Methods and devices for inducing collapse in lung regions fed by collateral pathways
US7412977B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/043
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow in one or more lung regions that are supplied fluid through one or more collateral pathways. An identified region of the lung is targeted for volume reduction or collapse. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to inhibit air from flowing into the targeted lung region through bronchial pathways that directly feed air to the targeted lung region. If the targeted lung region does not collapse after bronchially isolating the targeted lung region, then it is possible that a collateral pathway is feeding air to the targeted lung region, thereby preventing the targeted lung region from collapsing. In such a case, the collateral pathway is identified and air flow into the targeted lung region via the collateral pathway is reduced or eliminated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.