Methods and devices for the treatment of pulmonary disorders

Abstract

A medical device assembly including: a lung reduction device including a vertex, a first arm having an end connected to the vertex, and a second arm having an end connected to vertex, wherein each ofthe first and second arms are adapted to extend into a respective one of airway branches in the lung and the vertex is adapted to seat upstream of a bifurcation of the airway branches, wherein the first and second arms apply a bias force to the airway branches and thereby reduce a section of the lung near the airway branches; a bronchoscope including a loading device housing the lung reduction device and having an opening, through which the lung reduction device is released, and a pusher device associated with the bronchoscope and adapted to push the lung reduction device from a working channel of the bronchoscope to advance the first and second arms into the airway branches.

Description

technical field [0001] The technical field is lung volume reduction devices for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular, the present invention relates to lung volume reducing devices configured to be delivered via the airways into the lungs using minimally invasive techniques. Background technique [0002] COPD is a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. COPD can cause a cough with lots of phlegm or mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms. Smoking is the main cause of COPD, but chronic exposure to other lung irritants, such as air pollution, chemical fumes or dust, may trigger COPD. COPD is a progressive disease that becomes more severe over time, such as over several years. [0003] To understand COPD, it helps to understand how the lungs work. During breathing, air inhaled through the nose or mouth travels down the throat into tubes (bronchi or airways) in the lungs. In the lungs, the bro...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0014] Although the devices and methods mentioned above, as well as conventional LVRS, have demonstrated a substantial correlation between reducing unhealthy lung volumes and improving emphysema patients, the limitations of these current approaches suggest that substantial improvements are still needed to meet existing skill level requirements

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