Intra-bronchial valve devices

Abstract

An air passageway obstruction device includes a frame structure and a flexible membrane overlying the frame structure. The frame structure is collapsible upon advancement of the device into the air passageway, expandable into a rigid structure upon deploying in the air passageway and re-collapsible upon removal from the air passageway. The flexible membrane obstructs inhaled air flow into a lung portion communicating with the air passageway. The device may be removed after deployment in an air passageway by re-collapsing the device and pulling the device proximally through a catheter.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 951,105, filed on Sep. 11, 2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is generally directed to a treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The present invention is more particularly directed to removable air passageway obstruction devices, and systems and methods for removing the devices. [0003] Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has become a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States over the last three decades. COPD is characterized by the presence of airflow obstruction due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema. The airflow obstruction in COPD is due largely to structural abnormalities in the smaller airways. Important causes are inflammation, fibrosis, goblet cell metaplasia, and smooth muscle hypertrophy in terminal bronchioles. [0004] The incide...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] The invention provides device for reducing the size of a lung comprising an obstructing structure dimensioned for insertion into an air passageway communicating with a portion of the lung to be reduced in size, the obstructing structure having an outer dimension which is so

Problems solved by technology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has become a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States over the last three decades.

The airflow obstruction in COPD is due largely to structural abnormalities in the smaller airways.

COPD is a progressive disease and currently has no cure.

Unfortunately, there is no evidence that early, regular use of pharmacotherapy will alter the progression of COPD.

Although the surgery was deemed promising, the procedure was abandoned.

However, the procedure has fallen out of favor due to the fact that Medicare stopping reimbursing for LVRS.

Unfortunately, data is relatively scarce and many factors conspire to make what data exists difficult to interpret.

However, the surgery is not without potential complications.

Lung tissue is very thin and fragile.

Hence, it is difficult to suture after sectioning.

This gives rise to potential infection and air leaks.

In fact, nearly thirty percent (30%) of such surgeries result in air leaks.

Unfortunately, this consideration is given for only those with advanced COPD.

Given the limited availability of donor organs, lung transplant is far from being available to all patients.

Unfortunately, such devices as currently known in the art are not suited for removal.

While such devices are expandable for permanent deployment, such devices are not configured or adapted for recollapse after having once been deployed in an air passageway to facilitate removal.

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