M. H.

Weber

The intravenous laser blood irradiation - Introduction of a New

Therapy

1. Introduction
The method of intravenous laser blood irradiation was first introduced into therapy by the Soviet scientists
E.N.Meschalkin and V.S.Sergiewski in 1981 [32]. Originally this method was developed for the treatment of
cardiovascular diseases. Improvement of rheologic properties of the blood as well as improvement of
microcirculation and reduction of the area of infarction had been proved. Further reductions of dysrhythmia
and sudden cardiac death occured [4,21]. At first only the helium-neon-laser (632.8 nm) was used in this
therapy. For that a power of 1-3 mW and a period of exposure of 20-60 minutes were applied. The
treatments were carried out once or twice a day up to ten appointments in all. In the years after many, for
the most part Russian studies showed that helium-neon-laser had various effects on many organs and on
the hematologic and immunologic system. The studies were published mainly in Russian which were little
known in the West because of decades of political separation, and were regarded with disapproval.
Besides clinical research and application for patients the cell biological basis was developed by the
Estonian cell biologist Tiina Karu at the same time. An abstract is to be found in her work "The Science of
Low-Power Laser-Therapy". [19].

2. Effects and mode of operation of intravenous Low-Level-Laser-Therapy of the blood

1. Under laser blood irradiation anti-inflammatory effects
were observed that improved the immunologic activity
of the blood.
2. A fundamental finding was the positive influence on
rheological properties of the blood which is of greatest
interest to surgery, angiology and cardiology in
particular [50]. A diminishing tendency of aggregation
of thrombocytes and an improved deformability of
erythrocytes result in an improved oxygen supply and
with that to a decrease of partial which is particularly
relevant to wound healing [10, 27, 59]. Furthermore
the activation of phagocytic activity of macrophages
was proved in conjunction with structural
modifications [8, 22]. A positive effect on the
proliferation of lymphocytes and B- and T-cell-
subpopulations could be verified too [13, 50, 38].

