Methods and devices for use in performing pulmonary procedures

Abstract

An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient's lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 303,240, filed Nov. 22, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 797,910, filed Mar. 2, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 519,735 filed Mar. 4, 2000, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for use in performing pulmonary procedures, and more particularly, procedures for treating various diseases of the lungs. [0004] 2. Description of the Background Art [0005] Pulmonary diseases such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reduce the ability of one or both lungs to fully expel air during the exhalation phase of the breathing cycle. The diseased lung tissue is less elastic than healthy lung tissue, which is one factor that prevent...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] In another embodiment the invention provides a method for treating a patient's lung, the method comprising steps of selecting a hollow structure in a patient's lung, the hollow structure defining a pathway for conducting fluid flow in at least first and second directions, applying suction to draw fluid through the pathway in the first direction, and substantially preventing fluid flow through the pathway in the second direction.

[0016] In another embodiment the invention provides a system for treating a patient's lung. The system includes a measuring device for determining the approximate size of a hollow structure in a patient's lung, and a flow control element sized and configured to be positioned in a hollow structure located in a patient's lung, wherein the flow control element allows fluid flow in a first direction but substantially prevents fluid flow in a second direction.

Problems solved by technology

Pulmonary diseases such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reduce the ability of one or both lungs to fully expel air during the exhalation phase of the breathing cycle.

The problem is further compounded by the diseased, less elastic tissue that surrounds the very narrow airways that lead to the alveoli (the air sacs where oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange occurs).

This tissue has les tone than healthy tissue and is typically unable to maintain the narrow airways open until the end of the exhalation cycle.

This traps air in the lungs and exacerbates the already-inefficient breathing cycle.

The trapped air causes the tissue to become hyper-expanded and no longer able to effect efficient oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange.

Applying suction to these narrow airways (a procedure proposed in the literature for deflating the diseased portion of the lung) may collapse the airways due to the surrounding diseased tissue, thereby preventing successful fluid removal.

By taking up more of the pleural space, the hyper-expanded lung tissue reduces the amount of space available to accommodate the healthy, functioning lung tissue.

As a result, the hyper-expanded lung tissue causes inefficient breathing due to its own reduced functionality and because it adversely affects the functionality of adjacent healthy tissue.

The conventional surgical approach is relatively traumatic and invasive, and, like most surgical procedures, is not a viable option for all patients.

The search for new and better treatments underscores the drawbacks associated with existing pulmonary procedures.

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