitting units 20 are arranged such that the radiation output areas of the radiation-emitting units 20 are aligned parallel to a plane, or whether the radiation-emitting units are arranged in a C-shaped configuration and / or a semicircular configuration, which may be shorter in a C-shaped configuration than when the radiation-emitting units 20 are arranged such that the radiation output areas of the radiation-emitting units 20 are aligned parallel to one another, e.g., 18 minutes compared to 22 minutes.

[0191] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiation-emitting unit 20, e.g., in a plan view of a cover plate. The radiation-emitting unit 20 of Figure 5 may be used for example for all radiation-emitting units 20 in the lighting device 100 of Figures 1 to 4.

[0192] The radiation-emitting unit 20 comprises a unit housing 3, for example comprising metal and / or plastic, and a radiation source carrier 40 that is laterally surrounded in the illustrated plan view by the unit housing 3. The unit housing 3 defines lateral edges 44 of the radiation-emitting unit 20 that delimit the radiation-emitting unit 20 in the lateral direction T.

[0193] The radiation source carrier 40 is, for example, a printed circuit board, or PCB for short. The radiation source carrier 40 is a carrier having an elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape. The main extension direction of the radiation source carrier 40 defines a longitudinal direction L. A direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and running parallel to the main extension plane of the radiation source carrier 40 defines a transverse direction T. The radiation source carrier 40 is divided into the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T by carrier edges 42.

[0194] A plurality of radiation sources 25 are arranged on the radiation source carrier 40. The exact positions of the radiation sources 25 on the radiation source carrier 40 are indicated by the intersections of the square brackets. For example, the centers of the chip faces of the semiconductor chips assigned to the radiation sources coincide with the respective intersections.

[0195] In an exemplary embodiment, all of the radiation sources 25 of the radiation emitting unit 20 are arranged on a common radiation source carrier 40. During intended operation, all of the radiation sources 25 preferably emit radiation having essentially the same color and / or essentially the same peak wavelength in the visible spectrum.

[0196] The radiation spectrum of radiation source 25 may have a peak wavelength in one of the following ranges: 634 nm ± 5 nm, 635 nm ± 5 nm, 542 nm ± 5 nm, 506 nm ± 5 nm, 417 nm ± 5 nm, or 420 nm ± 5 nm. In particular, this peak wavelength is obtained when the optoelectronic component is operating at a temperature of 50° C. or less, e.g., 25° C., and at an operating current between 100 mA and 1000 mA, inclusive. The half-width of the spectrum may be, for example, at least 10 nm and / or at most 20 nm, e.g., 16 nm.

[0197] The radiation source 25 may further emit radiation of the same or similar peak wavelength, for example radiation of the same color, for example red light (635 nm ± 4 nm), blue light (420 nm ± 4 nm), yellow light (542 nm ± 4 nm), or green light (506 nm ± 4 nm).

[0198] The duration of the entire lighting session may be less than or equal to any of the following values: 20 minutes, 19 minutes, 18 minutes, 17 minutes, 16 minutes, 15 minutes, 14 minutes, 13 minutes. Session durations of up to 20 minutes are typically acceptable to users. The duration of the entire lighting session may be greater than or equal to any of the following values: 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes. The session duration may be between 10 and 20 minutes, such as 18 minutes.

[0199] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the radiation sources 25 are arranged in three different groups G1, G2, and G3 on the carrier 40, with each radiation source 25 uniquely assigned to one of the groups G1, G2, and G3. The groups G1, G2, and G3 are indicated by dashed rectangles. The first group G1, which has 15 radiation sources 25, is located in the central region of the radiation source carrier 40. The second and third groups G2 and G3, each having 15 radiation sources 25, are located in the peripheral regions of the radiation source carrier 40. When viewed along the longitudinal direction L, the second and third groups G2 and G3 are located in front of and behind the first group G1. Within each group G1, G2, and G3, the radiation sources 25 are arranged in a two-dimensional regular group pattern. The group patterns of the second and third groups G2 and G3 are identical, but the group pattern of the first group G1 is different.

[0200] In the second group G2 and the third group G3, the radiation sources 25 are arranged on the radiation source carrier 40 at a higher density than in the first group G1. Therefore, the occupation density of the radiation sources 25 on the radiation source carrier 40 in the second group G2 and the third group G3 is higher than in the first group G1. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in terms of uniformly irradiating the irradiation object along the longitudinal direction L.