picture 2:
Increase
of ATP
with laser-
irradiation
(632 nm)
of HeLa-
cell
culture
source:
Karu [19]
3. The hypoxia of the tissue will be improved which leads to a normalization
of the tissue metabolism. In addition the fibrinolysis will be activated [35].
Apart from the elimination of hypoxia and the normalization of tissue
metabolism an increase of ATP-synthesis will occur with a normalization of
cell membrane potential. [44]. Additional vasodilatation is leading to de-
blocking of capillaries and collateral vessels in connection with the
described improved rheological properties of the blood together with an
improved trophicity of tissues and normalization of neurosensory
stimulation. The increased release of NO from monocytes obviously is of
critical importance [29].
Because of the described effects the intravascular blood-irradiation is used
in Russian surgical university-clinics pre-operatively to avoid
thromboembolic complications, and improve postoperative
woundhealing[12,27].
In addition there are laser specific analgetic, spasmolytic and sedative
effects [14] There are reports on patients with chronic glomerulonephritis
who had significant improvement of tolerability of medication
(glucocorticoids, cytostatic drugs, diuretics) and of kidney function [30],. picture 3: Ringshaped
In the same way an improvement of inflammation parameters in acute „Giant mitochondria"
pyelonephritis could be shown [7]. In necrotising pancreatitis an of irradiated human leucocytes
improvement of blood lab values and of the immunological parameters with helium-neon-laser
had been proved too. 632 nm
4. Intravenous blood irradiation was widely used in obstetrics and source: Manteifel et al. [32]
gynecology to stimulate utero-placental blood exchange and as a
prophylaxis and therapy of inflammations of the interior genitals [11].
5. Furthermore it was observed that mitochondria changed to so called "giant mitochondria" (picture 1)
after laser-irradiation with activation of various metabolic pathways and increased production of ATP
[31] (picture 2). The electron microscopy of “giant mitochondria” revealed intracellular annular ("ring-
shaped") structures (picture 1 and 3). These mitochondrial changes cannot be compared with
pathological giant mitochondria as they appear in certain clinical syndromes. In these syndromes we
can observe pathological swelling of the organelles and deposit of pathological paracrystalline albumins
leading to specific myopathies [47].
The structure of mitochondria may vary strongly according to the type of cell. They can impress as
sausage shaped organelles, but may also appear as a highly branched intercommunicating tubular
network. Observations of fluorescence marked mitochondria in living cells have shown that they are
dynamic and may vary their shape strongly. Above all it is important that mitochondria may merge with
each other, or divide themselves. Probably the balance between fusion and division is decisive for the
shape and form of a mitochondrion [18]. It was shown in histological researches on helium-neon laser
irradiated lymphocytes that by development of so called giant forms the number of mitochondria was
diminishing simultaneously, but the total volume was unchanged. It was detected that the cause of the
development of "giant mitochondria" was a fusion of smaller mitochondria [2, 31]. Manteifel and Karu
proved big branched forms of mitochondria in germinating yeast cells, but after laser-irradiation an
expansion of the tubular network developed without damaging the organelles [32]. These mitochondria are
marked by a relative enlargement of surface of the mitochondrial cristae due to activation of the respiratory
chain and ATP-synthesis. It has to be mentioned that the description of the development of mitochondria
to giant mitochondria is discussed controversially. Heine (reviewer of this article) is pointing out that there
is no evidence that such pathological forms of mitochondria will lead to an activation of varied metabolic
pathways ways leading to an increase of ATP-production. Heine described the way of reproduction of
mitochondria in 1979: Whenever there is a need of additional ATP they will divide, but not fuse with each
other [17]. Obviously there seem to be generalized effects of the intravenous blood-irradiation on almost
every organ system so that this therapy may be employed in the treatment of various deseases causally or
additively. Gasparyan described the improvement of microcirculation especially in central nervous
structures. In particular, this is most imprtant in the hypothalamus which has a highly developed vascular
micro system. He assumes that the intravenous blood-irradiation is stimulating the functional activity of the
hypothalamus and limbic system leading to an activation of hormonal, metabolic, immunological and
vegetative processes with mobilization of adaptive reserves [11].
 TABLE 1 Described effects of intravascular laser blood-irradiation
Stimulation of immune response, specific and non-specific
Increase of the immunoglobulines IgG, IgM and IgA
Stimulation of interferons, interleukins and TNF-alpha
Stimulation of the proliferation of lymphocytes
Increase of phagocytic activity of macrophages
Lowering of CRP
Improvement of the anti-oxidant enzymatic system with antitoxic effect
Improvement of regeneration of erythrocytes and of microcirculation
Reduction of aggregation of thrombocytes
Activation of fibrinolysis
Stimulation of the NO-production in monocytes with vasodilatation and improvement of endothelial
dysfunction
Fusion of mitochondria to "giant mitochondria" with increase of ATP-production in the respiratory chain
Normalization of the cell membrane potential

