HK1231723A1 - Device and method for use of photodynamic therapy - Google Patents

Description

Apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy

Background

Devices and methods for radiating or otherwise distributing light to a location within a patient's body are shown and described, and more particularly, to photodynamic therapy for therapeutic treatment of tissue or other parts of the body in the patient's brain, including tumors, such as malignant brain tumors.

There are a variety of medical procedures that require the distribution of light or radiant energy into the body of a patient. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a form of treatment that relies on exposing a region of tissue to activating radiation of a selected wavelength. PDT uses non-toxic, photosensitive compounds that selectively accumulate in the target tissue. The photosensitive compound becomes toxic when exposed to light of a selected wavelength. This results in chemical destruction of any tissue that is selectively provided with a photosensitizer and is selectively exposed to light.

An application of PDT is oncology for the destruction of malignant cell masses in the body. PDT is effectively used in the treatment of a variety of human tumors and precancerous conditions, including basal and squamous epithelial cells, skin cancers, lung cancers, breast cancers, skin metastases, brain tumors, and head and neck, stomach, and female genital tract malignancies. PDT has also been used to treat cancerous and precancerous conditions of the esophagus, such as Barrett's esophagus. In the latter application, a photosensitizer, such as Photophrin, is first dispensed. 630nm light transmitted from a KTP/dye laser, diode laser, or argon-excited dye laser through a PDT balloon having a reflective inner surface. The PDT balloon includes an internal cylindrical diffuser and has several windows for illuminating the treatment area.

Therapeutic use of PDT in the brain is minimized. Thus, the quality and quantity of evidence for the effectiveness and safety of PDT in the brain is limited. However, it is common to introduce probes or similar devices into the brain during many surgical procedures. Probes for intracranial penetration are typically manufactured such that their introduction into the brain is as minimally invasive as possible. In a conventional injection, the surgeon feeds the probe into the brain through an aperture in the skull. Probes inserted into the brain typically include openings for drug delivery or pairs of contact points disposed at specific points or regions in the brain. The contact points are electrical, chemical, electrochemical, temperature or pressure contact points which allow observation and analysis of the brain state or provide stimulation. In addition, neurosurgeons use photosensitizers when resecting invasive tumors. The photosensitizer fluoresces when light of a particular wavelength is shone on the cells, allowing the tumour margins to be generally identified.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for new devices and methods for performing therapeutic treatments of tissue in a patient's brain using photodynamic therapy. The new device and method should ideally include a probe and similar device to allow neurosurgeons to deliver PDT to treat brain tissue, including tumors, such as malignant brain tumors. In some aspects, the novel devices and methods for PDT are useful and effective for other parts of the body other than the brain.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, an apparatus for intracranial treatment of a tissue region of a brain of a patient is described. The intracranial treatment device includes an outer shaft having a proximal end and a distal end for positioning within a region of brain tissue. The outer shaft defines an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the outer shaft and has at least one aperture adjacent the distal end of the outer shaft. The inner light-transmitting member has a proximal end operatively connected to the light source and a distal end. The light-transmitting member is configured to be received in the lumen and extends from the proximal end of the shaft to adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The light-transmitting member is configured to transmit light from the light source through the at least one aperture of the outer shaft to a tissue region of the brain proximate to the distal end of the outer shaft.

In one aspect, the outer shaft has a plurality of openings spaced radially or axially along the outer shaft. In this embodiment, the light delivery member includes a plurality of independently movable optical fiber cables, each of the plurality of optical fiber cables extending from one of the openings and being axially movable within the inner lumen relative to the outer shaft between a first position at which a distal end of the optical fiber cable is adjacent the outer shaft and a second position at which the distal end of the optical fiber cable extends into a tissue region of the brain proximate the outer shaft.

Methods for intracranial treatment of a region of brain tissue of a patient are also described. The intracranial treatment method includes the step of providing an apparatus including a light source for selectively radiating tissue. The radiation device includes: an outer shaft having a proximal end and a distal end for positioning within a brain tissue region. The outer shaft defines an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the outer shaft and has at least one aperture adjacent the distal end of the outer shaft. The inner light-transmitting member has a proximal end operatively connected to the light source and a distal end. The light-transmitting member is configured to be received in the lumen and extends from the proximal end of the shaft to adjacent the distal end of the shaft. Positioning a distal end of the outer shaft in close proximity to a selected location adjacent a tissue region in a brain. Transmitting light from the light source through the light transmission member and the at least one aperture of the outer shaft to a tissue region of the brain proximate a distal end of the outer shaft to kill a portion of the tissue.

