Apparatus and methods for reducing lung volume
US6645205B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 15, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/00541
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for reducing the volume of a lung using a clip including a plurality of tines. The clip is advanced along an interior of a bronchial passage to a predetermined location with the tines in a contracted condition. The tines are expanded outwardly to engage surrounding tissue, and then collapsed towards the contracted condition, thereby drawing the surrounding tissue inwardly to substantially close the bronchial passage from air flow therethrough. Optionally, electrical energy may be applied to the surrounding tissue after collapsing the tines to the contracted condition, thereby fusing the surrounding tissue together. The clip is then released within or removed from the passage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.