3. Comparison of intravenous laser with ultraviolet irradiation of the blood (UVB and HOT)
For the ultraviolet irradiation of the blood a certain amount of blood is taken out of the vein, anticoagulant
substances are added and after UV-C-irradiation led back to the body by reinfusion (UVB-therapy).
In haematogenous oxidation-therapy (HOT) the blood is frothed with oxygen additionally before it will be
irradiated with ultraviolet light [9]. As a result there are various positive effects, very similar to the effects of
intravenous laser blood-irradiation mentioned above. Basically it is not surprising because in both types of
therapy high-energy photons are administered to the blood - with stimulation of immunological and cellular
biological processes, and influences on rheology. Comparing both methods, the difference lies in the fact
that in intravenous laser blood-irradiation no blood has to be taken out and no additional anticoagulants are
required. The blood will not be cooled down or modified with intravascular therapy by means of a disposal
catheter. There is no risk of aggregation with causing of coagula, and constant observation of the patient is
not necessary.
The use of monochromatic laser-irradiation in contrast to non-monochromatic ultraviolet-irradiation is
considered to be an additional advantage. Since nowadays we have essential understanding of
absorption- and action spectra of the various intracellular macromolecules and electron-carrier-systems
[19], calculated biological effects can be set off with defined wavelengths in the catalytic centers of these
structures. It is a known fact that e.g. the cytochrome-C-oxidase-complex as the final part of the
mitochondrial respiratory chain is absorbing in the red- and infrared range, and the NADH-complex as the
first component is absorbing in the blue range. Another advantage of laser-light beside monochromasy is
the coherence of the radiation which by means of particular order functions (in-phase-conformity of the
waves) possibly has specific biological effects. A specific effect of coherence on cellular structures is
however discussed controversially.
Light of the visible and the infrared spectrum is regarded as less dangerous than ultraviolet light. Today
there is a well known borderline of 320 nm beyond that, ultraviolet light may cause fractures of the DNA-
chains.
This risk does not exist in the visible and near infrared spectrum.