In another aspect of the invention, the outer shaft has a plurality of openings spaced radially and axially along the outer shaft. The light delivery member includes a plurality of independently movable optical fiber cables, each of the plurality of optical fiber cables extending from one of the openings and being axially movable within the inner lumen relative to the outer shaft between the first position where a distal end of the optical fiber cable is adjacent the outer shaft and the second position where the distal end of the optical fiber cable extends into a tissue region of the brain proximate the outer shaft. The positioning step includes moving the plurality of fiber optic cables to a second position as the plurality of fiber optic cables are advanced distally relative to the inner lumen such that a distal end of each of the plurality of fiber optic cables extends through the opening of the outer shaft and into the tissue region proximate the outer shaft.

Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for providing photodynamic therapy to the brain of a patient.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the photodynamic therapy device as shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the photodynamic therapy device as shown in fig. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of the tip of a rod used in the photodynamic therapy device shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the distal end of the rod shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal end of the rod shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus for providing photodynamic therapy to the brain of a patient.

Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the photodynamic therapy device shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the photodynamic therapy device shown in fig. 7 and 8.

Fig. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the photodynamic therapy device shown in fig. 7 and 8.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of an embodiment of a tip of a wand for the photodynamic therapy device shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, showing the light delivery member in a first position.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of the wand as shown in FIG. 11 with the light-transmitting member in a second position.

Detailed Description

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. For example, words such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward," and "downward" merely describe the configuration shown in the figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing all such variations unless specified otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "light," "optical radiation," or "radiation" refer to light having a wavelength from about 300nm to about 1200 nm. This includes UV, visible and infrared light. The PDT device can be used for light of any wavelength. The choice of wavelength may be determined by the intended application, i.e., the wavelength is selected to match the activation wavelength of the photosensitive drug or the wavelength used for radiation when no photoactivatable compound is used.

Referring now to fig. 1-3, in which like reference numerals correspond to corresponding or similar components throughout the several views, an embodiment of an apparatus for selectively applying photodynamic therapy to structures in the brain is shown in fig. 1-3 and is designated at 20. The PDT apparatus 20 includes a housing 22 that houses a light emitting device including a light source 24 and a power source 26 for powering the light source. A tubular wand 28 extends from the distal end 23 of the housing 22. An embodiment of photodynamic therapy includes positioning the wand 28 of the PDT device 20 adjacent the target site so that the wand is brought into at least partial contact with, or close proximity to, a tissue structure, such as tumor tissue, in the brain of the patient. Light is then sent through the wand 28 to treat at least a portion of the tissue structure in situ. The PDT device 20 is particularly useful for the therapeutic treatment of benign or malignant tumors in the brain.

The housing 22 may be formed of a plastic material molded into a suitable shape for grasping by a surgeon. As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the housing 22 defines an interior cavity 30 for receiving the light source 24 and the power source 26 and associated electrical connections (not shown). In this embodiment of the PDT device 20, the proximal handle 32 is integral to the housing 22. The handle 32 is sized and adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a surgeon during a surgical procedure. It should be understood that the housing 22 of the PDT device 20 can be a variety of sizes and shapes depending on the application. As best shown in FIG. 1, the proximal end 25 of the housing 22 includes an actuator button 34 for selectively powering the light source 24. Indicator light 36 indicates when light source 24 is powered. The power supply 26 provides sufficient voltage to establish the necessary conditions for delivering light to the tissue. In the illustrated embodiment, power source 26 is a battery mounted in-line with the device, such as a rechargeable 11.1 volt lithium ion battery.

