Phototherapy garment for neonatal jaundice

Abstract

A phototherapy garment for treating jaundice includes a base garment configured to conform to a patient's body and includes a stretchable textile substrate, a plurality of conductive traces integrated into the base garment, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) oriented to direct light toward a wearer's skin. Methods of treating jaundice using the phototherapy garment and methods of manufacturing the phototherapy garment further define characteristics of the phototherapy garment.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01)PHOTOTHERAPY GARMENT FOR NEONATAL JAUNDICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is being filed on 04 September 2025, as a PCT international application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 690,636, filed on 04 September 2024, titled PHOTOTHERAPY GARMENT FOR NEONATAL JAUNDICE, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborns that causes a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes due to an excess of bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. It often appears within the first few days after birth and can be classified into two main types: physiologic and pathologic. Physiologic jaundice is typically harmless and results from the baby’s immature liver struggling to process bilirubin, usually resolving on its own within one to two weeks. Pathologic jaundice, which appears within the first 24 hours of life or is severe, may indicate underlying issues such as blood type incompatibility or infection and may require medical treatment.

[0003] If bilirubin levels become excessively high, the pigment can cross the stilldeveloping blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue, leading to bilirubin- induced neurologic dysfunction and, in severe cases, kemicterus. This condition can cause permanent complications such as hearing loss, motor dysfunction, and developmental delays, making early detection and treatment of significant jaundice essential for infant safety.

[0004] Treatment commonly involves phototherapy, where the baby is placed under phototherapy lights, specifically designed to help break down excess bilirubin in the baby’s skin. These lights emit blue or blue-green light, which penetrates the skin and alters the bilirubin molecules, making them easier for the baby’s liver to process and eliminate. The baby is typically placed under these lights in an incubator or under a special blanket designed to deliver the blue light. Phototherapy is generally safe and effective, but the baby’s eyes generally need to be protected with special patches to prevent damage from the bright lights. The duration and intensity of phototherapy are adjusted to minimize any potential side effects. In more severe cases, an exchangeAttorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01) transfusion might be needed to remove the bilirubin and address any underlying problems.SUMMARY

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a phototherapy garment for treating jaundice. The phototherapy garment includes a base garment configured to conform to a patient’s body and including a stretchable textile substrate; a plurality of conductive traces integrated into the base garment; and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) oriented to direct light toward a wearer's skin.

[0006] In other aspects, the base garment is a full-body garment having body conforming portions to provide coverage for at least a torso, arms including hands, legs including feet, and head of the patient’s body. In other aspects, the phototherapy garment further includes a diffusion layer positioned between the LEDs and the wearer's skin.

[0007] In other aspects, the LEDs are configured to emit blue light having a wavelength between 425 ran and 475 nm. In other aspects, the LEDs are spaced at intervals of approximately 2 cm to 4 cm across the base garment surface. In other aspects, the phototherapy garment further includes a transparent encapsulant covering at least one of the LEDs, joints, and conductive traces. In further aspects, the transparent encapsulant comprises acrylic material.

[0008] In other aspects, the plurality of conductive traces are arranged in a serpentine circuit configuration across the base garment. In further aspects, the serpentine circuit configuration is configured as one of a parallel circuit configuration, a series circuit configuration, and a combination series / parallel circuit. In other aspects, the conductive traces are stitched into the base garment using conductive thread. In further aspects, each conductive trace includes a power trace and a paired ground trace. In other aspects, the plurality of conductive traces are configured as a laminated flex circuit.

[0009] In other aspects, the LEDs are powered by an external power source connected to the phototherapy garment. In other aspects, the phototherapy garment further includes a battery integrated into or connected to the phototherapy garment, wherein the LEDs are powered by the battery.

[0010] Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method of administering phototherapy. The method includes placing a phototherapy garment on a patient, the phototherapy garment including a base garment with integrated conductive traces and a plurality of LEDs positioned to direct light toward the patient; activating the LEDs toAttorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01) produce light emission; and maintaining the light emission at an irradiance level between 30 pW / cm2and 50 pW / cm2at a surface of the phototherapy garment for a therapeutic duration.