4. The consideration of intravenous laser blood-irradiation as "blood-acupuncture" by

dissolving of blood stasis
In Chinese Medicine the term "Xue" is of great importance. It comprises the most important body juices
including the blood. By means of the continuous circulation nutrients are transported to all organs and
structures. Xue and Qi are closely linked to each other. In the TCM Qi is commanding the blood: when Qi
is moving, the blood is moving, when Qi is stagnating, so blood is stagnating. Therefore it also can be
said: Blood cannot flow without Qi, Qi cannot be held without blood [61]. Stagnation of blood and Qi are
called blood-stasis-syndrome [37]. This we are
trying to influence in classical acupuncture by
needling specific points. Looking at blood-
circulation hypothetically as a central interior
meridian of its own, this method of stimulating the
flow of blood and Qi by means of intravenous laser
blood-irradiation could be perfectly called "blood-
acupuncture". An interpretation of that kind could
not be made with the ultraviolet-therapy of the
blood mentioned above by definition.
picture 4: Diagram of
intravenous laser blood-
irradiation inside of the elbow
5. The relationship of intravenous laser blood-irradiation with the system of basis-regulation
according to Pischinger and Heine as well as on physiological leucocytolysis
The intravenous laser blood-irradiation is a biological therapeutic method that seems suitable to intervene
in the system of basis-regulation. The meaning of this system is the functional connection between
capillaries ( the “end stream”), basic substance (extra cellular matrix [ECM]) and cells. The extra cellular
matrix is located between the capillaries and the cells, and represents a kind of molecular-sieve in which
vegetative nerve fibres have their final spreading, and by that establish a connection to the entral nervous
system and the endocrinium (hypothalamus). This molecular-sieve presents the transit route of the entire
metabolism from the capillaries to the cell and back. It is mainly formed by proteoglycanes,
glucosaminoglycanes, structure-proteins like collagen, elastin and the networking-glycoproteins like
fibronectin. There are various defensive cells in the ECM that control the synthesis and the decomposition
of ECM-components by means of a cytokine-network. By ageing and chronic oxidative stress with an
increasing production of radicals, acidosis and clogging-up of ECM will grow, with a restriction of this vital
molecular-sieve effect. A reduction of the antioxidant enzyme-system is additionally negative increasing.
The increasing transferral of the transit route leads to micro- and macroangiopathies. The acidosis may
furthermore encourage the forming and spreading of tumor cells through pro-inflammatory effects. The
described antioxidant, antiacidotic and antiinflammatory effects of intravenous blood-irradiation and the
modulation of the immune system could have manifold effects on the system of basis-regulation and the
extra cellular matrix. Possibly there could be a certain protective effect on the development of tumor cells.
It is possible that general ageing processes which go hand in hand with the above-mentioned clogging-up
of ECM with pro-inflammatory effects and with increased formation of radicals, could be positively
influenced. Seen from this angle the intravenous laser blood-irradiation could also be considered as anti-
aging-therapy, in particular when combined with additional useful methods like diet, orthomolecular
therapy, acupuncture, neural therapy or homeopathy. Another important aspect is the physiological
leucocytolysis. Approximately 1.2 million leucocytes of the in all 1-2 billion leucocytes of the organism are
in the process of disintegration every second. By this mechanism a great number of mediators like
cytokins, chemokins, prostaglandins, leucotriens and many others are released. These immunomodulators
can intervene to regulate changes of milieu of blood plasma and extra cellular matrix. The ability of
leucocytes to physiological lyses is according to Pischinger and Heine the "pivot of all naturopathic
treatments" and measures of regulation medicine. You will find detailed presentation to these topics in
"Lehrbuch der biologischen Medizin" by Heine [16]. It is obvious that the intravenous laser blood
irradiation can stimulate physiological leucocytolysis similar to other immunomodulating therapies.
Respective researches for that are still pending.
6. Method: Practical application of Intravenous Laser Blood Irradiation
Intravenous laser blood irradiation is carried out with low power of 1-3 mW and
an exposure time of 20-60 minutes. A series of 10 treatments will be carried
out either every day or three times a week with a weekend break.
For intravenous laser blood irradiation first of all you have to feed in a cannula
into a suitable vein of the elbow or the forearm. The vein should have a wide
lumen to catch a great volume of blood in the period of time. In the Russian
studies a simple steel-cannula was inserted in which a disposal laser plastic-
catheter was fed in and was connected to a laser diode [picture 4]. This
procedure was modified by the author by feeding in a blue plastic cannula for
children (Braun Medical, Melsungen) into a suitable vein and then a newly
developed disposable laser-catheter made of biological compatible plastic
material is inserted into the vein (picture 5).
With veins that are difficult to puncture or if there is lack of practice, the setting
of the cannula may cause problems, but recently a suitable little butterfly was
developed which permits an easy application of the above described catheter. The advantage of this
therapy is that it can be learned by an assistant or a nurse, so the doctor
has not to be right next to the patient all the time. picture 5: Intravenous laser blood
irradiation with a 632 nm red light
7. Innovations
7.1 The new green laser in intravascular laser blood irradiation
Up to now it was believed that especially irradiation in the red range was particularly effective due to the
absorption spectrum of cytochrome-C-oxidase in the respiratory chain with a stimulation of the ATP-
synthesis. The originally Russian studies were all carried out with red light laser of the wavelength 632,8
nm of the helium-neon-laser because in the beginning there was no laser in the shorter wave range (green
or blue) available. When red laser light is conducted into the bloodstream, the vein lights up in bright red
because the red light is not absorbed by the erythrocytes (picture 5). So actually it should make sense to
use complementary green laser light for laser blood irradiation as well (picture 9). When green laser light is
conducted into a vein you practically will not see any green shining through the skin since the "red"
erythrocytes are absorbing green light virtually completely (picture 14) [41]. This therapy was introduced by
the author for the first time to laser blood irradiation and many of the patients treated with red laser light
were treated with green laser once more, and the results were compared with red light laser. On that
occasion it turned out that the green laser causes corresponding stimulations too and obviously reacts on
various parameters in a different way or better than the red light laser. In a third cycle some of the patients
were treated then with a combination of red and green laser - with the idea to stimulate the leucocytes
initially with the red laser and to load energy on the erythrocytes with the green laser. Then it turned out
that the combination of both types of laser obviously reveal the best possible effect. These results
represent however just first impressions and they have to be investigated further intensively to obtain valid
data. Reviewing the latest literature, really, the green laser was also tested in the irradiation of blood by
other scientists recently. An article was published from MI et al. of Shanghai university in March 2004 [34]
where blood cells were irradiated in vitro with the wavelength 632,8 nm (helium-neon laser) and 532 nm
(green laser). In these experiments it could be shown that the green laser had an advantage on rheologic
properties of the blood by an improved deformibility of erythrocytes. The corresponding absorption
spectrum for hemoglobin was assumed as cause for the green laser effect in particular. In a recent work of
Kassak and colleagues of Bratislawa university, Slovakia, in cooperation with the department of General
Biophysics of Lodz university, Poland [20], the effect of green laser light on Na-Ka-ATPase was
investigated. A distinct stimulating effect of the green laser light on the acivity of the erythrocyte Ka-Na-
ATPase was shown (picture 7). These latest findings are of exceptional significance. Previous explanatory
models of the photobiochemical energy transfer model followed the mitochondrial structures and the
electron carrier systems in the respiratory chain, but these are not existing in erythrocytes. According to
previous ideas an absorption of green laser photons to the erythrocytes would be only transferred into a
local warming up. The evidence of an increased Na-Ka-ATPase permits the conclusion that besides the
warming up also structural molecular changes are activated with triggering of specific biochemical activity.
So the membraneous lipid layers can also change [20]. In another work from Vinck and colleagues of the
department anatomy, embryology and histology of the Universiry of Ghent, Belgium, it could be shown in
April 2005 that under green light irradiation it comes to an increase of fibroblast proliferation with an
improved effect on glucose metabolism [52]. It must be emphasized here again that the described works
on green laser so far were exclusively in-vitro-experiments. The first human investigations with green light
laser blood irradiation were made by the author himself and have been described in this presented work
here for the first time.

