Modification of airways by application of energy

US9033976B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Asthmatx, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Christopher J. Danek · Redwood City, US
• Michael Biggs · San Francisco, US
• Keith Burger · San Francisco, US
• Bryan Loomas · Los Gatos, US
• Thomas Keast · Sunnyvale, US
• Dave Haugaard · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 16, 2013
• Grant date: May 19, 2015
• Expiry date: May 16, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/3614
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

This relates to treating reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more particularly, to exchanging energy with airway tissue such as that found in human lungs. This exchange of energy reduces the ability of the airways to constrict, reduces the resistance within the airway to the flow of air through the airway, reduces mucus plugging of the airways, and/or increases the airway diameter. This energy exchange also may reduce the ability of the lung to produce at least one of the symptoms of reversible obstructive pulmonary disease.