[0201] As can be seen from Figure 5, the distance between two adjacent groups G1, G2, G3 is greater than the distance between the radiation sources 25 within the groups G1, G2, G3 (the distance between two adjacent groups is the shortest distance between two radiation sources 25 in these two groups). Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 5 that the two-dimensional pattern in which the radiation sources 25 are arranged on the radiation source carrier 40 is symmetrical about an axis running parallel to the longitudinal direction L, and also about an axis running parallel to the transverse direction T.

[0202] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 5, a radiation source 25 is arranged in the geometric centre of the radiation source carrier 40. A distance sensor 46 is arranged on the radiation source carrier 2 at a position slightly offset from this geometric centre. The distance sensor 46 is, for example, a time-of-flight sensor including a laser diode. The distance to an adjacent radiation source 25 at the geometric centre is, for example, 10 mm.

[0203] Additionally or alternatively, the distance sensor 46 may be slightly offset from the center of the radiation field created by the radiation sources of the radiation-emitting unit, for example by at least 5 mm and at most 40 mm, which may be the position of the center of mass when all the radiation sources of the radiation-emitting unit are combined.

[0204] 6 shows an exemplary rear view of a mechanical connection mechanism including a connection arm 1 without at least two radiation-emitting units. The connection arm 1 has a U-shape. However, the connection arm 1 may also be V-shaped or C-shaped.

[0205] The connecting arm 1 comprises a main portion 10 and two end portions 12a, 12b. As can be seen from the double-headed arrow a, the end portion 12a can be moved along the longitudinal axis defined by the main portion 10 to increase the distance d between the two end portions 12a, 12b. In this way, the length of the connecting arm 1 can be adapted.

[0206] The main portion 10 of the connecting arm 12 includes a mounting element 35 for attaching the connecting arm to the positioning arm (see, for example, FIG. 1). The main portion 10, and thus the connecting arm 12, can rotate relative to the mounting element 35, as shown by arrow a1.

[0207] The end portions 12a, 12b also constitute connecting means 22 (only end portion 12b is shown) for connecting the respective radiation-emitting units, as will be shown in the next figure.

[0208] The connecting arm 1 further comprises two handles 28a, 28b which in this example are attached to the end portions 12a, 12b of the connecting arm 1.

[0209] However, the two end portions 12a, 12b of the connecting arm may also be telescopically extendable or retractable independently of each other.

[0210] 7 shows an exemplary mechanical connection system including, for example, the connecting arm 1 of FIG. 6 and a panel 20 of five radiation-emitting units 20a to 20e rigidly connected axially to the connecting arm 1, for example, to end portions 12a, 12b of the connecting arm 1. The radiation-emitting units 20a to 20b may be removably connected to each other and / or to the connecting arm.

[0211] Radiation-emitting units 20b and 20d are connected to end portions 12a and 12b, respectively, of connecting arm 1. One radiation-emitting unit 20c is arranged between two radiation-emitting units 20b and 20c. Radiation-emitting units 20a and 20e are arranged on either side of radiation-emitting units 20b and 20d, respectively, to form a panel or arrangement 20.

[0212] The radiation-emitting units 20a to 20e of the panel 20 are movable relative to each other and are connected to each other via hinges on the back surfaces of the radiation-emitting units (see, for example, FIG. 3).

[0213] Each radiation-emitting unit 20a to 20e may include its own unit housing 3 (shown in FIG. 5) or may be its own housing module.

[0214] The connecting arm 1 can adapt its length, as shown by arrow a, to accommodate different positions when the radiation-emitting units 20a to 20e move, e.g. pivot, relative to one another. By extending the end portion 12a, the width of the U-shaped panel 20 can be varied.

[0215] FIG. 8 shows a configuration of a mechanical connection system, such as the mechanical connection system of FIG. 7, in which the tiltable feature of the radiation-emitting unit 20 is shown.

[0216] The panels 20 of the radiation-emitting units 20 are tiltable, e.g. rotatable, about an axis A1 that connects the two distal ends of the connecting arm and that extends parallel to the main longitudinal axis of the main part 10 of the connecting arm. In other words, the radiation-emitting units 20 are tiltable relative to the connecting arm 1 along an axis that is oblique, e.g. perpendicular, to the axis about which the interconnected radiation-emitting units 20 are movable, e.g. pivotable, relative to one another.

[0217] In certain embodiments, the radiation-emitting unit 20 can rotate up to 360° about the axis A2, as indicated by arrow a6.

