Bronchial stenter having diametrically adjustable electrodes
US5972026A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1807
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device and method for treating collapsed bronchial tubes found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are provided. The device delivers energy so that the tissue is inductively heated by directing electromagnetic energy into the tissue. The device includes electrodes having adjustable diameters to enable the electrodes to contact the wall of the bronchial tubes. The method includes heating the bronchial tube to cause at least a portion of the cross links of the collagen in the wall to unlink/open and subsequently form new cross links after the collagen fibers have realigned. The procedure effectively reinforces the structural integrity of the wall and thereby prevents the lumen from collapsing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.