Apparatus and method for providing therapeutic light to reduce the risk of health care providers contracting communicable diseases

Abstract

A therapeutic lighting assembly used to reduce a viral load in a patient, comprising: a housing containing at least one therapeutic light source configured to emit light at air exiting the patient's airway; a power source coupled to the at least one therapeutic light source; and a tube attachment coupled to the housing configured to secure the housing to a tube in the patient.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 323,155, filed May 18, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 026,319, filed May 18, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The subject invention relates to surgical instrumentation and, more particularly, to devices and methods for irradiating or otherwise using therapeutic lighting to reduce the risk of health care providers contracting communicable diseases. [Background technology]

[0003] Viruses are small, simple infectious agents that can grow only in living animal, plant, or bacterial cells. Specifically, viruses are microscopic parasites, generally much smaller than bacteria. They cannot grow and reproduce outside of a host body. Many types of viruses exist, ranging from rhinoviruses, which frequently cause the common cold, to viruses responsible for contagious diseases, such as the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the 2009 H1N1 / swine flu pandemic, and more recently, the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which causes the disease better known as SARS-CoV-2. Many of these viruses are transmitted primarily through direct contact with mucous membranes.

[0004] Direct contact can be more specifically described as spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or, in some cases, be inhaled into the lungs. For example, both seasonal influenza viruses and novel coronaviruses are thought to be transmitted primarily through close contact with aerosolized droplets expelled from the noses and mouths of infected people. Transmission can occur not only through direct contact, such as kissing, but also by talking in close proximity with infected people.

[0005] If not disinfected, seasonal influenza viruses or novel coronaviruses can be transmitted within hours or even days by touching a tabletop, phone, or other surface that has been coughed on and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Data reveals that the R0 metric, which represents how many people an individual carrying the virus will infect, is between 2 and 2.5 for novel coronaviruses. This number is significantly higher than seasonal influenza, which has an R0 value of approximately 1.3. With proper precautions, the R0 value can be reduced; a pandemic is said to end when the R0 value falls below 1.

[0006] Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are at high risk due to their close proximity to infected patients on a daily basis. Our HCPs experienced high infection rates while treating patients during each of these contagious diseases. It has been reported that up to 25% of confirmed cases in recent pandemics were HCPs. Additional exposure and risk of infection to other vulnerable patients increases the potential societal impact. Furthermore, sick healthcare providers must remain away from the medical care system during recovery, preventing them from treating patients and further exacerbating demand and shortages during epidemics. Intubation is a medical procedure that typically involves inserting a flexible plastic tube into a patient's mouth and into their airway. It is a common procedure performed in operating rooms, emergency departments, and intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. Intubation can be necessary for several reasons, such as mechanical ventilation for anesthetized patients undergoing surgical procedures or to improve oxygen saturation for patients with damaged lungs or respiratory diseases.

[0007] Ventilation has been used to treat patients with many different viruses, including COVID-19. Once intubated, air is forced into the lungs either via a machine or manually using a bag or other mechanism.

[0008] There are several different types of intubation, categorized based on the tube's placement and what it is intended to accomplish. Endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation involves passing a tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea to help a person breathe while under anesthesia or with a poor airway. Nasogastric intubation involves passing a tube through the nose into the stomach to remove air or to supply or provide medication to the patient. Fiberoptic intubation involves a physician inserting a camera-equipped tube down the throat to examine the throat or to assist in endotracheal intubation if the person is unable to properly extend or bend their head, or if the anatomy proves abnormal or difficult. A laridial mask airway (LMA) is a type of supraglottic airway device that is a less invasive alternative to endotracheal tube intubation in certain clinical scenarios. A tracheostomy or tracheostomy tube is inserted through a surgically created hole or stoma through the skin at the front of the neck and up the trachea.

[0009] The primary purposes of intubation include opening the airway to administer oxygen, anesthesia, or medications, clearing a blockage, helping a person breathe if there is lung damage, heart failure, or trauma, allowing a physician to see the airway, and helping to prevent a person from aspirating fluids. All of these intubation methods require close HCP contact with the patient.

[0010] Intubation procedures vary depending on their purpose and whether they occur in the operating room or in an emergency situation. Typically, intubation is performed before placing a patient on a ventilator to assist breathing during anesthesia or critical illness.

[0011] In an operating room or other controlled setting, a physician will typically first sedate the person. The physician then inserts a laryngoscope into the person's mouth to assist in the insertion of a flexible tube. The physician uses the laryngoscope to locate sensitive tissues, such as the vocal cords, to avoid damaging them. If the physician has difficulty seeing, the physician can insert a small fiber optic camera to help guide the physician. In the operating room, a physician will typically use an intubation to help the person breathe under anesthesia.

[0012] HCP, including physicians, nurses, nurse anesthetists, anesthesia technicians, and respiratory therapists, intubate and regularly care for intubated patients. In addition to inserting intubation / ventilator tubes and connecting ventilators, they may also need to reposition, clean, remove, or replace intubation tubes, as well as suction mucus or other fluids that collect in the patient's mouth. This close proximity to the patient's respiratory system significantly increases the patient's risk of exposure to droplets and aerosolized transmissible viral infections.

[0013] Smoke generated during surgical procedures utilizing electrosurgery may also pose an additional risk to HCP due to its association with the transmission of aerosolized viruses. Electrosurgery utilizes a heat-generating electrical device with a metal "blade" to cauterize or vaporize tissue to assist in tissue removal or excision, while simultaneously cauterizing or sealing blood vessels to minimize bleeding. A wealth of literature exists studying the potential transmission of biological materials via surgical smoke generated from electrosurgical devices, lasers, and ultrasonic scalpels.

[0014] The researchers identified HIV DNA2 and a complete HPV DNA strand in the laser smoke.

[0015] Researchers have further investigated the transmission of infection via surgical smoke. In one study, for example, researchers demonstrated that transmission of HIV DNA recovered from surgical plumes to cultured cells is indeed possible. One case of a surgeon who contracted laryngeal papillomatosis after treating a patient with anogenital condyloma with laser tissue vaporization strongly suggests transmission via surgical smoke. The HPV strain contracted by the surgeon matched that of the treated patient, and no other exposure method other than inhalation of surgical plumes was identified as a risk factor. The incidence of warts (highly contagious viral warts treated by laser ablation) in unusual locations, such as the anterior nares of the nasal cavity, by laser operators has also been documented, suggesting transmission via surgical smoke.

