Systems and methods for eradicating contaminants using photoactive materials ...

4,684,521 4,705,498 4,708,715 4,726,949 4,727,027 4,737,140 4,769,131 4,775,625 4,822,335

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(List continued on next page.) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

0 138 489 4/1985 0 240 149 9/1987 92903137.5 7/1993

European Pat. Off. European Pat. Off. European Pat. Off.

A system and method for treating a fluid carrying a contaminant to which a photoactive material has been bound include a treatment device that defines a flow passage with a gap. The system and method operate to establish a flow of fluid from the inlet end of the gap to the outlet end of the gap. The system and method also channel the flow of fluid in the gap in succession through one or more flow paths. The system and method establish at least two discrete sources of radiation in the flow path at spaced apart locations along the direction of fluid flow. At least one of the radiation sources comprises a photodiode. The system and method further include a control for operating each discrete source of radiation at a selected wavelength within the prescribed range to activate the photoactive material bound to the contaminant. Upon activation, the material eradicates the contaminant. The system and method provide extracorporeal treatment of fluids like blood to quickly and effectively eradicate infection agents at relatively high flow rates.

18 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets