Methods and devices for passive residual lung volume reduction and functional lung volume expansion
US10314992B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49826
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment. The invention further discloses a catheter with a transparent occlusion element at its tip that enables examination of the lung passageway through a viewing scope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.