[0011] In other aspects, the phototherapy garment covers substantially an entire body surface of the patient except for the face. In further aspects, the phototherapy garment is configured to be body-conforming for the patient to deliver light to target skin areas of the patient including joint folds and underarm regions.

[0012] In other aspects, the light emission is a blue light having a wavelength between 425 nm and 475 nm. In further aspects, the blue light has a peak wavelength of approximately 455 nm. In other aspects, the LEDs are powered by one of an external power source connected to the phototherapy garment and a battery integrated into or connected to the phototherapy garment

[0013] In other aspects, the therapeutic duration includes continuous treatment for a period of hours to days as clinically indicated. In other aspects, the method further includes monitoring bilirubin levels of the patient during treatment.

[0014] A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a neonatal phototherapy garment, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the neonatal phototherapy garment of FIG. 1 with area of active phototherapy shown.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a design layout of a back panel of a garment pattern for a neonatal phototherapy garment, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a design layout of a front panel of the garment pattern of FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a design layout of serpentine traces for an example electrical system of the neonatal phototherapy garment of FIG. 1.Attorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01)

[0021] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the layers of the phototherapy garment of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Disclosed herein is a textile-based garment with an integrated array of lightemitting diodes (LEDs). In embodiments, the garment is a full-body “onesie” and the LEDs are configured to emit blue light. The garment provides blue-light output consistent with the requirements for jaundice phototherapy treatment, but in soft garment form. In embodiments, the garment is particularly configured to an infant and for the treatment of neonatal jaundice.

[0023] Conventional phototherapy treatments for jaundice, and neonatal jaundice in particular, suffer from significant limitations that create opportunities for textile-based solutions. Current approaches using incubators or rigid “blanket” devices that fail to provide comprehensive skin coverage, particularly in occluded areas such as joint folds and underarm regions where effective light delivery is critical for therapeutic efficacy.

[0024] In incubator treatments, a newborn or infant is placed in a bassinet with only a diaper and eye protection. The infant is then irradiated from above and below with blue light. Babies are frequently distressed in the course of the treatment, due to discomfort or simply because they are newborns. Therse incubator arrangements are therefore frequently traumatic for the infant and caregiver, as the newborn infant must be placed in the bassinet unclothed, wearing eye protection, for protracted periods. Newborns are accustomed to a warm, contained environment and are very uncomfortable under these conditions, which also causes distress for the caregiver.

[0025] Incubators also interfere with medically recommended early breastfeeding, holding the infant, and caregiver bonding in the crucial first days. Worse, impaired breastfeeding exacerbates jaundice, since the infant’s first stool (meconium) contains high levels of bilirubin which can be reabsorbed by the intestines if it is not eliminated quickly.

[0026] Phototherapy blankets, also known as fiberoptic blankets or bili-blankets, are an alternative method used to treat neonatal jaundice. These blankets are embedded with fiberoptic cables that emit a soft, blue light designed to help break down excess bilirubin in a baby's skin. The baby is typically wrapped in or placed on top of the blanket, which is then secured to ensure even exposure to the light. The blanket needs to be properly positioned and in direct contact with the baby's skin to be most effective, which can beAttorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01) difficult to achieve consistently. Many infants may find the blanket restrictive or uncomfortable, impacting their ability to move or rest comfortably.

[0027] The fiberoptic blanket is meant to allow for more flexible and continuous treatment while the baby is held or fed, promoting comfort and ease of care. However, phototherapy blankets, as they currently exist, are stiff plastic sheets which impede parents and other caregivers from holding and soothing the infant due to being constructed of bulky, nonconformal material. The “blankets” presently used in phototherapy also make it difficult for the blue light to reach occluded body areas. This, in combination with the light from the blanket generally being less intense than that from overhead phototherapy units, can sometimes make it less effective for severe jaundice cases.

[0028] Treatment efficacy is maximized by the amount of surface area illuminated, as well as proximity to the light source. Illumination from both incubators and conventional blankets are unable to reach into body folds and occluded areas, which limits bilirubin breakdown. Additionally, all of the currently available devices still require eye protection, which is often uncomfortable for the newborn, who is unable to understand or tolerate the discomfort.