The tubular wand 28 includes an outer shaft 38 defining a lumen extending from a proximal end 39 of the shaft to a distal end 42 of the shaft 38. A fiber optic cable 40 is disposed in the lumen and operates to transmit light from the light source 24 to the distal end 29 of the wand. The light is emitted from the distal end 29 of the wand 28 to expose a tissue region of the patient's brain. The outer shaft 38 is a thin elongated tubular member having a smooth outer surface to minimize the amount of brain tissue in contact and to minimize damage to the brain tissue in contact. The outer shaft 38 will typically have a diameter of at least about 0.6mm, and typically in the range from about 1mm to about 10 mm. In one embodiment, the diameter of the outer shaft 38 is preferably at 1.5 millimeters, and most preferably at about 1.0 millimeter. The outer shaft 38 generally has a length dimension that allows the shaft 38 to be introduced through a burr hole in the skull or through a conventional transoral or transsphenoid approach. Thus, outer shaft 38 will typically have a length of at least about 5cm for open surgery and a length of at least about 10cm, or typically about 20cm or more, for endoscopy.

The outer shaft 38 is preferably rigid for percutaneous, transluminal, or direct delivery to the brain in an open procedure or a port type extracorporeal circulation procedure. The outer shaft 38 may be formed of polyurethane, silicone, polyimide, or other biocompatible material. Alternatively, the shaft may comprise a metal selected from the group consisting of tungsten, stainless steel alloys, platinum or alloys thereof, titanium or alloys thereof, molybdenum or alloys thereof, and nickel or alloys thereof. Alternatively, the outer shaft 38 may be flexible, which is combined with a generally rigid inner tube (not shown) for mechanical support. The flexible shaft may also be used in conjunction with a pull cord for guiding the outer shaft 38 to a target tissue site, or in conjunction with a shape memory actuator, among other known mechanisms, for selecting deflection of the outer shaft to facilitate positioning of the distal end 39 of the shaft 38. The outer shaft 38 may also include means for providing position markers for determining the precise position of the rod 28 within the brain of the patient.

The fiber optic cable 40 may be a fiber optic bundle or a liquid-core light pipe. For convenience, these components are collectively referred to hereinafter as fiber optic cables 40. The fiber optic cable 40 extends from the proximal end 39 to the distal end 42 of the outer shaft 38. The proximal end of the fiber optic cable 40 is operatively connected to the light source 24 to deliver light to a tissue region adjacent the distal end 42 of the shaft 38. The fiber optic cable 40 may be of any diameter so long as the fiber optic cable can be inserted into the inner lumen of the outer shaft 38. The preferred diameter of the fiber optic cable is from about 50 microns to about 1000 microns, and preferably about 400 microns. The diameter is selected depending on the brightness of the light source 24 and the optical power output required from the end of the fiber optic cable 40.

Referring to fig. 4-6, distal end 29 of rod 28 includes a rigid elongate end cap 44 that is connected to distal end 42 of outer shaft 38. The end cap 44 is generally cylindrical and extends from the distal end 42 of the shaft 38 a distance of about 1mm to about 20 mm. The end cap 44 tapers to a point 45 at the closed end. The end cap houses a diffusion tip or diffuser 46 and ball bearings 48. As used herein, a diffuser or diffusing tip is defined as a member attachable to an end of a fiber optic cable, or a structure that may be formed at the tip of a fiber optic cable that provides a means for diffusing (scattering) light transmitted through the fiber optic cable such that the light radiates outward from the fiber. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the diffuser 46 is a generally hemispherical reflective housing mounted to the distal end of the fiber optic cable 40 received within the housing. The light transmitted and emitted from the optical fiber cable 40 is diffused by the diffuser 46 for providing uniform light distribution. A diffuse source of radiation can expose a large area of tissue to activation energy (activation energy). The outer surface of the ball bearings 48 is reflective to further diffuse the transmitted light.

One or more apertures 50 are provided along a surface of end cap 44. For example, the embodiment shown in fig. 4-6 shows a pair of opposing axial bores 50 that are circumferentially spaced on the body of the end cap 44. During PDT, light is transmitted through the aperture 45 to the area surrounding the brain tissue. End cap 44 may also house a right angle prism 51 for redirecting light passing through aperture 45. The fiber optic probe 40 is disposed at a right angle prism 51 so that light exits from the aperture 45 of the end cap 44.

Optical piezo-ceramic element 52 may also be housed in end cap 44. The piezoelectric element 52 is connected to a wire connector 54 extending to the proximal end of the outer shaft 38, where the wire connector 54 is adapted to be connected to the power source 26. A frequency level adjustment knob 66 on the housing 22 allows for adjustment of the strength of the piezoelectric element 52, allowing for variable strength applications requiring frequencies.