picture 9: The green laser with

a wavelength of 532 nm

picture 10: The blue laser

with a wavelength of 405 nm
7.2 The blue laser in intravascular laser blood irradiation
The blue laser has a distinct absorption for porphyrins on account of its wavelength of 400-470 nm, so
consequently for hemoglobin too [54, 41]. So far there are only a few scientific data of clinical application
with patients since it succeeded just a short time ago to build a solid blue semiconductor laser from
galliumnitride (picture 10). It became public that caries, periodontosis and acne can be treated with blue
LED (light-emitting diode) with good success because they are also emitting monochromatic light (but
without deep-acting coherence) [55]. According to late researches Helicobacter pylori can be eradicated
successfully by application of blue light over the gastroscope [15]. Cause of these effects is the
bactericide effect of the blue monochromatic light that is binding to bacterial porphyrins and destroying
them by release of reactive oxygene radicals. Tiina Karu showed in several works that in the
mitochondrial respiratory chain the red as well as the infrared laser light stimulates the last complex of
the respiratory chain, the so called cytochrome-C-oxidase, while the first complex, the so called NADH-
dehydrogenase, has its absorption maximum in the blue range [19]. So it is possible to stimulate this
"starter complex" by irradiating with blue laser. This effect will be of considerable importance for the
intravenous laser blood irradiation. From the works of the Armenian laser scientist Levon Gasparyan the
first data are already available [11]. He was able to show that under irradiation of the blood with blue
laser light of low power (0,3 mW) the rheology of the blood will be significantly improved and as a result
the microcirculation will improve too. According to the latest data collected by him also cases of tinnitus
resistant to other therapies can be treated more successfully than before. Furthermore it was reported
that metabolism effects lead to a significant decrease of cholesterol, triglycerides and blood-glucose and
bilirubin. The immunologic activity of the blood is increasing significantly according to Gasparyan [11].
Due to its proximity to the ultraviolet spectrum it is assumed that in the therapy of the blood the blue laser
is also inducing the well-known immunostimulating effects as they are known from the UVB-treatment of
the blood [9, 11]. In a work from October 2006 the blue laser was also used diagnostically to trace tumor
cells. Due to strong absorption impulses of the blue laser cause circulating melanoma-cells in the blood
to swing and to emit signals that can be recorded with highly sensitive microphones. This is called
photoacoustic detection [54].