[0029] Disclosed herein is a phototherapy garment which addresses these and other shortcomings in the present state of treatment for neonatal jaundice. Disclosed herein is a phototherapy garment which conforms to the whole body surface including head, hands, feet. The phototherapy garment disclosed herein is able to ensure effective delivery of blue light to occluded areas, like the underarms and joint folds, as the garment is configured to conform to these areas. The disclosed phototherapy garment is soft and feels like a classic infant garment, enabling parents and other caregivers to hold the infant naturally. To provide a textile-based phototherapy garment, the manner in which the LED array is attached is different from conventional methods. This allows the garment to be softer, more breathable, and more conformal, while also allowing for irradiation of more of the body surface with LED light.

[0030] Other garment-based prototypes have been considered in the art, but using different fabrication approaches than those disclosed herein. These few examples are based on stiff plastic optical fiber, limit the illumination area to a smaller portion of the body, and fail to account for stretch or conformability of the garment to the body surface. Those that are realistically manufacturable rely on laminating stiff, impermeable flex circuits to the garment or using embedded optical fibers to deliver light. Both of theseAttorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01) options add stiffness, decreasing the ability of the garment to conform to the body surface, and limiting the amount of the body surface that can be irradiated. Phototherapy dosage, and the associated outcomes for the infant, is closely tied to the extent of the surface area that is irradiated.

[0031] The development of e-textile phototherapy devices presents unique technical challenges that differ substantially from traditional electronic systems. These challenges arise from the intersection of textile manufacturing constraints, electrical performance requirements, and the demanding safety standards required for neonatal medical applications. The technical challenges encountered in developing phototherapy garments encompass multiple interconnected domains.

[0032] Conductive trace integration and electrical reliability represent a fundamental challenge, requiring consistent electrical connections between stitched conductive traces or, in some cases, surface-mounted components while maintaining textile flexibility. In embodiments, the disclosed phototherapy onesie addresses this challenge through the use of stitched e-textile fabrication methods that preserve the softness of the textile structure for next-to-skin applications. In embodiments, conductive thread, which may be silver-coated in some examples, and serpentine circuit configurations that accommodate garment geometry while maintaining electrical continuity contribute to a soft and flexible garment which delivers therapeutically effective phototreatment. In embodiments, the serpentine circuit configuration is configured as one or a combination of a parallel circuit configuration and a series circuit configuration. In some preferred embodiments, a combination series / parallel circuit is used that does not include two parallel serpentine traces.

[0033] Heat management and thermal safety constitute another concern, demanding careful management of heat generation from LED arrays to ensure patient skin safety, especially delicate in the case of newborns, through careful component selection and passive cooling strategies. In embodiments, garments disclosed herein address this problem by using only low-power LED components to reduce heat generation at the source and incorporating breathable fabric substrates and encapsulants that allow heat dissipation away from the patient’s body.

[0034] Circuit layout optimization presents complex design requirements, as circuit configurations must accommodate garment geometry while minimizing voltage drops and ensuring uniform light distribution. In embodiments, garments disclosed herein include carefully routed serpentine conductive traces that cover the body surface withAttorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01) optimized LED spacing. In embodiments, a preferred LED spacing of approximately 2- 4 cm is used, ensuring clinically effective irradiance levels of 30-50 pW / cm2while conforming to the patient’s body contours.

[0035] Manufacturing scalability poses significant hurdles in e-textiles, particularly regarding seam crossings and trace continuity across garment panels. In embodiments, garments disclosed herein include custom garment pattern engineering that minimizes seam crossings by reducing the pattern for the e-textile component to essentially two major pieces, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and electrical reliability. Garment pattern engineering involves creating custom garment patterns that minimize seam crossings, accommodate electrical integration requirements, and provide proper fit for consistent light delivery to target areas. In embodiments, garments disclosed herein include a conformable full-body design that covers the head, hands, and feet while incorporating strategic opening placement for donning and doffing without stressing electrical pathways. Material compatibility and performance challenges require balancing textile substrate properties including stretch, breathability, and comfort with electrical performance requirements and manufacturing constraints. In embodiments, garments disclosed herein include cotton-spandex knit substrates that provide the necessary stretch characteristics while supporting reliable electrical trace integration and patient comfort.

[0036] Component encapsulation and insulation require the development of transparent encapsulation methods that protect electrical components, joints, and traces while maintaining light transmission properties and providing adequate electrical insulation for skin contact. In embodiments, garments disclosed herein include transparent acrylic encapsulants that protect components and solder joints while preserving light transmission, combined with a multi-layer construction approach that includes insulating fabric layers between the circuit and the patient’s skin.

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wearable system that delivers targeted phototherapy for treating jaundice. Phototherapy for neonatal jaundice uses light exposure of the skin surface at a wavelength generally between 425-475 nm, with peak efficacy around 455±5 nm, ideally at a minimum irradiance of 30 pW / cm2and a maximum irradiance of 50 pW / cm2. Additional parameters considered include maximizing the amount of the skin exposed to illumination, excluding the face for eye protection, ensuring infant physical comfort, and safety with respect to electrical insulation. These parameters were translated into specific objectives for the e-textileAttorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01) system and shaped the design process, from material selection to circuit topology, LED and solder joint encapsulation, and garment construction. Example design parameters for embodiments of the present disclosure include: (1) maximize light exposure to the patient’s body while avoiding the face, ensuring broad surface coverage of light, particularly in areas prone to folding (e.g., limbs, joints, underarm); (2) ensure softness, breathability, and electrical safety through insulation and circuit stability for patient’s skin; (3) maintain irradiance values in the clinically effective range (target:30-50 pW / cm2); and (4) integrate a safe and reliable textile-based electronic circuit that supports manufacturability and performance.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a neonatal phototherapy garment 100 is shown, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The phototherapy garment 100 includes a base garment configured to provide comprehensive full-body coverage for neonatal phototherapy applications. Examples presented herein focus on neonatal applications, but the principles of the present disclosure readily allow the disclosed garment to be scaled for larger patients. The base garment is designed as a conformable onesie-style garment that encompasses substantially the entire body surface of a patient to maximize therapeutic light exposure while maintaining comfort and safety, with particular consideration for newborn applications.

[0039] The base garment substrate provides breathability and thermal management characteristics that are essential for infant safety and comfort. The material is selected to allow for adequate air circulation while the garment maintains its conformable fit against the infant's skin and, in embodiments, is a cotton-spandex knit. This breathable construction works in conjunction with passive cooling strategies to allow heat dissipation away from the patient’s body, ensuring both safety and comfort during extended phototherapy treatment periods.

[0040] The base garment comprises a stretchable textile substrate, such as a cottonspandex knit material selected for its inherent flexibility, softness, and overall comfort for infant wear. The fabric substrate provides mechanical properties that are specifically suited for the phototherapy application, including the ability to stretch effectively to accommodate both infant movement and the serpentine routing paths of the integrated electrical circuit. In embodiments, alignment of the garment’s stretch characteristics with the circuit layout reduces mechanical strain on the conductive traces during normal wear and use, contributing to the overall durability and electrical reliability of the textile circuit. The garment’s stretch characteristics and circuit layout may be aligned andAttorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01) arranged to provide maximum stretch in a particular direction or directions to accommodate predicted movements of the wearer, e.g., vertically arranged and aligned to match infant’s tendency to stretch lengthwise.

[0041] The full-body garment configuration includes coverage areas for at least the torso, arms, legs, and head of an infant, as shown in garment 100 of FIG. 1. Garment body 102 forms the primary coverage area encompassing the torso and extending to provide comprehensive coverage of the infant’s limbs. Sleeves 106 extend from the garment body 102 to provide coverage for the arms, while the lower portion of the garment body 102 extends to cover the legs. The hood 104 may be integrated with the garment body 102 to provide coverage for the infant’s head, ensuring that phototherapy light can be delivered to the scalp and neck areas that are difficult to reach with conventional phototherapy devices.