[0218] FIG. 9 shows a configuration of a mechanical connection system, such as that of FIG. 7, where the adaptation of the length of the connection arm 10 is shown.

[0219] In this manner, the connecting arm can adapt its length by the mobility of the end portions 12 a, 12 b. However, in this example, only the mobility of the end portion 12 b is movable. By extending one or both of the distal ends 12 a, 12 b, the width of the U-shaped panel 20 can be varied.

[0220] Specifically, by extending one or both end portions 12a, 12b along the longitudinal axis of the main portion 10 of the connecting arm 1, the width of the radiation-emitting unit panel 20 can be varied (as indicated by the arrows), thereby enabling irradiation of larger or smaller irradiation targets and / or varying the distance between the radiation-emitting units and the irradiation target. The radiation-emitting units 20 can also be arranged parallel to one another along a plane, which is beneficial for treating, for example, the legs.

[0221] The more the distal end is extended, the wider the U-shape of the panel. With end portions 12a, 12b in the retracted position (right image), the U-shape is at its narrowest.

[0222] Radiation-emitting units 20a and 20e can further be moved independently relative to the other radiation-emitting units via handles 29a and 29b.

[0223] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an exemplary positioning arm 30, such as a spring arm 30.

[0224] The positioning arm 30 includes a first end 32a and a second end 32b. The first end 32a includes a first connecting means 36, which in this example is formed as a hinge joint. A connecting pipe 37a extending from the connecting means 36 connects to a connecting element of the connecting arm, such as a mounting element (not shown).

[0225] The second end 32b includes a second connecting means 38, which in this example is formed as a hinge joint. A connecting pipe 37b extends from the connecting means 38 and connects to a common support (not shown) of the lighting device.

[0226] The positioning arm 30 includes a gas spring 34 connecting the second end 32b of the positioning arm 30 to a central portion of the positioning arm 30. The gas spring 34 may have an extension force of 3900 N and a weight of 1,305 kg. The gas spring 34 supports the positioning arm 30 in holding the connecting arm and the radiation emitting unit, as shown in the following figure.

[0227] 11a and 11b show front and rear views, respectively, of an exploded view of the radiation emitting unit 20 including the radiation source cooling system.

[0228] As can be seen, the radiation emitting unit 20 includes two cooling gas drivers 62a, 62b for cooling the radiation source carrier 40, and in particular the radiation sources 25 (only visible in Figure 11b), and also includes a number of heat sinks 63 arranged towards the rear surface of the radiation source carrier 40.

[0229] In this case, the gas drivers 62a and 62b are fans configured to cool the radiation source carrier 40, which in turn cools the radiation source 25. The rear surface of the radiation emitting unit includes a ventilation grate 66 aligned with the gas drivers, e.g., fans. Warm air is exhausted from the radiation emitting unit 20 through cooling gas outlets 64, e.g., ventilation slots 64, located, for example, at the top front of the radiation emitting unit 20.

[0230] The radiation emitting unit may further comprise an irradiation object cooling system which in this example comprises two cooling gas outlets 70 a, 70 b arranged on the front surface of the upper and lower sides of the radiation emitting unit 20 .

[0231] Cooling of the radiation source carrier 40 may be combined with cooling of the irradiation area of ​​the irradiation object, e.g., a patient. The cooling gas flow provided by the cooling gas drivers 62a and 62b may flow along the radiation source 25 and / or through a cooling gas passage (not shown). This allows heat loss from the radiation source 25 to be drawn away. Through the cooling gas outlets 70a and 70b, the cooling gas flows towards the irradiation object, cooling it.

[0232] The temperature of the cooling gas at the cooling gas outlet may be higher than the ambient temperature and lower than or equal to the temperature of a radiation source cooler that is thermally connected to one or more radiation sources of the radiation emitting unit.

[0233] The radiation source carrier 40 may include one or more cooling gas passages (not shown) for the flow of cooling gas from one side of the radiation source carrier 40 to the opposite side of the radiation source carrier, for example adjacent to an edge that laterally bounds the radiation source carrier 40. The cooling gas passages may form cooling gas outlets, for example ventilation slots 64 or cooling gas outlets 70a and 70b. The passages may terminate in open distal ends that define the cooling gas outlets 70a and 70b, for example. Each cooling gas passage may be fluidly connected to at least one cooling gas outlet 70a and 70b, such that the cooling gas flow can first flow through the passage and then through the cooling gas outlets 70a and 70b.