8. Clinical studies:
8.1 The Results of eastern studies
An extensive study of the Academy of Medicine Wolgograd on 175 patients with chronic liver diseases,
including forms of chronic hepatitis and cirrhotic liver was published in German translation, 2002 [47]. After
a series of 10 treatments with 630nm 1mW red light laser for 40 min a significant improvement of the
antioxidant enzyme system and a long lasting significant reduction of pathological increased liver
parameters were achieved. In 2002 several most interesting articles on the influence of long term
complications and fat metabolism disorders connected with diabetes mellitus, were published by the
Russian doctor Tatjana Kovalyova ( Department, 2. Municipal Clinic Izhevk, Russia) translated by Prof.
Marti, Institut für LLLT & Naturheilkunde, Thun/Switzerland [24, 25]. The patients were treated in three
series with 10 sessions every day over a span of six months.
This therapy was performed as so called combined laser therapy, that means besides the intravenous
laser-application additionally the regions of liver, pancreas and spleen were irradiated transcutaneously.
An almost statin-equivalent reduction of lipid parameters was described as well as a significant reduction
of various typical diabetic complications such as retinopathies and angiopathies [24]. D. Siposan and
colleagues of the Bucharest University, Romania, could prove in a study on 40 patients in August 2004 a
significant improvement of the aggregation tendency of erythrocytes and a stabilization of the erythrocyte
membranes [44].
Even an improvement of the life-threatening situation of hemorrhagic shock could be shown in a study by
Kozura and colleagues in 1993 [26]. Spasow and colleagues described in September 2000 a significantly
improved tolerability of medication on patients with chronic hepatitis [48]. Khotiainsev et al. described the
effects of the electrophysiological efficiency of laser blood irradiation in acute coronary syndromes on 200
patients in 1996 with the conclusion that this therapy results in distinct positive changes of
electrophysiological characteristics of the cardiovascular system with corresponding antiarrhythmic effects
[21].
8.2 Results of the first own pilot study 2004
Since the described method after reviewing the available literature
seems to have an astounding scientifically interesting potency, the
author decided to reproduce at first the most remarkable results of
the studies of the Russian literature. The quoted study of
Skvorcov et al. on treatment of chronic liver diseases [46] and the
large-scaled studies of Kovalyova on treatment of diabetics with
fat metabolism disorders [24, 25] were taken as a basis. For
verification of the mentioned studies, 20 patients with diabetes
mellitus and 15 patients with chronic liver diseases were included
in a first pilot study in 2004 and were treated according to the
Russian schedule with intravascular red light laser therapy (632
nm, 1,5 mW, 30 min) and transcutaneous irradiation of liver,
pancreas, and spleen at the points Lv 13, Lv 14 right side, and CV
12 with infrared laser (810 nm, 100 mW) for 20 minutes. picture 6: Zertifiziertes
Laserblutbestrahlungssystem mit
The intravascular treatments were carried out with the new type of biokompatiblem Einmalkatheter Quelle:
laser blood irradiation system "weberneedle blood" of weber M. Weber [53]
medical, Lauenförde (Germany) (picture 6) [53]. For the external
irradiation the weberneedle-basic laserneedle acupuncture system
with infrared laser needles was used.

Picture 11: Combined laser

therapy in a diabetic
patient with ulcus cruris
Source: Treatment case
practice of the author

Picture 12: Combined laser therapy in

an allergic patient
Source: Treatment case practice of
picture 13: Results of the 1. Pilot study 2004 the authors

Picture 12 shows the treatment of a patient suffering of severe allergy with intravascular laser blood
irradiation combined with laserneedle acupuncture.
Picture 11 demonstrates the treatment of a diabetic patient with intravenous laser therapy and external
laser irradiation of an ulcus cruris.

