Devices and methods for maintaining collateral channels in tissue
US7175644B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2230/0078
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The devices and methods of placement of such 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 and maintain 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. The medical kits disclosed herein are also directed to produce and maintain collateral openings through airway walls.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.