Bronchial stenter
US6273907A · kind A · utility
233Cited by
135References
9Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2017 |
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 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.