On the whole the described results of the Russian literature could be confirmed. Actually there was a
significant decrease of chronically increased liver and lipid parameters, but the reduction of LDL-
cholesterol was significant above all. In individual cases a drop of pathological HbA1c values was
observed, but the validity of the figures is limited because the majority of diabetics were already been
well adjusted. On ethical grounds a discontinuation of a preceding antidiabetic medication could not be
justified. A maximum of improved laboratory parameters was observed as a rule mostly after six to
twelve weeks. Because of this characteristic course one could conclude that the postulated long term
cellular changes were modified at first and without any therapeutical procedures, had an effect with
temporary delay only. However immediate effects were observed, especially a tendency of
hypoglycemia on stabile adjusted diabetics.
8.3 Own Treatment data 2005
114 patients with a variety of clinical syndromes had been treated and evaluated in the year 2005 by the
author himself. The treatments were carried out according to Russian instructions as combined treatments
with laserneedle acupuncture. Partly it concerned patients who previously showed unsatisfactory results
with acupuncture exclusively.
• fat metabolism disorders (n = 20)
• diabetes mellitus (n = 20)
• chronic pain syndrome (n = 12)
• rheumatoid arthritis (n = 5)
• polyneuropathies (n = 4)
• chronic-inflammatory bowel diseases (n = 5)
• fibromyalgia (n = 7)
• hypertension (n = 6)
• tinnitus (n = 3)
• macular degeneration (n = 4)
• multiple sclerosis (n = 9 )
• burn-out-syndrome (n = 9)
• allergies and eczemas (n = 10)

The following effects could be verified by a questionnaire survey and the evaluation of clinical tests and
laboratory parameters:

General Effects

• significant improvement of general fitness

• improvement of sleeping behaviour and vigilance
• positive effect on general mood
• reduction of drug consumptionSpecial Effects

• optimization of diabetic metabolism

• partially statin comparable influence on hypercholesterinemia
• significant lowering of pathological increased liver values
• reduction of relapse in chronic-inflammatory bowel diseases
• improvement of general well-being and mobility in multiple sclerosis
• positive influence on therapy-resistant pain syndromes
• in some cases positive influencing of tinnitus ( ringing in the ear )
• reduction of antihypertensive medication in severe hypertension

Since its introduction and certification in March 2005 the laser blood irradiation method was established in
more than 300 centers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Australia until the end of 2006. From
the amount of ordered disposable catheters one can find out that there were carried out approximately
100,000 treatments in the various centers because the disposable catheter is not available elsewhere. A
major poll was held at the end of 2006. On the occasion the following points should be considered:
• Acceptance by the patient
• Side effects
• Effects on the general state of health
• Presentation of special effects on the basis of case studies

This survey was a first major multicenter evaluation. A scientific evaluation of precise data will be made at
a later time since the method is still new and many centers applied this therapy just in the course of 2006.
After the evaluation of the questionnaires the above effects on the general state of health and general
fitness and on the special effects of the provided case studies could be confirmed entirely. The
acceptances from the patients were rated to be good by everyone, and there was no report on severe side
effects. There are exceptionally interesting case studies that will be published later.

8.4 Results of a second own pilot study 2006

The results of the first pilot study of the year 2004 were carried out as reported above according
to the Russian schedule as a combined laser therapy i.e. as a combination of intravenous laser
irradiation with transcutaneous liver-spleen-pancreas-irradiation. In order to verify the effects of
laser blood irradiation alone without additional transcutaneous irradiation or acupuncture, 20
patients with diabetes mellitus, fat metabolism disorders and chronic liver diseases were treated
in the practice of the author once more with ten treatments each.
It turned out under laboratory supervision that blood irradiation as mono therapy did not provide
comparable specific results in the described diseases so that an additional transcutaneous laser
irradiation (laser acupuncture) is given preference to achieve the best effects.
 8.5 Studies on Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an isolated central nervous system disorder of unclear origin. Initially
inflammatory processes predominate, degenerative developments ensue during the following
progress. Disturbances of the motor and sensitive system come to the fore of symptomatology,
culminating in restrictions of visual capacity due to inflammatory processes of the central nervous
system. A massive chronic exhaustion subsequently often ensues, which may cause inability to
work and for which no effective therapy is known. Concordance with the HLA system is known,
affecting the autoimmune and inflammatory processes. In terms of aetiology, an autoimmune,
neurodegenerative and inflammatory origin is discussed.
The current prevailing doctrine assumes that a T-cell-dependent disorder with initial secondary
macrophage activity and myelin sheath destruction is concerned. An immunosuppressive
treatment is normally carried out nowadays.