[0016] A study of surgeons treating warts at the Mayo Clinic found that although the prevalence was not elevated in this group compared with the general population, 13% of surgeons had nasopharyngeal warts, a rare site of infection in the general population, best explained by an association with smoke plume inhalation. Surgeons, physician assistants, surgical residents, nurses, scrub technicians, and other HCP who come into contact with surgical plumes are at increased risk of potentially contracting the virus from infectious patients.

[0017] HCP typically utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) when treating patients with known viruses. In the absence of recognized highly contagious viruses, simple face masks and, if possible, gloves are used as standard PPE. To limit the spread of diseases during outbreaks that involve greater contagiousness than the common cold and seasonal influenza, HCP take additional measures to protect themselves while caring for infected patients, including the use of isolation gowns, face masks, face shields, N95 respirators, goggles or other types of eye protection, and sterile gloves. While this approach increases PPE thresholds during known outbreaks and improves HCP protection, it still allows for many scenarios in which HCP can become ill.

[0018] PPE is only effective for one-time use, and at the beginning of an outbreak, before HCP are aware of the new virus, ordinary masks and gloves may be insufficient to prevent the transmission of highly contagious diseases. Other reasons PPE may fail to protect HCP include improper use, failure of PPE materials or equipment, self-contamination, supply shortages, and reuse. While there have been clinical trials of PPE treated with antimicrobial agents that have proven ineffective, other studies suggest that each HCP should enter a UV chamber before removing PPE after treating an infected patient.

[0019] Unfortunately, the latter is not a practical solution in many countries or most facilities, even in developed countries such as the United States. Traces of viral RNA have been found on hospital and operating room walls, even with proper use of PPE protocols. Furthermore, studies have shown that greater exposure to the virus can potentially lead to more severe cases and higher transmission rates. Because hospitals and other medical facilities that treat infected patients are centers of viral activity, simply protecting them from the virus is not enough.

[0020] The most effective way to protect HCP from contagious diseases is to physically remove or eliminate the hazard itself. Elimination is followed by replacement of the hazard and the substitution of another hazard. Replacement is followed by the development and design of controls to isolate people from the hazard and administrative controls to change how people work. Reducing or limiting the amount of hazard or exposure can reduce the likelihood or number of transmissions. Finally, PPE is one of the least effective ways to protect HCP from contagious diseases. Therefore, the use of PPE alone does not eliminate the risk to HCP treating patients with contagious diseases. Reducing viral load in a hospital has the combined effect of increasing the effectiveness of all subsequent policies and procedures implemented to reduce viral transmission to HCP.

[0021] Currently, UV-C photomedical procedures involve lamps, room disinfection, and cumbersome commercially available handheld UV floodlights. Devices such as Biomation's TheraBand are used for wound care but are not sterilized and are brought into the surgical field.

[0022] One of the most significant obstacles to utilization to date has been the need to interrupt surgery to place particularly cumbersome UV-C devices in close proximity to the at-risk tissue. Another obstacle is the need to manufacture sterile devices that can be used within a sterile surgical field during therapeutic procedures such as surgery.

[0023] Other types of therapeutic lighting have shown effectiveness in combating viral and bacterial loads, including, but not limited to, UV light, UV-C light, far UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light, low-level laser light, and white light.

[0024] Previous methods of protecting HCP and other healthcare workers from spreading viral load have failed to provide acceptable results, and along with the aforementioned obstacles, indicate a clear need for alternative approaches to treating patients' surgical areas. The present disclosure provides a solution to this need by incorporating therapeutic lighting into devices such as intubation tubes and masks and suction tubes commonly used during surgery. Summary of the Invention

[0025] Disclosed is a set of devices and methods for protecting healthcare providers (HCPs) through the reduction of viral, bacterial, or other potentially infectious or infection-causing agents. Therapeutic lighting is applied directly to the light source (typically the mouth and nose area of ​​an infectious or potentially infectious patient) to denature, inactivate, kill, or otherwise render harmless some of these infectious agents. Other locations for therapeutic lighting application include near the surgical site of an infectious or potentially infectious patient or along the pathway to the healthcare provider, including the patient's respiratory equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). The impact of these devices and methods is to reduce the risk to HCPs by partially (reduction) or completely (elimination) the infectious agents, thereby reducing or eliminating HCP exposure. The devices are intended as sterile disposable, partially sterile disposable, non-sterile disposable, or reusable devices.

[0026] Devices can be designed to project therapeutic lighting at an optimal distance for effectiveness, particularly when incorporated into stationary devices intended to project therapeutic lighting directly onto potential infectious agent sources. Optical lenses can be used to directly focus or redirect therapeutic lighting to improve the effectiveness of the therapeutic lighting procedure or to ensure that lighting is projected only when desired.

[0027] The device can be utilized in any type of patient care facility, including emergency rooms, operating rooms, intensive care units (ICUs), respiratory therapy treatment centers, and other locations where healthcare providers can benefit from reducing the risk of contracting harmful infectious agents. The device can be used continuously throughout a procedure such as surgery, or throughout the duration of an intubation, periodically during care (i.e., once per hour during intubation), or at designated times during care (i.e., when a tube is inserted or removed, only when a healthcare provider is present, etc.).

[0028] The disclosed concepts illustrate different embodiments of medical devices incorporating therapeutic lighting. This lighting can use wavelengths of illumination effective to reduce the number of viruses, bacteria, or other potential contaminants / infectious agents, such as mold or fungi, and other pathogens, such as protozoa and helminths. The therapeutic lighting can be selected from a group of light sources consisting of UV light, UV-C light, far UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light, low-level laser light, and white light. The power source can be housed within the internal cavity of the body, or it can be housed external to or separate from the body. The internal power source can be selected from a group of power sources including, but not limited to, thin batteries, coin cells, rechargeable batteries, and other types of batteries. The external power source can include a wall outlet with a wired connection from a power outlet, an external battery pack, or other power source.

