Methods and devices for creating collateral channels in the lungs

US6692494B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• BRONCUS TECHNOLOGIES · US

Inventors

• Joel Cooper · Saskatoon, CA
• Bryan Loomas · Los Gatos, US
• Don Tanaka · Saratoga, US
• Michael D. Laufer · Menlo Park, US
• David Thompson · San Jose, US
• James M. Davenport · Fallbrook, US
• Gary Kaplan · San Francisco, US
• Dave Haugaard · San Jose, US
• Glendon E. French · San Mateo, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 7, 2000
• Grant date: Feb 17, 2004
• Expiry date: Apr 16, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N2007/0078
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The devices and methods disclosed herein are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these devices and methods produce and to maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that expired air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The devices and methods also disclose locating and selecting a site for creation of a collateral opening.