[0234] The radiation source carrier 40 may form a cooling gas barrier and / or may be closed, for example, there may be no cooling gas passages defined within the radiation source carrier 40. Thus, the cooling gas may not need to pass within the carrier; for example, the cooling gas may pass laterally through the carrier.

[0235] Each radiation emitting unit 20 may include at least one cooling gas inlet (not shown), for example at least one inlet for each gas driver 62a and 62b. The cooling gas inlet may overlap the radiation source carrier 40. The cooling gas inlet may be arranged on a side of the radiation source carrier 40 opposite the cooling gas outlet. The cooling gas inlet may be arranged on a side of the radiation emitting unit 20 opposite the radiation emission surface.

[0236] 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for treating a skin disease based on a flowchart. In step S1, a drug is applied to the surface of human skin in the area to be treated. Such an area may be, for example, a portion of the patient's face or even an area within the face. The drug substance may be, for example, a photosensitive drug or a precursor of such a drug that is excitable by light within the radiation spectrum emitted by the lighting device 100. The drug substance may include 5-aminolevulinic acid.

[0237] In step S2, the skin area to be treated is placed at a predetermined target position 300 of the illumination device 100 (see, for example, FIG. 3).

[0238] In step S3, the skin area to be treated is irradiated with the illumination device, for example for at least 10 minutes and up to 20 minutes. During the illumination session, the skin area is irradiated with, for example, at least 30 J / cm. 2 , up to 45J / cm 2 , e.g., 37 J / cm 2 When red light with a wavelength of approximately 635 nm is irradiated onto the object, the radiation dose is 37 J / cm 2 is particularly suitable. When green or blue light is irradiated onto an object to be irradiated, for example, when irradiated onto a skin surface to which ALA has been topically applied prior to irradiation, the total amount of radiation irradiated onto the object to be irradiated during an illumination session may be different due to the different absorption characteristics of these wavelengths. The general teachings of the present disclosure apply not only to light sources emitting red light, but also to light sources emitting light of different colors, for example, blue or green light, particularly when ALA-based PDT is performed.

[0239] In step S4, the radiation emitted from the radiation source is adjusted based on the temperature-dependent wavelength variation and / or the optical output power is adjusted based on the temperature-dependent optical output power variation.

[0240] Step S4 may include cooling the skin area to be treated with an irradiation object cooling system.

[0241] The skin disease or disorder may be a neoplastic skin disease such as actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, warts, acne, impaired wound healing / chronic wounds, bacterial and / or fungal infections, inflammatory skin diseases, etc.

[0242] The pharmaceutical substance may be a photosensitive drug or a precursor to such a drug that is excited by light within the radiation spectrum emitted by the lighting device.

[0243] Pharmaceutical substances may contain 5-aminolevulinic acid, which has been well studied and is considered a reliable prodrug for generating photosensitizers.

[0244] The skin disease may be a neoplastic skin disease such as actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, warts, acne, impaired wound healing / chronic wounds, bacterial and / or fungal infections, or inflammatory skin diseases.

[0245] The invention described herein is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and related explanations, but rather includes any novel feature or any combination thereof, even if that feature or any combination thereof is not itself explicitly stated in the claims or exemplary embodiments, and particularly includes any combination of features in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0246] 1 Connecting arm 3 unit housing 4 Electronic Control Unit 10 Main part of connecting arm 12a End of connecting arm 12b End of connecting arm 15 Hinge 20 Radiation Emission Units / Panels 20a-20e Radiation Emission Unit 21 Radiation Output Area 22 Connection Methods 24 hinge 25 Radiation source 26 Ventilation vent 28a handle 28b handle 29a-29d Handle 30 Positioning arm 32a first end 32b Second end 34 Gas spring 35 Mounting elements 36 First Connection 37a, 37b connecting pipe 38 Secondary connection means 40 Radiation Source Carrier 42 Motor 44 Career Connection 46 Distance Sensor 50 Irradiation object cooling system 52 Cooling gas drive / fan 54 Joint Connection 62a Gas drive unit 62b Gas drive unit 63 Heatsink 64 ventilation slots 66 Ventilation grate 70a Cooling gas outlet 70b Cooling gas outlet 100 lighting equipment 110 Common Support 110a Upper end part 112 Foot Elements 114 Wheels 200 Irradiation object 300 Target Position a1-a6 directional arrows A1, A2 axis G1-G3 radiation source S1-S4 method steps.

