Apparatus and method for treating pulmonary conditions
US8989862B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36114
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for treating a pulmonary condition in a subject is provided. One step of the method includes providing an apparatus for positioning at a target site innervated by at least one nerve of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The apparatus includes a fluid exchange catheter, an inflatable balloon coupled to the fluid exchange catheter, and an energy delivery mechanism including at least one energy delivery member for delivering electrical energy to the target site. Next, an expansion medium is delivered to the apparatus so that the inflatable balloon is sufficiently inflated to sandwich at least a portion of the at least one energy delivery member between the inflatable balloon and a luminal wall of the tracheo-bronchial tree at the target site. Electrical energy is then delivered to the at least one energy delivery member to effect a change in the ANS of the subject.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.