This relates to methods and devices for treating reversible chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, and more particularly, relates to a device for exchanging energy with
airway tissue such as that found in the
airway of human lungs. The exchange of energy with this
airway tissue in the airways reduces the ability of the air ways to constrict and / or reduces the resistance within the airway to the flow of air through the airway. This also relates to a method for decreasing responsiveness or decreasing resistance to
airflow of airways involves the transfer of energy to or from the airway walls to prevent or reduce airway
constriction and other symptoms of
lung diseases. The treatment reduces the ability of the airway to contract during an acute narrowing of the airways, reduces
mucus plugging of the airways, and / or increases the airway
diameter. The methods according to the present invention provide a longer duration and / or more
effective treatment for
lung diseases than currently used
drug treatments, and obviate
patient compliance issues. This also includes additional steps that reduce the ability of the
lung to produce at least one of the symptoms of reversible obstructive
pulmonary disease and to reduce the resistance to the flow of air through a lung.