[0029] The light source includes at least one light source associated with a printed circuit board supported within the device, the light source preferably being an LED. The light source may also include at least one laser diode or other therapeutic light source. A control circuit is operably associated with the printed circuit board to activate and deactivate the power source and / or light source via a button, switch, or some other mechanism. The control circuit may include additional functionality for measuring treatment duration or indicating completion of a predetermined treatment duration. Continuous application of the therapeutic light allows the HCP to remain active without requiring a break from work. Using more targeted intermittent treatments allows the HCP to more precisely target potential sources of infection and avoid overexposure to patient tissue.

[0030] Furthermore, an additional utility of the device could be the use of visible light in conjunction with therapeutic lighting in the same device to improve illumination. This can be accomplished by alternating visible light LEDs with phototherapy (e.g., UV) LEDs or by having separate illumination areas on the same device. The device may have a switch to activate the visible light separately from the therapeutic lighting, or both may be controlled via the same switch.

[0031] A therapeutic lighting assembly for reducing a viral load in a patient includes a housing containing at least one therapeutic light source configured to directly illuminate the patient's airway or exhaled gas pathway, a power source coupled to the at least one therapeutic light source, and a tube attachment coupled to the housing configured to secure the housing to a tube in the patient.

[0032] The patient's tube can include an intubation tube or a nasal cannula. The housing can be coupled to a headset for attachment to the patient's head, and the headset can be secured to the patient's head via a strap, a plurality of face pads coupled to an arched headset base, or other means. The headset can be configured to be positioned under the patient's nose.

[0033] The housing can include a first panel and a second panel, the first panel including a plurality of inward ribs for positioning the therapeutic light source within the housing. The at least one therapeutic light source can be positioned via a directional assembly with an opening in the housing, adhesive or other fastening method, or other means. The tube attachment can be coupled to the housing by a pair of spacing ribs. The spacing ribs can be configured at a specific distance to optimize the effectiveness of the therapeutic lighting. The housing can include an opening through which the therapeutic lighting can shine toward and through the tube attachment. The device can include an optical lens for directing the therapeutic lighting.

[0034] The tube attachment may be rotatable about an axis. The tube attachment may be rotatable in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the housing. Rotation may improve comfort for the patient and improve directionality of the therapeutic illumination. The energy source may be a battery housed within the first cover. The therapeutic light source may include multiple LEDs or other light sources controlled by a printed circuit board within the housing and may be selected from a group including UV light, UV-C light, far UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light, low-level laser light, and white light. The therapeutic light source may include multiple light sources arranged circumferentially around the housing. The housing may be disposed within the patient's tube. The tube attachment may be rigidly attached to the housing, or may be flush with the plane defined by the housing. The therapeutic light source may be incorporated into a face mask.