Referring now to fig. 7-10, an apparatus for selectively applying photodynamic therapy to structures in the brain is shown and indicated generally at 60. The PDT device 60 includes a housing 62 that houses a light source 64. The housing provides a suitable interface for receiving an electrical connection cable 66 from a power source (not shown) for supplying power to the light source 64. A tubular wand 68 extends from the distal end 63 of the housing 62, the housing 62 being tapered to accommodate the proximal end 67 of the wand 66. As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the housing 62 defines an internal cavity 70 that houses the power supply 64 and associated electrical connections (not shown). The housing 62 may be formed of a plastic material molded into a shape suitable for gripping by a surgeon. The housing 62 of the PDT device 60 is sized and adapted to be grasped and manipulated by a surgeon during a surgical procedure.

The tubular wand 68 includes an elongate outer shaft 72 defining an inner lumen extending from a proximal end 73 of the shaft 72 to a distal end 74 of the shaft 72. A plurality of fiber optic cables 76 are disposed within the interior cavity and operate to deliver light from the light source 64. The diameter of the outer shaft is preferably in the range from about 0.08mm to about 1.0mm, and more preferably in the range from about 0.05mm to about 0.4 mm. The outer shaft 72 extends from the distal end 63 of the housing 62 about 1cm to about 20 cm. In this embodiment of the PDT device 60, the outer shaft 72 can assume a variety of configurations, with the primary purpose being to mechanically support a plurality of light delivery members and to allow the surgeon to operate the light delivery members from the proximal end of the housing 62. The shaft may be formed of stainless steel, copper-based alloys, titanium or alloys thereof, and tweezer-based alloys.

Each fiber optic cable 76 has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal portion of the outer shaft 72 includes a plurality of fittings (not shown) that provide a connection between the proximal end of the fiber optic cable 76 and the light source 64 within the housing 62 adjacent the fittings. In one embodiment, the light cables 76 are independent of each other and transmit light separately from the light sources 64. Alternatively, the light cables 76 may be connected together at their proximal ends to form a single fiber that is connected to the light source 64. It should be understood that the PDT device 60 is not limited to a single fiber optic cable or even a plurality of fiber optic cables. For example, multiple fiber optic cables 76 may be connected to a single wire extending through outer shaft 72 to light source 64.

Referring to fig. 11-13, the outer shaft 72 defines a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced openings 78 adjacent the distal end 74 of the shaft 72. The openings 78 open into the lumen and are each configured to pass one of the plurality of light cables 76 extending axially through the lumen. Each light cable 76 has a distal end that passes from the lumen through a respective opening 78 beyond the surface of the outer shaft 72 into the tissue region.

A Light Emitting Diode (LED)80 is connected to the distal end of each fiber optic cable 76 outside of the outer shaft 72. In this configuration, the PDT device 60 includes a distributed array of LEDs 80 spaced axially and circumferentially about the distal end 74 of the outer shaft 72. The LED 80 emits a dispersed beam of light without the need for a diffuser. Further, although the LED 80 is shown as a short cylinder, the LED 80 may have any suitable shape, including a sphere, a hook for needle cutting (twizzle shape), a spring shape, or other twisted metal shape, among others. The fiber optic cable 76 has a length that is longer than the length of the shaft and is configured to move axially relative to the shaft. It will be appreciated that the assembly may include many light cables 76 of different lengths and with different aperture or opening arrangements to selectively provide treatment to specific desired target tissue regions in the brain. The location and depth of light exit for penetration can be determined preoperatively via three-dimensional imaging design software. The area of tissue treatment can vary widely, with the specific area and geometry selected for a particular application. This allows fiber light to penetrate into, for example, a tumor, which also optimizes the amount of light delivered to the tumor.