Claims

1. 1. A lighting device for photodynamic therapy, comprising: at least two electromagnetic radiation emitting units; the at least two electromagnetic radiation emitting units include at least one electromagnetic radiation source; the electromagnetic radiation source is configured to generate radiation for illuminating an area of ​​an illumination target in an illumination session; The irradiation target is placed at a target position; the target position is positioned at a distance relative to a radiation output area of ​​the radiation-emitting unit at which the radiation generated by the at least one electromagnetic radiation source is emitted from the radiation-emitting unit during operation of the lighting device. Lighting equipment.

2. the lighting device includes an electronic control unit configured to control operation of the lighting device; each said radiation-emitting unit being operably coupled to said electronic control unit; The lighting device according to claim 1 .

3. the illumination device is configured to irradiate an illumination area of ​​the illumination object with a predetermined amount of radiation at a specific illumination wavelength in one illumination session; 3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the illumination device is configured to adjust parameters of the illumination session to irradiate the illumination area with a predetermined amount of radiation, taking into account temperature-dependent variations in the wavelength of the radiation emitted by the radiation source and / or temperature-dependent variations in the optical output power. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the lighting device includes at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature characteristic of the radiation source, the at least one temperature sensor operably connected to the electronic control unit to provide temperature data to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit configured to adjust operation of the lighting device based on the temperature data to ensure a predetermined amount of radiation is delivered to the object to be irradiated. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the lighting device includes a radiation sensor arranged to receive radiation emitted from the lighting device to generate radiation data characteristic of a wavelength shift of a peak wavelength of the radiation source, and the electronic control unit is configured to adjust operation of the lighting device based on the radiation data to ensure that the predetermined amount of radiation is delivered to the illumination area. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the radiation received by the radiation sensor is radiation reflected by the illuminated object; 7. The lighting device according to claim 6.

8. The operation of the lighting device is as follows: - varying the distance between each said radiation-emitting unit and the irradiation object; - adjusting the radiation power emitted by each radiation-emitting unit, and / or - adjusting the duration of the lighting session; adjusted using one, any combination, or all of the following: The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the radiation emitting units are connected to a common support via a mechanical connection system; The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the mechanical connection system comprises a connection arm fixedly and / or pivotally connected to two further radiation-emitting units which are movable relative to each other and which are connected to each other; 10. The lighting device according to claim 9.

11. The connecting arm has a U-shape, a V-shape, or a C-shape.

11. The lighting device according to claim 10.

12. the connecting arms have an adaptable length in order to adapt to different positions when the radiation-emitting units move, e.g. pivot, relative to one another; 12. The lighting device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. at least one radiation-emitting unit is disposed between the two radiation-emitting units to which the connecting arms are connected; The lighting device according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. the radiation-emitting units are tiltable relative to the connecting arm along an axis inclined, e.g. perpendicular, to an axis along which interconnected radiation-emitting units are mutually, e.g. pivotally, movable; The lighting device according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. one or more radiation-emitting units are provided with a handle; The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The handles are installed at different positions on the two radiation emitting units.

16. The lighting device of claim 15.

17. The two sections of the connecting arm that are movable relative to each other are each provided with a handle; The lighting device according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

18. the connecting arm is movable manually and / or by a motor of the lighting device; The lighting device according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

19. a connecting arm movably connected to a positioning arm of the lighting device, the positioning arm being movably connected to a common support; The lighting device according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

20. the positioning arm is adapted to be connected or connectable at a first end to the connecting arm and at a second end to a common support of the lighting device; 20. The lighting device of claim 19.

21. the positioning arm is pivotable on a longitudinal axis of the common support of the lighting device; 21. The lighting device according to claim 19 or 20.

22. a first end of the positioning arm including first connecting means for connecting and holding the common support; 22. The lighting device according to claim 19.

23. the first connection means comprises a joint connection, e.g. to allow movement of the common support relative to the positioning arm, e.g. independent movement; 23. The lighting device of claim 22.

24. a second end of the positioning arm including second connection means for connecting the positioning arm to the common support of the lighting device; The lighting device according to any one of claims 19 to 23.

25. the second connection means comprises a joint for enabling independent movement of the positioning arms relative to the common support of the lighting device, 25. The lighting device of claim 24.

26. the positioning arm is a spring arm; 26. The lighting device according to claim 19.

27. a gas spring operably connected to the positioning arm to support the positioning arm.