[0035] These and other features of the apparatus and systems of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains from the following brief description of the drawings and the drawings themselves. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art will readily understand, without undue experimentation, how to make and use the apparatus and system of the present invention. [Figure 1] 1 shows an isometric view of a therapeutic lighting arc configured to produce an area-style lighting effect. [Figure 2] 2 shows a front view of the lighting arc of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 shows a front view of the lighting arc of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the lighting arc of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] 2 shows a bottom view of the lighting arc of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 shows a top view of the lighting arc of FIG. 1 with the upper housing removed. [Figure 7] 2 shows a side view of the lighting arc of FIG. 1 with the upper housing removed. [Figure 8] 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along AA from FIG. [Figure 9] Shown is a magnified view C taken from FIG. [Figure 10] Shown is a magnified view B taken from FIG. [Figure 11] 2 shows an isometric view of the bottom housing of the lighting arc of FIG. 1; [Figure 12] 2 shows a top view of the bottom housing of the lighting arc of FIG. 1; [Figure 13] Shown is a magnified view D taken from FIG. [Figure 14] An isometric view of a PCB with UV LEDs is shown. [Figure 15] The bottom view of the PCB is shown. [Figure 16] A side view of the PCB is shown. [Figure 16A] 2 shows the therapeutic lighting arc of FIG. 1 mounted on a hospital bed with a patient lying underneath. [Figure 16B] 2 shows the therapeutic lighting arc of FIG. 1 mounted on a hospital bed with a patient lying underneath. [Figure 16C] FIG. 2 shows the therapeutic lighting arc of FIG. 1 mounted over a hospital bed with an intubated patient on a ventilator. [Figure 16D] 2 shows the therapeutic lighting arc of FIG. 1 mounted on an operating table while a patient is undergoing surgery. [Figure 17] 1 shows a treatment lighting arc with smoke evacuation capability. [Figure 18] 18 shows a front view of the therapeutic illumination arc of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] 18 shows a side view of the therapeutic illumination arc of FIG. 17. [Figure 20] 18 shows an exploded isometric view of the assembly of the lighting arc of FIG. 17. [Figure 21] 18 shows a bottom view of the lighting arc of FIG. 17. [Figure 22] 18 shows a top view of the lighting arc of FIG. 17. [Figure 23] 18 shows an E-E cross section taken from FIG. [Figure 24] 23 shows a magnified view G taken from FIG. [Figure 25] 18 shows an isometric view of the bottom housing of the lighting arc of FIG. 17. [Figure 25A] FIG. 18 shows the lighting arc of FIG. 17 mounted on an operating table while a patient is undergoing surgery. [Figure 26] 1 shows a therapeutic illuminated surgical site ring with smoke emission. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows a front view of the surgical site ring of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] 27 shows a side view of the surgical site ring of FIG. 26. [Figure 29] 27 shows an exploded view of the surgical site ring of FIG. 26. [Figure 30] 27 shows a top view of the surgical site ring of FIG. 26. [Figure 31] Section HH of FIG. 30 is shown. [Figure 32] An enlarged view J of FIG. 31 is shown. [Figure 33] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of the surgical site ring of FIG. 26 with the cover plate and filter removed. [Figure 34] 27 shows an isometric view of the inside of the surgical site ring of FIG. 26. [Figure 35] 27 shows an isometric view of the exterior of the housing of the surgical site ring of FIG. 26. [Figure 36] 27 shows an isometric view of the cover plate of the surgical site ring of FIG. 26. [Figure 37] FIG. 27 shows an isometric view of a filter enclosed within a chamber of the surgical site ring of FIG. 26. [Figure 38] An isometric view of a PCB with UV LEDs is shown. [Figure 39] FIG. 27 shows an isometric cutaway view of the wires and connectors of the surgical site ring of FIG. 26. [Figure 39A] 27 shows a top view of the light ring of FIG. 26 around a surgical wound on a patient undergoing surgery. [Figure 39B] 27 shows an isometric view of the light ring of FIG. 26 around a laparoscopic trocar / access port in a patient undergoing surgery. [Figure 40] 10 illustrates an embodiment having therapeutic lighting integrated into the nasal cannula assembly to provide supplemental oxygen. [Figure 41] 41 shows another perspective view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 40. [Figure 42] 41 shows another perspective view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 40. [Figure 43] 41 shows a bottom view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 40. [Figure 44] FIG. 41 is a front view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 40 with the front plate removed. [Figure 45] 41 shows a rear view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 40. [Figure 46] 41 shows an exploded isometric view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 40. [Figure 47] 41 shows a top view of the therapeutic lighting of FIG. 40. [Figure 48] 44 shows a cross-sectional view of the therapeutic illumination taken along line KK in FIG. 43. [Figure 49] Shown is an enlarged view N taken from FIG. [Figure 50] A cross-sectional view taken along the MM from FIG. 45 is shown. [Figure 51] Shown is an enlarged view L taken from FIG. [Figure 52] FIG. 41 shows an isometric view of the nasal insert and rear light plate components of the therapeutic lighting incorporated into the nasal cannula assembly. [Figure 53] 41 shows a bottom view of the nasal insert and rear light plate components of the therapeutic lighting of FIG. 40. [Figure 54] 41 shows bottom, side and top views of the nasal insert and rear light plate components of the therapeutic lighting of FIG. 40. [Figure 53] 41 shows bottom, side and top views of the nasal insert and rear light plate components of the therapeutic lighting of FIG. 40. [Figure 56] 41 shows an isometric view of the wire holder component of the therapeutic light of FIG. 40. [Figure 57] 41 shows an isometric view of the therapeutic lighting PCB of FIG. 40. [Figure 57A] Figure 40 shows a diagram of the therapeutic light incorporated into the nasal cannula assembly worn by a patient lying in a hospital bed. [Figure 57B] Figure 40 shows a diagram of the therapeutic light incorporated into the nasal cannula assembly worn by a patient lying in a hospital bed. [Figure 58] 1 shows a therapeutic illuminated surgical site ring for open surgery. [Figure 58] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a therapeutic illuminated surgical site ring for open surgery. [Figure 59] 59 shows a front view of the therapeutic illumination surgical site ring of FIG. 58. [Figure 60] 59 shows a side view of the therapeutic illumination surgical site ring of FIG. 58. [Figure 61] 59 shows an isometric exploded view of the therapeutic illumination surgical site ring of FIG. 58. [Figure 62] 64 shows a cross-sectional view of the therapeutic illumination surgical site ring of FIG. 58 along line RR taken from FIG. 63. [Figure 63] 59 shows a top view of the therapeutic illumination surgical site ring of FIG. 58. [Figure 64]59 shows an isometric view of the therapeutic illumination surgical site ring of FIG. 58 with the outer housing and cover plate removed. [Figure 65] Shown is an enlarged view P taken from FIG. [Figure 66] 59 illustrates an intracorporeal isometric view of the therapeutic illumination surgical site ring of FIG. 58. [Figure 67] FIG. 59 shows an isometric view of the PCB of the therapeutic illumination surgical site ring of FIG. 58 with UV LEDs. [Figure 67A] 59 shows the light ring for open and laparoscopic surgery of FIG. 58 placed around a surgical wound on a patient undergoing surgery. [Figure 67A] 59 shows the light ring for open and laparoscopic surgery of FIG. 58 placed around a surgical wound on a patient undergoing surgery. [Figure 67C] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a light ring for open and laparoscopic surgery worn around a laparoscopic trocar / access port on a patient undergoing surgery. [Figure 68] 1 shows a therapeutic light integrated into a ventilator mouthpiece or head strap for an intubated patient. [Figure 69] 69 shows an isometric view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 68. [Figure 70] 69 shows an exploded view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 68. [Figure 71] 69 shows a top view of the therapeutic lighting of FIG. 68. [Figure 72] 69 shows a side view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 68. [Figure 73] 69 shows a rear view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 68. [Figure 74] 69 shows a front view of the treatment light assembly of FIG. 68 with the front cover removed. [Figure 75] Shown is an enlarged view S taken from FIG. [Figure 76] 69 shows an isometric view of the therapeutic lighting assembly of FIG. 68 with the front cover and PCB removed. [Figure 77] 69 shows a front view of the therapeutic lighting assembly of FIG. 68 with the front cover and PCB removed. [Figure 78] 69 shows an