Expandable electode devices and methods of treating bronchial tubes

Abstract

Methods are provided for treating collapsed bronchial tubes found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as asthma. The method includes heating the bronchial tube to cause tissue in the wall of the bronchial tube to undergo a structural transformation effective to render the wall capable of supporting a non-collapsed lumen. The procedure effectively reinforces the structural integrity of the bronchial tube wall and thereby prevents the lumen from collapsing.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 232,909, filed Aug. 30, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 349,715, filed Jul. 8, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,673, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 260,401 filed Mar. 1, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,988, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 003,750 filed Jan. 7, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,026, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 833,550, filed Apr. 7, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,907; U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 349,715 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 994,064, filed Dec. 19, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,255, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a device and method for treatment of the airway obstruction found in chronic obstruct...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a heat treatment apparatus for treating bronchial tubes to improve lung function. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft with at least one electrode that can be expanded radially outward to contact the wall of the bronchial tube. The electrode is pivotally mounted on the shaft and can deliver energy to the tissue to cause a structural transformation that makes the wall capable of supporting the bronchial tube without collapsing. The method involves advancing the treatment device into the lumen of the bronchial tube and activating it to raise the temperature of the wall. The invention can be used to treat bronchial tubes that are partially or fully collapsed due to diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. The invention provides a non-invasive and effective treatment for individuals with bronchial tube obstruction.

Problems solved by technology

However, when the tissue is in an internal organ, in particular, in the lungs or other vital organ, molding and remodeling by physical manipulation can involve complicated and often risky surgery.

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