Methods and systems for evaluating lung function and delivering therapeutic agents

Abstract

Methods and systems for isolating, assessing and treating lung compartments are disclosed. One or more lung compartments are accessed through an isolation catheter, oxygen rich gas is delivered to the compartments, and blood oxygen or exhaled carbon dioxide are monitored to assess lung compartment function. Diseased lung compartments may be treated using therapeutic agents delivered to the diseased compartments through the isolation catheter. Therapeutic agents include carbon monoxide, radioactive agents, chemotherapeutic agents or angiogenesis inhibitors and angiocidal agents.

Description

Background of the invention [0001] 1. Field of the Invention. The present invention relates generally to medical methods and systems and more particularly to methods of assessing lung compartment function and treating diseased lung compartments. [0002] 2. Description of the Background Art. Lung disease is a problem that affects millions of people. For example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major medical problem affecting 16 million people, or approximately 6% of the US population. As another example, lung cancer is the leading form of cancer and causes more than 150,000 deaths per year. In general, two diagnostic tests are performed on patients to determine the extent and severity of lung disease: (1) developmental tests and (2) functional tests. Imaging tests such as chest x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), perfusion scans, and bronchograms provide a good indication of the location, homogeneity, and progression of...

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Problems solved by technology

Therefore, radiation therapy affects non-diseased parts of the lung, again causing undesirable side effects

In addition, radiation therapy is also not focused on the location of the cancer

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