Maximizing fluence rate and field uniformity of light blanket for intraoperative PDT.

ABSTRACT

A light blanket is designed with a system of cylindrically diffusing optical fibers, which are spirally oriented. This 25×30 cm rectangular light blanket is capable of providing uniform illumination during intraoperative photodynamic therapy. The flexibility of the blanket proves to be extremely beneficial when conforming to the anatomical structures of the patient being treated. Previous tests of light distribution from the blanket have shown significant loss of intensity with the length of the fiber. This can be improved through the use of an optical adaptor which will be able to match the numerical aperture of the laser source to the numerical aperture of the blanket fiber; thus transmitting a higher percentage of light.