Cylindrical irradiator fiber tip for photodynamic therapy.

In photodynamic therapy (PDT) the uniform distribution of intratumor or externally applied light is desirable but often difficult to achieve. An optical fiber tip producing cylindrical or lateral light emission can facilitate the application of laser energy by direct implantation of the tip into solid tumors or within tubular cavities of the body such as the bronchus or esophagus. A procedure is described for fabricating such a fiber tip, the main component of which is a hollow glass cylinder containing a light-scattering material. Light distributions emitted from the tip in air are documented. Useful properties of the tip include good light distribution, durability, heat resistance, and simplicity of construction.