[0042] The base garment further comprises coverage areas for hands and feet to maximize the surface area of skin exposed to therapeutic light. Mitts 108 are integrated at the terminations of sleeves 106 to provide coverage for the infant's hands, while footies 110 are integrated at the lower extremities of the garment body 102 to provide coverage for the infant’s feet. This comprehensive coverage design maximizes the amount of surface area illuminated which, along with proximity to the light source maximizes treatment efficacy. The inclusion of hand and foot coverage areas enables the phototherapy garment to deliver light to body regions that are often inaccessible to conventional incubator-based or blanket-form phototherapy devices.

[0043] The body-confirming design of the base garment ensures the closest possible contact between the light source and the skin and helps the garment move with the body during joint movements. This conformable fit contributes to effective delivery of blue light to occluded areas such as underarms and joint folds, where conventional phototherapy methods are unable to provide adequate illumination. It minimizes wrinkling and folding of the garment fabric, which could cause emitted light to be directed away from the skin. The garment is configured to conform to these areas through its stretchable construction and tailored pattern design.

[0044] Strategic opening placement is incorporated for donning and doffing without stressing electrical pathways, with a donning opening 120 at the overarm, shoulder, and neck area that allows the garment to open completely to the underarm level for easier garment application. A diapering opening 122 at the crotch allows for diaper changes and easy positioning of the feet.Attorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01)

[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the neonatal phototherapy garment of FIG. 1 with areas of active phototherapy 150 shown. The infant’s body is substantially covered by the areas of active phototherapy 150. The face is excluded for comfort and protection of the eyes, and a diaper region is excluded as the blue light cannot penetrate a diaper anyway.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a design layout of a back panel 302 of a garment pattern 300 for a neonatal phototherapy garment, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a design layout of a front panel 304 of the garment pattern of FIG. 3. The base garment pattern 300 is engineered to minimize seam crossings of the electrical circuit and accommodate electrical integration requirements while providing proper fit for consistent light delivery to target areas. The garment pattern 300 has been simplified to essentially two major pieces 302, 304 to improve manufacturing efficiency and electrical reliability by reducing the number of seams that conductive traces must cross.

[0047] The phototherapy garment 100 incorporates a circuit configuration designed to deliver uniform light distribution across the patient’s body surface while maintaining the flexibility and comfort characteristics essential for the garment to effectively deliver emitted light to the skin by body-conforming.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, the electrical system comprises conductive traces 112 arranged in a serpentine configuration 212 that efficiently routes power throughout the garment structure while accommodating the complex three-dimensional geometry of the patient’s body. Conductive traces 112 are implemented, in embodiments, using silver- coated liquid-crystal polymer (LCP) thread. Silver-coated LCP provides high electrical conductivity, excellent mechanical strength, and durability, good solderability, and chemical and thermal stability. Other suitable materials include other coated LCP and or solid-core (e.g., twisted stainless steel fibers) threads, such as gold-, silver, or copper- coated LCP, aramid, or polyester threads. In embodiment, conductive traces 112 are integrated into the base garment through stitched e-textile fabrication methods that preserve the softness of the textile structure for next-to-skin applications.

[0049] In parallel circuit embodiments, the conductive trace system includes a power line 220 and a paired ground line 222, with a controlled spacing between the power and ground traces. Spacing may be optimized based on the LED package dimensions and provides effective electrical isolation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. In the example of FIG. 5, spacing of approximately 2 mm is used.Attorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01)

[0050] The serpentine configuration 212 of the conductive traces 112 allows the conductive traces 112 to elongate along the same axis as the body during patient movement, accommodating both normal wear motions and the natural stretch characteristics of the cotton-spandex knit substrate. This alignment between the serpentine trace geometry and the fabric’s primary stretch direction reduces mechanical strain on the conductive pathways during use and contributes to the overall durability and electrical reliability of the textile circuit.