9. Side effects and risks of intravenous laser blood irradiation

There was no report up to now about any serious side effects of intravenous laser blood
irradiation. Considering the administered low power of 1-2 mW they are not to be expected.
Laser acupuncture is a method, established over decades and virtually free of risk whereas also
with this external therapy laser light is penetrating the body (with considerably higher power) and
gets in contact with blood. The above mentioned ultraviolet irradiation of the blood has been
established for many years whereas the potential danger with the administered short wavelength
in theory must be rated considerably higher. In addition one can look back on a wealth of
experience of about 30 years of use on a wide scale from Russia and other Eastern European
countries where until today no serious side effects have been described too. Nevertheless a
conforming enlightenment of the patient should take place with this method of treatment that is
new in this country. The relevant legal aspects for the doctor responsible for the treatment were
worked out by the lawyer Bodenburg extensively. In spite of an international CE-certification it is
recommended to explain this new therapy thoroughly to the patient and if he agrees he should
sign a document for informed consent. The juristic aspects are explained and discussed in the
publication of Bodenburg [3].

10. Discussion:
The various positive effects of intravenous laser blood irradiation that are described in the
literature could be affirmed to a large extent by the author and described pilot studies. But how
the administered photon-energy reaches the particular organ-cells is not finally clear until today.
Whether it is a matter of transfer of information of bio-photons or it concerns a transport of
energy through other ways of metabolism with increased ATP-production at the end, needs an
intensive scientific research in the next years. In former explanation models the transfer of
electrons is responsible for the separate steps in energy transport of the cell. There are various
electron carriers in the mitochondria like cytochrom-systems, flavins, Fe-S-complexes and
others. One can measure typical absorption maxima for electromagnetic radiation for the various
carrier-systems. At the absorption maximum the system can pick up the maximum
electromagnetic energy and by that speed up the process of oxidative phosphorylation. For
further research the calculated use of specific wavelengths that orientate towards the absorption
maxima of the divers biochemical structures should be of fundamental importance. By this way
stimulation or inhibition of enzymes of the metabolic pathways can be investigated.

The new type of intravenous laser blood treatment

presents a systemic form of (laser-) acupuncture. With
the availability of an equivalent certified device we
have now a new way of successful alternative therapy
of clinical syndromes which can be treated with
classical acupuncture only inadequately. These are
especially diseases of the immune system and the liver
as well as fat metabolism disorders and diabetes
mellitus and their resulting complications as coronary
heart disease and circulatory problems. The biological
mechanisms are extremely complex and require further
clinical researches and extensive basic studies. These
researches could help to understand better the effects
of photons in the organism.
Picture 14: Absorption diagram of laser light of different
wavelenght in biological tissues Source: modified from Romberg
[41]
11. Conclusion:
The described connections and results of the intravascular laser irradiation method promise for
the future an abundance of additional facts. It is interesting that here new ways open up in the
treatment of common diseases. Especially diabetes mellitus, chronic hepatitis, cirrhotic liver and
toxic leaver diseases, cardiovascular diseases and autoimmune diseases including allergies
must be emphasized. But the range of means of treatment should not be limited with that. The
described immunological activation possibly opens also new therapeutical approaches in the
adjuvant tumor therapy. Extensive studies will be essential in the future to explore the potential of
means of treatment and find an answer to the fundamental questions of mechanism of effect.
The possibility of treatments with laser light of different wavelengths (red, green, infrared, blue
and yellow) and the setting of various laser frequencies open more distinguished strategies of
treatment and a new field of research that is not assessable.
Expression of thanks:
This project was financially supported by the ministry of economics of the government of Lower Saxony in Hannover and the
European Union.

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