In use, the wand 28, 68 of the PDT device 20, 60 is introduced through a small opening, such as a burr hole, or other percutaneous penetration in the skull of a patient, or through a natural opening in the head of a patient, such as a transoral or transsphenoid procedure. The rod is advanced endoluminally and guided to a target location in the brain in a conventional manner, i.e., percutaneously, transluminally, or using other minimally invasive or conventional open surgical techniques. The selected technique may be used in conjunction with a tool guidance technique for guiding the PDT device 20, 60 to a target location in the brain. Thus, the target location may be marked by a variety of imaging techniques, such as Computed Tomography (CT) scanning, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ultrasound, angiography, radioisotope imaging, electroencephalography (EEG), and the like. In conjunction with these imaging methods (typically CT or MRI), the user may also use a compatible orientation system to guide the tool to the target location. In standard orientation systems, a frame, such as the Leksell, Todd-Wells, or Guiot frame, secures the patient's head to the image. These frames, in combination with radioactive landmarks and brain atlases, provide anatomical localization within + -1 mm. Alternatively, frameless imaging guided positioning systems using modern imaging, computer programs and positioning devices may be used. To be useful for these guidance and positioning techniques, the wand 28, 68 may have a positioning marker comprising a material that includes a mobile phase suitable for MRI imaging by a commercial machine and that is sufficiently opaque to X-rays for adequate imaging on CT or X-rays.

Once the distal end of the rod 28, 68 is positioned proximate to or in contact with diseased tissue (affectedtissue) at the target location, light is transmitted via the fiber optic cable 40, 76. A light-sensitive compound, such as 5-ALA or Photophrin, is then delivered through the lumen of the shaft or through another catheter to the tissue region. The light is then provided through an aperture 45 in the end cap 44 or directly from the LED 80 at the desired location where the photosensitive compound is present to treat the tissue structure. The light is sufficient for treatment of intracranial tumors while minimizing collateral damage to surrounding tissue and nerves in the brain of the patient. A power supply may be used to illuminate a fiber optic probe or LED that emits 405nm wavelength light for diagnostic purposes or 635nm wavelength light for therapeutic purposes. It is understood that the transmitted light may be at other wavelengths, including within or outside the range of 405nm to 635 nm. The target tissue is affected or otherwise altered using light at appropriate time intervals. This light is sufficient to activate the photosensitive complex, which leads to death of the tumor tissue. The amount of light delivered to the tissue can be precisely controlled.

When using a PDT device 60 comprising a plurality of LEDs 80, each respective fiber optic cable 76 is preferably routed to the brain through the wand 68 so that the particular LED 80 penetrates to the desired portion of the brain tissue. This configuration allows for precise insertion of the rod 68 through intervening brain tissue, precise positioning of the rod 68 relative to a particular tissue region, and then advancement of the plurality of LEDs via the light cable 76, thereby positioning the LEDs at a predetermined tissue region for treatment of the tissue region.

The apparatus for selectively applying photodynamic therapy to structures in the brain has many advantages, including providing a minimally invasive method for delivering light for PDT treatment of tumors in the brain. A means for delivering light is provided at the distal end of the device to bring the light source directly to a desired location providing light radiation to a defined target tissue area. The result is an accurate intracranial treatment within tissue in the brain of the patient. The device and method provide the surgeon with the ability to treat malignant brain tumors, even in hard to reach areas, without the need for large open surgery. The device offers the possibility of delivering phototherapy to brain tumors diagnostically or therapeutically via very small openings in the skull, including for more dangerous injuries to operate on.

While the apparatus and method for PDT has been shown and described in detail with respect to several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that we do not intend to limit the apparatus and method to this embodiment, but that various modifications, omissions, and additions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. For example, the use of PDT for treatment in the brain is described, but it is understood that PDT can be used in any other part of the body. Furthermore, the choice of materials for the various components of the devices described herein, and in particular the overall geometry of the device, may be specifically modified to provide the required characteristics for a given treatment indication. Accordingly, the modifications, deletions, and additions may be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, and we intend to cover such modifications, deletions, and additions. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw are not structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, a nail and a screw may be of identical construction within the meaning of fastening wooden parts.

Claims (17)

1. An apparatus comprising a light source for intracranial treatment of a tissue region of a brain of a patient, the intracranial treatment apparatus comprising:

an outer shaft having a proximal end and a distal end for positioning within the tissue region of the brain, the outer shaft defining an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the outer shaft and having at least one aperture adjacent the distal end of the outer shaft; and

an inner light-transmitting member having a proximal end configured to be operably connected to the light source and a distal end, the light-transmitting member configured to be received in the lumen and extend from the proximal end of the shaft to adjacent the distal end of the shaft,

wherein the light transmission member is configured to transmit light from the light source through the at least one aperture of the outer shaft to a tissue region of the brain proximal to a distal end of the outer shaft.