isometric view of the PCB of the therapeutic lighting of FIG. [Figure 79] FIG. 69 shows a rear view of the face pad of the therapeutic light of FIG. 68. [Figure 80] 69 shows a side view of the ventilator tube of FIG. 68. [Figure 81] FIG. 69 shows an isometric view of the ventilator tube of FIG. [Figure 82] 69 shows an isometric view of the ventilator tube with the therapeutic lighting assembly of FIG. 68 attached. [Figure 83] 69 shows a side view of the ventilator tube with the therapeutic lighting assembly of FIG. 68 attached. [Figure 83A] 69 shows the therapeutic light of FIG. 68 integrated into a ventilator mouthpiece for an intubated patient attached to the patient without a ventilator tube. [Figure 83B] 69 shows the therapeutic light of FIG. 68 incorporated into a head strap for an intubated patient attached to the patient without a ventilator tube. [Figure 83C] FIG. 68 shows a therapeutic light integrated into a ventilator mouthpiece or head strap for an intubated patient attached to an intubated patient with a ventilator tube. [Figure 84] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a support structure assembly with therapeutic lighting integrated into a ventilator tube for an intubated patient. [Figure 85] 85 shows a side view of the support structure assembly of FIG. 84 with therapeutic lighting integrated into a ventilator tube for an intubated patient. [Figure 86] 85 shows a top view of the support structure assembly of FIG. 84 with therapeutic lighting integrated into a ventilator tube for an intubated patient. [Figure 87] FIG. 85 shows an isometric view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 84 integrated into the ventilator tube. [Figure 88] 85 shows an exploded view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 84 integrated into the ventilator tube. [Figure 89] FIG. 85 shows a diagram of the intubation tube. [Figure 90]FIG. 85 shows a bottom view of the PCB of FIG. 84 with UV LEDs. [Figure 91] 85 shows a side view of the PCB of FIG. 84. [Figure 92] FIG. 85 shows a side view of the ventilator tube of FIG. 84 showing the area for mounting the PCB. [Figure 93] 85 shows an isometric view of the tube of FIG. 84 with the treatment lighting and holding structure assembly. [Figure 94] FIG. 85 shows a top view of the PCB of the therapeutic lighting of FIG. 84 having UV LEDs. [Figure 95] FIG. 85 shows an isometric view of the battery components of the therapeutic light of FIG. [Figure 96] 85 shows an isometric view of an assembly with the therapeutic lighting of FIG. 84 incorporated into the ventilator tube and holding structure assembly. [Figure 96A] 85 shows the therapeutic light of FIG. 84 incorporated into a ventilator tube and support structure assembly attached to an intubated patient in a hospital bed connected to a ventilator. [Figure 96B] 85 shows the therapeutic light of FIG. 84 incorporated into a ventilator tube and support structure assembly attached to an intubated patient in a hospital bed connected to a ventilator. [Figure 97] FIG. 1 shows a rear view of an attachable therapy light with a ventilator tube for an intubated patient. [Figure 98] 85 shows an exploded view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 84. [Figure 99] FIG. 85 shows a front view of the main body components of the therapeutic light of FIG. 84. [Figure 100] 85 shows an isometric view of the lens cover component of the therapeutic light of FIG. 84. [Figure 101] 85 shows a side view of the battery components of the therapeutic light of FIG. 84. [Figure 102] FIG. 85 shows a front view of the battery and PCB assembly of the therapeutic light of FIG. [Figure 103] 85 shows a side view of the PCB of the therapeutic light of FIG. 84. [Figure 104] 85 shows a rear view of the therapeutic lighting PCB of FIG. 84. [Figure 105] 85 shows the ventilator tube before attachment of the attachable treatment light of FIG. 84. [Figure 106] 85 shows the ventilator tube after attachment of the attachable therapeutic light of FIG. 84. [Figure 106A] 85 shows the attachable therapy light of FIG. 84 for mounting on a ventilator tube. [Figure 106B] 85 shows the attachable therapy light of FIG. 84 for mounting on a ventilator tube. [Figure 107] 1 shows a therapeutic light integrated into a tracheostomy tube. [Figure 108] FIG. 107 shows a front view of the optical PCB. [Figure 109] 108 shows a side view of the intermediate tube of FIG. 107. [Figure 110] 108 shows an isometric view of the tracheostomy tube of FIG. 107. [Figure 111] 108 shows a side view of the PCB of FIG. 107. [Figure 112] 108 shows an isometric view of the battery components of FIG. 107. [Figure 113] 107 shows a rear view of the PCB. [Figure 114] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a therapeutic light integrated into a tracheostomy tube. [Figure 115] 108 shows an exploded view of the therapeutic light of FIG. 107 incorporated into a tracheostomy tube. [Figure 115A] FIG. 107 shows the therapeutic light incorporated into a tracheostomy tube used on a patient with a tracheostomy in a hospital bed. [Figure 115B] FIG. 107 shows the therapeutic light incorporated into a tracheostomy tube used on a patient with a tracheostomy in a hospital bed. [Figure 116] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a therapeutic lighting bag-mask ventilation system. [Figure 117] 117 shows a side view of the therapeutic lighting bag mask ventilation device of FIG. 116. [Figure 118]FIG. 116 shows a front view of the PCB components of the optical bag mask ventilator. [Figure 119] FIG. 116 shows a front view of the PCB components of the optical bag mask ventilator with the battery installed. [Figure 120] FIG. 116 shows a side view of the PCB of the optical bag mask ventilator. [Figure 121] FIG. 116 shows a rear view of the PCB of the optical bag mask ventilator. [Figure 122] FIG. 116 shows a side view of the battery of the optical bag mask ventilator. [Figure 123] 117 shows a rear view of the mask component of the optical bag mask ventilation device of FIG. 116. [Figure 124] FIG. 116 shows the bag of an optical bag-mask ventilator. [Figure 125] FIG. 117 shows a front view of the therapeutic lighting mask bag ventilator assembly of FIG. 116. [Figure 125A] FIG. 116 shows the therapeutic light mask-bag ventilation device used on a patient in a hospital bed. [Figure 125B] FIG. 116 shows the therapeutic light mask-bag ventilation device used on a patient in a hospital bed. [Figure 126] FIG. 1 shows a front view of the mask component of the therapeutic lighting bag ventilation system. [Figure 127] 127 shows an isometric view of the mask component of the therapeutic lighting bag ventilation system of FIG. 126. [Figure 128] FIG. 127 shows a front view of the illumination bag ventilator assembly of the therapeutic light of FIG. 126. [Figure 129] Shown is an enlarged view T taken from Figure 127. [Figure 130] Section UU taken from FIG. 128 is shown. [Figure 131] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a mask component of a therapeutic illumination mask for a ventilator device. [Figure 132] 132 shows a top view of a therapeutic lighting mask for the ventilator device assembly of FIG. 131. [Figure 133]A front view of a therapeutic lighting mask for the ventilator device assembly of Figure 131 is shown. [Figure 134] 132 shows a rear view of a therapeutic illumination mask for the ventilator device assembly of FIG. 131. [Figure 135] 1 shows a therapeutic lighting personal protective mask for a healthcare provider. [Figure 136] FIG. 136 shows a front view of the PCB of the therapeutic lighting personal protection mask. [Figure 137] FIG. 136 shows a side view of the PCB of the therapeutic lighting personal protection mask. [Figure 138] FIG. 136 shows a top view of the therapeutic illumination mask of FIG. 135 having an integrated face shield assembly. [Figure 139] A front view of the mask component of the therapeutic illumination mask of Figure 135 having an integrated face shield assembly is shown. [Figure 140] 136 shows a rear view of the mask component of the therapeutic illumination mask of FIG. 135 having an integrated face shield. [Figure 140A] 1 shows a healthcare provider wearing a therapeutic light mask device. [Figure 140B] 1 shows a healthcare provider wearing a therapeutic light mask device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Described below is a set of devices and methods for protecting healthcare providers (HCPs) by reducing viral loads, bacterial loads, or other potentially infectious or infection-causing agents through the application of therapeutic lighting directed at the source of infection (typically the mouth and nose area of ​​a patient who is infectious or potentially infectious) to denature, inactivate, kill, or otherwise render harmless some of these infectious agents. Therapeutic lighting is harmless to humans and can be used to penetrate and kill airborne viruses. As described in detail below, incorporating such therapeutic lighting into devices such as intubation tubes and masks, as well as suction tubes commonly used during surgery, can be used to reduce or eliminate associated viral loads, thereby reducing the risk of transmission and infection to HCPs and others who come into close contact with affected respiratory droplets while performing intubation, surgery, and other similar airway-related procedures.

[0038] Specifically, therapeutic lighting can include UV light, UV-C light, far UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light, low-level laser light, white light, and other short-wavelength ultraviolet light for germicidal irradiation (UVGI) that damages microbial DNA. Specifically, UV-C therapy has been noted to promote wound healing. Furthermore, UV-C light is beginning to prove more useful in preventing SSIs, with one study showing a reduction in infection rates from 10% to 0.24% with UV therapy.

[0039] It is the most commonly known commercially available UV sterilizer for consumer disinfection of mobile phones.

[0040] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like structural elements and features of the present invention, Figures 1-16D show a therapeutic lighting arc 10 designed to generate "area" style therapeutic lighting from a therapeutic light source 6 around a treatment area critical for reducing the number of infectious agents. In one illustrated embodiment, the patient, whether intubated (Figure 16C) or not, can be in bed with the arc 10 localized over their head to treat the mouth and nose area.

[0041] The arc 10 includes an inner panel 2 and an outer panel 4, which constitute the arc 10 body and are powered via an electrical cord 8 and leads 16. The inner panel 2 may include multiple apertures 18 for illuminating the therapeutic light source 6. The therapeutic light source 6 is packaged between the inner panel 2 and the outer panel 4 by multiple strips 12. Each strip 12 is held in place by ribs 14 extending from the edge of the inner panel 2. The exhaled breath and the droplets therein are treated with the therapeutic light. The arc 10, shown here as a three-sided arc, can rest on a bed; however, in alternative embodiments, the user can hook the arc around the patient's head or around the back of a hospital sofa / stand-up bed. The patient can wear UV protective eyewear if needed. A further version utilizes the arc around an open surgical site, where the light acts to combat any infectious agents aerosolized during surgery, either via electrocautery, blood spray, smoke, or airflow. While the illustrated concept involves wired power, the device may also be battery-powered. This embodiment may also have the effect of reducing infection rates for patients by treating bacteria, viruses, and other harmful agents that may be present within the surgical cavity.

[0042] Referring to Figures 17-25A, a therapeutic lighting arc 20 is shown, made up of an inner panel 22 and an outer panel 24 with smoke evacuation capability through an ejector 26. A filter element 34 is embedded within the ejector 26 for filtering particulates and harmful materials from the ablation smoke, and within a conduit 32 for smoke evacuation. This arc 20, shown here as a three-sided arc, acts to actively remove air or smoke surrounding an infectious patient and can be used to aspirate and kill infectious agents from a breathing patient or from smoke generated at a surgical site. The inner panel 22 includes multiple apertures 18 for illuminating the therapeutic light source 6. The therapeutic light source 6 is packaged between the inner panel 22 and the outer panel 24 by multiple strips 12. Each strip 12 is held in place by a rib 14 extending from the edge of the inner panel 2. A power source 8 is shown, but it may be battery-powered. The inner panel 24 also includes a slit 28 that allows the ejector 26 to draw smoke through the lighting arc 20. While this embodiment shows a conduit 32 that connects to an external suction source, an internal fan or pump that draws untreated air into the therapeutic lighting area (and / or filter) and treatment at the surgical site is also contemplated.

[0043] 26-39B, a therapeutic illumination surgical site ring 30 is shown, which forms an enclosed space defined by inner and outer panels 44 and 42 and braces 46, connecting the panels 44 and 42 with smoke evacuation capability. The outer panel 42 includes guides 74 for aligning the braces and corresponding ribs 82. The ring device 30, which surrounds the surgical site or endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical port site, includes slits 56 for smoke passage, a filter element 68, and a conduit 58 attached to a suction source, such as a smoke evacuation device or wall suction. The suction evacuates surgical smoke and gases from the surgical site generated by an electrocautery device or other source. Infectious agents carried in the smoke or gases can be treated with a brilliant therapeutic light source 54 shining through the port 66, aligned on the sheet 62 and held in place by the ribs 72. The filter element may be constructed from a paper filter, a carbon or activated charcoal filter, or other types of filters. The illustrated embodiment connects to an external power source via wires 52 and leads 64, although integral battery power can be utilized. Although positioning ribs 82 are shown in this and other embodiments, it is within the scope of this disclosure that other positioning mechanisms can be used to align the therapeutic light source with the enclosure or housing.

[0044] Referring to Figures 40-57B, a therapeutic light integrated into a nasal cannula assembly 40 is shown. Patients experiencing some respiratory distress can be treated with supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula. This delivers additional oxygen to the patient's nose to improve oxygen saturation and aid in respiratory distress. The therapeutic light is integrated into, assembled to, or attached to the nasal cannula to deliver therapeutic light to the potentially infectious patient's nose and mouth area. The assembly 40 includes a housing for housing an LED 106. The LED 106 is associated with a circuit board 118 between the inner plate 102 and the outer plate 104. The inner plate 101 includes an opening 122 for illuminating the therapeutic light source 106 and a plurality of ribs 124 for securing the therapeutic light source board 118. The inner plate 101 is attached to a pair of spacing ribs 128, which include an attachment mechanism for coupling to the nasal cannula 102. The nasal cannula 102, having the tubing 108 and wire support ring 114, also includes a pair of ports 116. Spacing ribs 128 are located adjacent to the ports 116 to position the therapeutic light source 106 at a specific distance relative to the patient's nose and mouth. One embodiment of a therapeutic light connected to the nasal cannula with wired power 112 is shown as an item, although other shapes and connection points are within the scope of this disclosure. The device may also be battery powered.

