Bronchial stenter
US6200333A · kind A · utility
385Cited by
121References
38Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 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 includes an elongated member having a heating element that includes one or more energy delivery members. The method includes heating the bronchial tube to cause the wall of the tube to undergo a structural transformation similar to scarring whereby new connective tissue is formed. 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.