Devices for creating collateral channels

US6749606B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Thomas Keast · Sunnyvale, US
• David Thompson · San Jose, US
• Don Tanaka · Saratoga, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 4, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 15, 2004
• Expiry date: Dec 24, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2230/0078
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The devices 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 produce collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that oxygen depleted/carbon dioxide rich 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.