[0045] Referring now to Figures 58-67C, a therapeutic lighting surgical site ring is shown. This device is an assembly constructed to surround an open surgical site and project therapeutic lighting radially inward to reduce viral load from infectious agents escaping the surgical site. This is an important safety device, particularly for surgeons and nurses who need to be near the open surgical site to see what is happening, as it can help reduce the risk of breathing in any infectious agents that are aerosolized during surgery, whether through electrocautery, bleeding, smoke, or airflow. One rectangular embodiment is shown by item 50. The therapeutic lighting surgical site rectangle 50 forms an enclosed space defined by an inner panel 152 and an outer panel 154 and a brace 156 connecting the panels 152 and 154. The outer panel 154 includes guides 155 for aligning the brace 156 and corresponding ribs 157. Any infectious agent can be treated with therapeutic light emanating from therapeutic light source 54, aligned on sheet 62 and held in place by ribs 72, shining through port 162. The illustrated embodiment connects to an external power source via wires 158 and leads 164, although integral battery power can be utilized.

[0046] To protect the device from accidental movement, it can be attached to the patient's skin or a drape via adhesive tape, or it can be weighted to hold it in place. An alternative embodiment with a smaller shape and dimensions can be used in laparoscopic procedures by placing it around a laparoscopic port. This can be particularly useful in insufflated surgical cavities, where pressurized pneumoperitoneum gas can leak from the port or port site while carrying infectious agents, as shown in Figure 67C. During surgery, multiple rings can be used so that each laparoscopic port site has its own therapeutic illumination ring.

[0047] Referring now to Figures 68-83C, a therapeutic lighting assembly 60 is shown integrated into a ventilator mouthpiece / head strap 202. The lighting assembly 60 includes a plate 204 and a second plate 218 with a PCB 222 containing multiple therapeutic light sources 212. The therapeutic light sources 212 illuminate through ports 232. Intubated patients often wear a mouthpiece or head strap to secure the ventilator tube so that the ventilator tube does not pull down or draw out the patient's mouth or chin, causing discomfort or injury. The head strap 220, here, includes multiple spaced pads 208, shown with therapeutic lighting attached to or integrated into the mouthpiece / head strap to illuminate the patient's nose and mouth, where most infectious viruses are localized and aerosolized. The head strap 202 is connected to the lighting assembly 60 by a pair of spaced ribs 216.

[0048] Activating this therapeutic light can also reduce the number of viruses present at the time of ventilator tube insertion, a process that requires HCPs to come into close contact with the sick patient's mouth. The ventilator tube 70 can be attached to the assembly 60 by a tube attachment structure 214 located on one side of the rib 216. The tube attachment structure 214 can pivot as needed to attach to the tube 70. The attachment pivots within the same plane as the lighting assembly 60. The ventilator mouthpiece / head strap design can vary but typically includes a strap for tightening around the head, typically a portion that contacts the front of the patient's head between the nose and mouth, and a portion for attaching the ventilator tube via adhesive, clips, or some other mechanism. It may also include at least one adhesive patch for securing the mouthpiece / head strap to the patient's head. The ventilator tube can be single or branched, flexible, extendable, etc. The device can include an optical lens. The complete device, showing the mouthpiece / head strap and ventilator tube, is shown as item 80. The illustrated embodiment connects to an external power source via wires 206 and leads 224, although integral battery power may be utilized.

[0049] Referring to Figures 84 through 96B, a therapeutic lighting assembly 314 is shown integrated into the ventilator tubing between the corrugated ventilator tube 316 and the intubation tube 312, forming the assembly 100. The lighting assembly 314 includes a therapeutic light source 328. The lighting assembly 314 is activated by a push button 318. Intubated patients have a tube that passes down their throat and into their lungs to assist breathing when the lungs are compromised. In infectious respiratory diseases, the insertion, irrigation, removal, and other actions associated with the ventilator tube put HCPs at risk of contracting airborne viruses and other contagious diseases from infectious patients. Integrating therapeutic lighting into the tubing reduces the number of viruses on the patient that could otherwise be transmitted through the tube, into the ventilator, and into the air surrounding the patient. The ventilator tubing can be single or branched, flexible, extendable, etc.

[0050] Therapeutic lighting may be incorporated directly into the tubing or assembled into a tubing assembly. The device may include an optical lens, or the tubing may be fabricated from a material that is transparent to the therapeutic lighting. The ventilator tubing may be connected or attached to a mouthpiece / head strap, as shown in assembly 110. The head strap may be attached to the tubing by attachment structure 404. While an embodiment showing an endotracheal intubation device is included, this could easily be adapted to a nasogastric intubation device or a fiber optic intubation device.

[0051] Referring to Figures 97-106B, an attachable therapy lighting assembly 120 intended for attachment to a ventilator tube is shown. The assembly 120 includes a coplanar attachable lighting body 332 that attaches to a non-rotating tube mounting clamp. A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly 338 fits within a PCB assembly cavity 336 and is covered by a lens cover 342 and lens 348. The lighting is activated by a push button 344. Here, the therapy lighting assembly 120 is a separate component (not integrally constructed with the ventilator tube) that attaches to the ventilator tube to illuminate the patient's mouth / nose and reduce viral loads. While a clip mechanism is shown, attachment via adhesives, straps, clamps, or some other mechanism is possible. This allows the assembly 120 to be independently attached to any tube, regardless of whether a head strap is present, making it more versatile for various ventilator tube shapes from different manufacturers. An embodiment showing an endotracheal intubation device is included, but this can easily be adapted to a nasogastric intubation device or a fiber optic intubation device. The mouthpiece is shown as item 300 and the fully assembled embodiment is shown as item 130.

[0052] 107-115B, a therapeutic lighting assembly 414 is shown integrated into the tracheostomy tube between the intermediate tube 412 and the corrugated ventilator tube 416. The lighting 428 is circumferentially arranged around the PCB 422 and is powered by a battery 426 activated by a push button 418. A tracheostomy or tracheotomy tube is a ventilator tube inserted directly into the trachea through an incision in the neck. Tracheostomy tubes typically include ports that can be connected and disconnected on the surface of the neck and seal the incisions in the neck and trachea. Nevertheless, having therapeutic lighting illuminating within and around the tube can act to reduce viral loads anywhere within the tube and around the tube site. Instead of an integrated battery power source, a wired or external power source may also be present.

