Compact delivery pulmonary treatment systems and methods for improving pulmonary function

Abstract

A pulmonary treatment system includes a compact configuration for delivery to a first airway of a patient. An energy delivery system of the pulmonary treatment system delivers energy to target tissue in or along an airway wall of the first airway to reduce airway resistance in a second airway distal to the first airway. The pulmonary treatment system protects tissue in the airway wall of the first airway located between the target tissue and the energy delivery system by at least one of thermodynamically cooling, circulating a liquid coolant through the pulmonary treatment system, and shielding a portion of the energy delivery system.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present invention generally relates to the field of treatment of the pulmonary diseases.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Pulmonary diseases may cause a wide range of problems that adversely affect performance of the lungs. Pulmonary diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (“COPD”), may lead to increased airflow resistance in the lungs. Mortality, health-related costs, and the size of the population having adverse effects due to pulmonary diseases are all substantial. These diseases often adversely affect quality of life. Symptoms are varied but often include cough; breathlessness; and wheeze. In COPD, for example, breathlessness may be noticed when performing somewhat strenuous activities, such as running, jogging, brisk walking, etc. As the disease progresses, breathlessness may be noticed when performing non-strenuous activities, such as walking. Over time, symptoms of COPD may occur with less and l...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method of treating lung diseases using a rigid bronchoscope, which is a large and inflexible tube that can be used to pass instruments related to lung treatment. The rigid bronchoscope can be inserted through the mouth and can reach larger airways but is limited in its ability to reach smaller ones. The method involves delivering energy to different locations in the airway to create lesions that disrupt nerve activity around the airway wall. The technical effect of this method is to provide a minimally invasive and safe way to treat lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

Problems solved by technology

It has been recognized that delivering a pulmonary treatment system to a treatment site in an airway of a patient can present several difficulties to practitioners.

The complexity of positioning a pulmonary treatment system in an airway can be further compounded when a bronchoscope is used in conjunction with the pulmonary treatment system.

This delivery technique can be challenging, as it requires both hands of a single practitioner or two separate practitioners to guide both a delivery catheter for the pulmonary treatment system and the bronchoscope alongside each other.

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