2. The intracranial treatment apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer shaft has a closed distal end, such that the distal end of the light-delivery element is contained within the outer shaft.

3. The intracranial treatment apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer shaft comprises a position marker configured to be positioned by one of magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, or a combination thereof.

4. The intracranial treatment device as recited in claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting member comprises a fiber optic cable.

5. The intracranial treatment apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein the light-transmitting member further comprises a diffuser configured to be mounted at a distal end of the light cable.

6. The intracranial treatment device as recited in claim 5, wherein the light-delivery element further comprises a reflective sphere disposed within the outer shaft distally relative to the diffuser.

7. The intracranial treatment apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer shaft has a plurality of openings radially or axially spaced along the outer shaft, and wherein the light-delivery member comprises a plurality of independently movable fiber optic cables, each of the plurality of fiber optic cables extending from one of the openings and being axially movable within the inner lumen relative to the outer shaft between a first position at which a distal end of the fiber optic cable is adjacent the outer shaft, and a second position at which the distal end of the fiber optic cable extends into a tissue region of the brain proximate the outer shaft.

8. The active endoscopic device of claim 1, further comprising a light emitting diode mounted on a distal end of each of the plurality of fiber optic cables effective to radiate a selected treatment site.

9. A method for intracranial treatment of a tissue region of a patient's brain, the intracranial treatment method comprising the steps of:

providing an apparatus comprising a light source for selectively radiating tissue, the radiation apparatus comprising:

an outer shaft having a proximal end and a distal end for positioning within the tissue region of the brain, the outer shaft defining an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the outer shaft and having at least one aperture adjacent the distal end of the outer shaft; and

an inner light-transmitting member having a proximal end configured to be operably connected to the light source and a distal end, the light-transmitting member configured to be received within the inner lumen and extend from the proximal end of the outer shaft to adjacent the distal end of the outer shaft,

positioning a distal end of the outer shaft in close proximity to a selected location adjacent a tissue region in a brain; and

transmitting light from the light source through the light transmission member and the at least one aperture of the outer shaft to a tissue region of the brain proximate a distal end of the outer shaft to kill a portion of the tissue.

10. The intracranial treatment method as recited in claim 9, wherein the outer shaft has a closed distal end, such that the light-delivery element is contained within an inner lumen of the outer shaft.

11. The intracranial treatment method as recited in claim 9, further comprising the step of selectively determining a location within tissue of the brain for light delivery.

12. The intracranial treatment method as recited in claim 11, wherein the outer shaft has a position marker, and wherein the step of selectively determining comprises locating the position marker in the brain using one of magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, or a combination thereof.

13. The intracranial treatment method as recited in claim 11, wherein the selectively determined location is a tumor.

14. The intracranial treatment method as recited in claim 9, further comprising the steps of: delivering a photoactive fluid activated by radiation to the tissue area, and delivering sufficient light to the tissue area where the photoactive fluid is present to kill tissue.

15. The intracranial treatment method as recited in claim 9, wherein the positioning step comprises introducing the outer shaft through percutaneous penetration within the skull of the patient.

16. The intracranial treatment method as recited in claim 9, wherein the light-transmitting member is a fiber optic cable.

17. The intracranial treatment method as recited in claim 9, wherein the outer shaft has a plurality of openings radially or axially spaced along the outer shaft,

wherein the light delivery member comprises a plurality of independently movable fiber optic cables, each of the plurality of fiber optic cables extending from one of the openings and being axially movable within the inner lumen relative to the outer shaft between a first position in which a distal end of the fiber optic cable is adjacent the outer shaft and a second position in which the distal end of the fiber optic cable extends into a tissue region of the brain proximate the outer shaft, and

wherein the positioning step comprises moving the plurality of fiber optic cables to the second position as the plurality of fiber optic cables are advanced distally relative to the inner lumen such that the distal end of each of the plurality of fiber optic cables extends through the opening of the outer shaft and into the tissue region proximate the outer shaft.