A UV light delivery device for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy is provided. The device includes an elongated body separating a proximal end and a distal end. The device also includes a UV light source configured to be received at the receiving space and a cooling tube. In some examples, the UV light source is configured to emit light with wavelengths with a desired intensity between 320 nm and 410 nm and is utilized in conjunction with an endotracheal tube or a nasopharyngeal airway.

The present invention provides methods for treating, reducing the severity, or inhibiting the growth of cancer (e.g., skin cancer). The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a programmed death 1 (PD-1) antagonist (e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody). In certain embodiments, the skin cancer is cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma.

Aspects of stone identification methods and systems are described. According to one aspect, an exemplary method comprises: transmitting to a processing unit, with an imaging element mounted on a distal end of a scope, image data about a stone object inside a body cavity; generating from the image data, with the processing unit, a visual representation of the stone object and the body cavity; establishing from a user input, with the processing unit, a scale for the visual representation; determining from the visual representation, with the processing unit, a size of the stone object on the scale; comparing, with the processing unit, the size of the stone object with a predetermined maximum size to determine a removal status; and augmenting, with the processing unit, the visual representation to include an indicator responsive to the removal status. Associated systems are also described.

Apparatus for illuminating comprises one or more fibers, the one or more fibers including fiber portions meeting at an apex and a bottom location to form a three dimensional cage; a detector attached to each of the fiber portions for receiving light and transmitting light along each of the fiber portions, respectively; and an illumination member situated within the cage. A method for illuminating a hollow member includes the steps of inserting one or more fibers into the hollow member, wherein one or more fibers include fiber portions that meet at a location to form a three-dimensional cage; permitting light to emit from within the three-dimensional cage and towards the fiber portions; receiving light at distinct locations on each of said fibers; and allowing each of the fibers to transmit the light received on each of the fiber portions out of the hollow member.

This invention relates to a method of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for bladder cancer and its use as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy in the treatment of bladder cancer. The invention provides a composition comprising hexyl 5-ALA ester (HAL) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in a method of photodynamic therapy for bladder cancer, wherein said composition is instilled into the bladder of a patient in need of such treatment and the inside of said bladder is exposed to blue light having a fluence rate of 1.5 to 12.5 mW/cm2.

A urinary control system for controlling urination has a first light source configured to selectively apply a first light and a second light to a bladder muscle and a second light source configured to selectively apply the first light and the second light to the urethral sphincter. A first optogene is expressed to the bladder muscle and the urethral sphincter, and a second optogene is expressed to the bladder muscle and the urethral sphincter, the first optogene contracts muscles by depolarizing membrane potential when the first light is applied, the second optogene relaxes muscles by depolarizing membrane potential when the second light is applied, and the contraction and relaxation of the bladder muscle and the urethral sphincter are achieved counteractively via photostimulation by the first light and the second light, respectively, so as to control urination.

This invention relates to a method of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for bladder cancer and its use as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy in the treatment of bladder cancer. The invention provides a composition comprising hexyl 5-ALA ester (HAL) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in a method of photodynamic therapy for bladder cancer, wherein said composition is instilled into the bladder of a patient in need of such treatment and the inside of said bladder is exposed to blue light having a fluence rate of 1.5 to 12.5 mW/cm2.

Aspects of stone identification methods and systems are described. According to one aspect, an exemplary method comprises: transmitting to a processing unit, with an imaging element mounted on a distal end of a scope, image data about a stone object inside a body cavity; generating from the image data, with the processing unit, a visual representation of the stone object and the body cavity; establishing from a user input, with the processing unit, a scale for the visual representation; determining from the visual representation, with the processing unit, a size of the stone object on the scale; comparing, with the processing unit, the size of the stone object with a predetermined maximum size to determine a removal status; and augmenting, with the processing unit, the visual representation to include an indicator responsive to the removal status. Associated systems are also described.

A UV light delivery device for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy is provided. The device includes an elongated body separated by a proximal end and a distal end. The device also includes a UV light source configured to be received at the receiving space. In some examples, the UV light source is configured to emit light with wavelengths with significant intensity between 320 nm and 410 nm and is utilized in conjunction with an endotracheal tube or a nasopharyngeal airway.

This invention relates to a neoadjuvant therapy for bladder cancer in bladder cancer patients who are scheduled for a cystectomy and methods of carrying out such a neoadjuvant therapy. In particular, the invention relates to a composition comprising hexyl 5-ALA ester (HAL) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in a neoadjuvant therapy for bladder cancer in a bladder cancer patient who is scheduled for a cystectomy, the therapy comprises instilling said composition into the bladder of said patient and exposing the inside of said bladder to light.