[0051] Optical emitters 114 comprise surface-mounted blue-light LEDs that generate therapeutic light at therapeutic wavelengths, e.g., between 450-460 nm with peak emission at approximately 455 nm. In parallel circuit embodiments optical emitters 114 may strategically positioned between the power line 220 and ground line 222 of each conductive trace pair, to provide reliable electrical connection while maintaining optimal light output characteristics. Optical emitters 114 are arranged across the garment surface with a spacing of approximately 2 cm to 4 cm, in embodiments, Spacing is determined based on diffusion of the emitted light within the textile system, patient size, and therapeutic guidelines for providing uniform irradiance distribution while achieving the target therapeutic dose of 30-50 pW / cm2at the garment surface.

[0052] In embodiments, the circuit architecture employs a parallel circuit design to simplify the overall circuit layout on the patient’s body while providing fault tolerance in the event of individual LED failure. This parallel configuration ensures that if one or more optical emitters 114 fail during operation, the remaining LEDs continue to function, maintaining therapeutic efficacy across the treatment surface. The parallel arrangement also enables more uniform current distribution across the LED array, contributing to consistent light output and enhanced reliability, and allows a low supply voltage which would serve a battery-powered application. In embodiments, the circuit architecture employs a series or combination series-parallel circuit. Combination series-parallel circuits avoid need for integrated resistors in each LED package, and permits a lower supply current than parallel-only designs.

[0053] The conductive traces 112 further include a glob top 118 that provides enhanced protection and electrical insulation for the electronic components integrated within the base garment. The glob top 118 is applied using glob top manufacturing techniques that involve dispensing a liquid, high-purity encapsulant directly onto the sensitive electronic components, including the optical emitters 114 and their associated electrical connections.Attorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01)

[0054] The glob top 118 comprises a clear acrylic material that is specifically selected for its transparency properties to ensure optimal light transmission from the optical emitters 114 to the infant's skin. The clear acrylic glob top 118 may be dispensed through a precision dispenser to form discrete encapsulation “globs” that flow to completely cover each optical emitter 114 and its solder joints where the optical emitters 114 connect to the stitched traces 112. This encapsulation method provides critical protection from environmental hazards including moisture, dust, and chemicals that could otherwise compromise the electrical integrity of the phototherapy circuit.

[0055] The glob top 118 serves multiple protective functions within the phototherapy garment 100. First, it provides electrical insulation that prevents direct contact between the infant's skin and the electrical components, thereby enhancing safety for neonatal applications. Second, the glob top 118 provides mechanical support and strain relief for the solder joints connecting the optical emitters 114 to the conductive traces 112, reducing the risk of electrical failure due to mechanical stress during garment use and washing. Third, the transparent nature of the acrylic glob top 118 maintains the optical performance of the optical emitters 114 while providing a smooth, sealed surface that prevents moisture ingress and facilitates cleaning of the garment.

[0056] The application of the glob top 118 utilizes a curing process appropriate for the acrylic material, which may include thermal curing, UV curing, or moisture-activated curing depending on the specific acrylic formulation selected. The cured glob top 118 forms an encapsulation that maintains its protective properties throughout the expected service life of the phototherapy garment 100. Depending on material and other design selections, glob top 118 may be configured with target characteristics such as optical transparency, durability, and / or flexibility. The glob top 118 represents a cost-effective alternative to traditional component packaging methods while being particularly well- suited for the space-limited environment of the textile-integrated circuit. The strategic placement and application of the glob top 118 across the garment body 102, hood 104, sleeves 106, mitts 108, and footies 110 ensures comprehensive protection of all optical emitters 114 while preserving the soft, textile-like characteristics that distinguish the disclosed phototherapy garment from rigid phototherapy devices currently available in the art.

[0057] Plastisol screen printing is also suitable as an encapsulation and circuit insulation method for the conductive traces, reducing layering and offering a thinner,Attorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01) more flexible finish in the garment but stiffer, wider traces due to the plastisol applied on the traces.