27. The lighting device according to claim 19.

28. The lighting device includes an illumination object cooling system.

28. The lighting device according to claim 1.

29. the irradiation object cooling system includes at least one cooling gas outlet configured to face a target position, and the lighting device is configured such that cooling gas exits the lighting device through the at least one cooling gas outlet.

29. The lighting device of claim 28.

30. the lighting device, preferably each of the radiation-emitting units, comprises a cooling gas drive system including at least one cooling gas drive device, the cooling gas drive system being configured to flow cooling gas through the cooling gas outlet.

30. The lighting device of claim 29.

31. The cooling gas driving device is a fan.

31. The lighting device of claim 30.

32. at least one of the radiation emitting units includes at least one cooling gas outlet toward the target location; 32. The lighting device according to claim 29.

33. at least one radiation emitting unit comprises at least two cooling gas outlets, preferably arranged in opposite end regions of said radiation emitting unit, e.g. separated along a main longitudinal direction, 33. The lighting device according to claim 29.

34. the radiation source carrier includes one or more cooling gas passages for the flow of the cooling gas from one side of the radiation source carrier to an opposite side of the radiation source carrier. The lighting device according to any one of claims 30 to 33.

35. Each cooling gas passage defines one cooling gas outlet or each cooling gas passage is fluidly connected to at least one cooling gas outlet; 35. The lighting device of claim 34.

36. one or more cooling gas passages arranged adjacent laterally defining edges of the radiation source carrier for flowing cooling gas from one side of the radiation source carrier to an opposite side of the radiation source carrier; 36. A lighting device according to claim 34 or 35.

37. the illumination device is configured such that the cooling gas flows from a side of the radiation source carrier remote from the cooling gas outlet towards the cooling gas outlet.

37. The lighting device according to claim 30.

38. the radiation source carrier forms a cooling gas barrier and / or is closed, e.g. without cooling gas passages defined within the radiation source carrier; 38. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 37.

39. the illumination device includes an active radiation source cooling system; 39. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 38.

40. the radiation source cooling system includes a gas driver, e.g., a fan, configured to move a source-cooling gas relative to the radiation source; 40. The lighting device of claim 39.

41. the active cooling system includes one or more gas-driven devices, e.g., fans; 41. An illumination device according to claim 39 or 40.

42. a temperature of the cooling gas at the cooling gas outlet is higher than the ambient temperature and is equal to or lower than the temperature of a radiation source or a radiative cooler thermally connected to one or more radiation sources of the radiation emitting unit; 42. The lighting device according to claim 29.

43. the illumination device is configured such that a radiation source cooling gas is used as a cooling gas for cooling the irradiation object in the irradiation object cooling system; 43. The lighting device according to claim 40.

44. 1. A method comprising: a) applying a medicinal substance to the surface of the skin in the area to be treated; b) placing the skin area to be treated at a predetermined target position on an illumination device according to any of claims 1 to 43; c) illuminating the area of ​​skin to be treated with the illumination device; 1. A method for treating a skin disorder, comprising:

45. further comprising adjusting operation of the illumination device based on temperature-dependent wavelength variations of the radiant emission and / or based on temperature-dependent optical output power variations; 45. A method of treating a skin disorder according to claim 44.

46. further comprising the step of cooling the skin area to be treated with an irradiation object cooling system.

46. ​​A method for treating a skin disorder according to claim 44 or 45.

47. 1. A method comprising: - providing a measurement signal indicative of the temperature-dependent variation of the wavelength of the emitted radiation and / or indicative of the temperature-dependent variation of the optical output power; generating an operating signal as a function of said measurement signal, the operating signal is configured to cause the lighting device to adjust the wavelength of radiation emitted by the radiation source of the lighting device or to call for the lighting device to adjust the wavelength of radiation emitted by the radiation source of the lighting device; and / or the method further comprises: - generating an operating signal as a function of said measurement signal, the operating signal is configured to cause or request the optical output power of the lighting device to be adjusted. A method of operating a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 43.

48. 1. A method comprising: - providing a measurement signal indicative of the temperature in the illuminated area of ​​the illuminated object; generating an operating signal as a function of said measurement signal, the operating signal is configured to adjust the operation of the illumination object cooling system of the lighting device or to request the adjustment of the operation of the illumination object cooling system of the lighting device. A method of operating a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 43.

49. 49. A computer program product comprising machine-readable instructions configured to, when loaded and executed by a processor, cause the lighting device to perform the method of claim 47 or 48.

50. 50. The computer program product of claim 49, stored Computer-readable medium.

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