[0053] Referring to Figures 116-134, a therapeutically illuminated bag-mask ventilation device is shown, which is a bag-mask type ventilation device 502. These devices typically include some type of face mask 528 that seals over the nose and mouth and a bag 516 attached via a bag-mask manifold 532. The bag 516 can be manually compressed to force air into the lungs of a patient experiencing respiratory distress. A light 548 can be inserted into the structure housing the lighting component 506. Some ventilated patients who cannot be intubated may also have modified ventilation via a mask connected to the ventilator. One embodiment shows a therapeutic light placed within the mask and shining directly onto the nose and mouth of an infectious patient. This embodiment is shown as item 150.

[0054] An alternative embodiment places therapeutic lighting within the mask's airway to reduce the amount of virus directed toward the bag and help protect HCP, particularly those treating the patient by compressing the bag. This embodiment is shown as item 160. The mask may also include a filter material through which air is expelled to capture particulates exhaled by the patient. Another embodiment shows mask ventilation attached to a tube connected to a ventilator rather than a bag. This embodiment is shown as item 170.

[0055] Referring now to Figures 135-140B, a therapeutic lighting personal protective mask is shown. This concept 602 is not intended to reduce viral load at the site of viral shedding (infected patients and their mouths, noses, or surgical sites), but rather to treat infectious agents as they enter the body of HCPs. Applying therapeutic lighting to a surgical mask, face shield, goggles, or other device reduces the viral load passed on to other PPE and HCPs.

[0056] One embodiment, shown as item 180, includes a surgical mask, shield, or face shield for eye protection and a head strap for securing the device to 602. This embodiment includes a therapeutic light 638 within the mask to treat infectious agents before they are inhaled and a therapeutic light attached to the shield to reduce the amount of virus that can come into contact with the eyes. A second embodiment, shown as item 190, simply includes a therapeutic light within the surgical mask. While both embodiments show battery-powered lighting, an external power source could also be used. While both embodiments show LEDs, other types of therapeutic light sources, such as laser diodes, could also be used.

[0057] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that changes and / or modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [1] 1. A therapeutic lighting assembly for reducing a viral load in a patient, comprising: a housing containing at least one therapeutic light source configured to emit light at the air exiting the patient's airway; a power source coupled to the at least one treatment light source; a tube attachment coupled to the housing configured to secure the housing to a patient tube; The therapeutic lighting assembly for reducing a viral load in a patient. [2] the patient tube comprises an intubation tube or a nasal cannula; [1] The lighting assembly according to [1]. [3] the housing is coupled to a headset for attachment to a patient's head; [1] The lighting assembly according to [1]. [4] the headset includes a plurality of adhesive pads coupled to an arched headset base; [3] The lighting assembly according to [3]. [5] the headset is configured to be placed under the patient's nose; [3] The lighting assembly according to [3]. [6] the housing includes a first panel and a second panel, the first panel including a plurality of inward ribs for positioning the treatment light source within the housing; [1] The lighting assembly according to [1]. [7] The tube attachment is coupled to the housing by a pair of spacing ribs. [1] The lighting assembly according to [1]. [8] [1] The lighting assembly of [1], wherein the housing includes an opening that allows the therapeutic lighting to shine through it toward the tube attachment. [9] The tube attachment is rotatable about an axis, [1] The lighting assembly according to [1].

[10] the tube attachment is rotatable in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the housing; [1] The lighting assembly according to [1].

[11] the energy source is a battery contained within the housing; [1] The lighting assembly according to [1].

[12] the treatment light source includes a plurality of UV LEDs associated with a circuit board within the housing; [1] The lighting assembly according to [1].

[13] The therapeutic light source is selected from the group consisting of UV light, UV-C light, far UV-C light, infrared light, near-infrared light, low-level laser light, and white light. [1] The lighting assembly according to [1].

[14] The housing is disposed within the patient tube. [1] The lighting assembly according to [1].

[15] the therapeutic light source comprises a plurality of light sources circumferentially arranged around the housing; [1] The lighting assembly according to [1].

[16] the tube attachment is securely attached to the housing; [1] The lighting assembly according to [1].

[17] the tube attachment is disposed flush with a plane defined by the housing;

[16] The lighting assembly according to

[16] .

[18] The therapeutic light source is incorporated into a face mask. [1] The lighting assembly according to [1].

[19] The therapeutic illumination is directed by an optical lens component. [1] The lighting assembly according to [1].

[20] 1. A method for reducing the number of viruses shed by a patient, comprising: attaching a therapeutic light to a tube exiting the patient's airway; activating the treatment light when the tube is installed; directing the therapeutic light into the airway to reduce the amount of virus emerging from the airway. The method reduces the number of viruses shed by a patient.

[21] the airway is the patient's nose;

[20] The method described in

[20] .

Claims

1. A therapeutic lighting assembly for reducing viral load in an intubated patient, comprising: a planar housing containing a plurality of spaced therapeutic light sources configured to emit light toward the airway of the intubated patient; a head strap coupled to the planar housing and positioned on the intubated patient's head under the nose; a tube attachment anchor coupled to the head strap, the tube attachment anchor configured to secure the head strap to a ventilator tube of the intubated patient; Equipped with the planar housing includes an upper first plate and a lower second plate; an interior area between the first upper plate and the second lower plate for accommodating a printed circuit board including a plurality of treatment light sources within the planar housing; the head strap is coupled to the lower second plate of the planar housing by a pair of parallel spaced ribs; Therapeutic lighting assembly.

2. The head strap includes an arched base to which a plurality of pads are connected at intervals in an arc shape. The lighting assembly of claim 1 .

3. the lower second plate of the planar housing is provided with a plurality of ports through which therapeutic light from the plurality of therapeutic light sources is irradiated toward the tube attachment anchor; The lighting assembly of claim 1 .

4. the tube attachment anchor is rotatable about an axis extending perpendicular to the planar housing; The lighting assembly of claim 1 .

5. the tube attachment anchor is rotatable in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the planar housing; The lighting assembly of claim 1 .

6. A battery is housed within the planar housing to power the therapeutic light source, or the therapeutic light source is connected to an external power source. The lighting assembly of claim 1 .

7. The therapeutic light source is a plurality of UV LEDs. The lighting assembly of claim 1 .

Images