[0058] The electrical system is integrated within a multi-layer construction that incorporates several functional layers of phototherapy garment 100. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the layers of the phototherapy garment 100 of FIG. 1. The passive fabric 224 serves as the base substrate and can comprise knitted, woven, non-woven, or other suitable fabric materials selected for comfort and breathability. In embodiments, knitted fabrics may be preferred for their inherent stretchiness, though stretch wovens and stretch non-wovens are also suitable for implementations. The active layer 228 contains the conductive traces and optical emitters, forming the functional electrical circuit that delivers the phototherapy treatment. The diffusion layer 226 is positioned between the optical emitters and the patient’s skin to provide uniform light distribution across the treatment surface and prevent direct contact between the LED components and the infant's skin. In embodiments, an optional external layer 230 provides additional protection and contributes to the overall structural integrity of the garment system. The spacing between conductive traces 112 and the selection of low-power optical emitters 114 help minimize heat generation in active layer 228, while the breathable passive fabric 224 and multi-layer construction allow for adequate heat dissipation away from the infant's body. The electrical isolation provided by the diffusion layer 226 and external layer 230 ensures that the patient’s skin remains protected from direct electrical contact while preserving the therapeutic light transmission properties essential for effective phototherapy treatment.

[0059] Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01)CLAIMS1. A phototherapy garment for treating j aundice, comprising : a base garment configured to conform to a patient’s body and comprising a stretchable textile substrate; a plurality of conductive traces integrated into the base garment; and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) oriented to direct light toward a wearer's skin.

2. The phototherapy garment of claim 1, wherein the conductive traces are stitched into the base garment using conductive thread.

3. The phototherapy garment of claim 2, wherein each conductive trace comprise a power trace and a paired ground trace.

4. The phototherapy garment of claim 1 , wherein the base garment comprises a fullbody garment having body conforming portions to provide coverage for at least a torso, arms including hands, legs including feet, and head of the patient’s body.

5. The phototherapy garment of claim 1, wherein the LEDs are configured to emit blue light having a wavelength between 425 nm and 475 nm.

6. The phototherapy garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductive traces are arranged in a serpentine circuit configuration across the base garment.

7. The phototherapy garment of claim 6, wherein the serpentine circuit configuration is configured as one of a parallel circuit configuration, a series circuit configuration, and a combination series / parallel circuit.

8. The phototherapy garment of claim 1, wherein the LEDs are spaced at intervals of approximately 2 cm to 4 cm across the base garment surface.

9. The phototherapy garment of claim 1, further comprising a diffusion layer positioned between the LEDs and the wearer's skin.Attorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01)10. The phototherapy garment of claim 1, further comprising a transparent encapsulant covering at least one of the LEDs, joints, and conductive traces.

11. The phototherapy garment of claim 10, wherein the transparent encapsulant comprises acrylic material.

12. The phototherapy garment of claim 1, wherein the LEDs are powered by an external power source connected to the phototherapy garment.

13. The phototherapy garment of claim 1 , further comprising a battery integrated into or connected to the phototherapy garment, wherein the LEDs are powered by the battery.

14. The phototherapy garment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductive traces are configured as a laminated flex circuit.

15. A method of administering phototherapy, comprising: placing a phototherapy garment on a patient, the phototherapy garment comprising a base garment with integrated conductive traces and a plurality of LEDs positioned to direct light toward the patient; activating the LEDs to produce light emission; and maintaining the light emission at an irradiance level between 30 pW / cm2and 50 pW / cm2at a surface of the phototherapy garment for a therapeutic duration.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the phototherapy garment covers substantially an entire body surface of the patient except for the face.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the phototherapy garment is configured to be body-conforming for the patient to deliver light to target skin areas of the patient including joint folds and underarm regions.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the light emission is a blue light having a wavelength between 425 nm and 475 run.Attorney Docket No.: 19205.0101WOU1 (2025-043-01)19. The method of claim 18, wherein the blue light has a peak wavelength of approximately 455 nm.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the therapeutic duration comprises continuous treatment for a period of hours to days as clinically indicated.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising monitoring bilirubin levels of the patient during treatment.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein the LEDs are powered by one of an external power source connected to the phototherapy garment and a battery integrated into or connected to the phototherapy garment.

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