Medical Balloons - Applications - Light Therapy / Photodynamic Therapy

PET balloons are optically clear and permit the transmission of light over a broad spectrum, making if well suited for Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) with light-activated drugs. The simultaneous application of heat and pressure during laser balloon angioplasty of coronary arteries reduces arterial recoil, remodels thrombus into a non-obstructive film, eliminates vasospasm, and may seal dissections induced during initial conventional PTCA¹. Devices mounted inside the balloon can emit light through the wall of the balloon.

PDT is currently being used in the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus is a pre-cancer condition that is being experimentally treated by a light activated drug. In this treatment, the patient is given an intravenous drug treatment 1 to 2 days before light therapy. A laser delivery device is mounted inside a specially designed balloon catheter and introduced into the patient’s esophagus. The balloon is inflated in the treatment area and the laser is activated. The laser light is emitted through the clear “window” portion of the balloon and the drug is activated which in turn destroys the bad cells. The inflated PDT balloon opens the esophagus, which is normally collapsed, and centers the laser delivery device. The opaque coating on the ends of the balloon prevents the light from treating other healthy areas of the organ so that only the cells exposed to the light are destroyed.

The balloon catheters pictured are used to deliver laser light energy to the esophagus for the treatment of Barret's esophagus. The various "window lengths" provide optical treatment areas.

Photo courtesy of Wilson-Cook Medical, Inc.