Method for treating an asthma attack

Abstract

A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 296,040 filed Apr. 21, 1999, a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 436,455 filed Nov. 8, 1999 and a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 535,856 filed Mar. 27, 2000 each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to a method for treating a lung, and more particularly, to a method for treating a lung by applying energy to an airway wall to increase the diameter of the airway during an asthma attack. BACKGROUND [0003] Asthma is a serious chronic condition affecting an estimated 10 million Americans. Asthma is characterized by (i) bronchoconstriction, (ii) excessive mucus production, and (iii) inflammation and swelling of airways. These conditions cause widespread and variable airflow obstruction thereby making it difficult for the asthma s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The invention is a method for treating lung disease and in particular, a method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for treating asthma comprising the step of transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway in a lu

Problems solved by technology

These conditions cause widespread and variable airflow obstruction thereby making it difficult for the asthma sufferer to breathe.

The chronic nature of asthma can also lead to remodeling of the airway wall (i.e., structural changes such as thickening or edema) which can further affect the function of the airway wall and influence airway hyper-responsiveness.

It may, however, be impractical and not always helpful to avoid

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