Methods and devices for inducing collapse in lung regions fed by collateral pathways
First Claim
1. A method of regulating fluid flow for a targeted lung region, comprising:
- identifying at least one collateral pathway that provides collateral fluid flow into the targeted lung region; and
performing an intervention within the lung to reduce the amount of collateral fluid flow provided to the targeted lung region through the collateral pathway.
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Abstract
Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow in one or more lung regions that are supplied fluid through one or more collateral pathways. An identified region of the lung is targeted for volume reduction or collapse. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to inhibit air from flowing into the targeted lung region through bronchial pathways that directly feed air to the targeted lung region. If the targeted lung region does not collapse after bronchially isolating the targeted lung region, then it is possible that a collateral pathway is feeding air to the targeted lung region, thereby preventing the targeted lung region from collapsing. In such a case, the collateral pathway is identified and air flow into the targeted lung region via the collateral pathway is reduced or eliminated.
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Citations
45 Claims
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1. A method of regulating fluid flow for a targeted lung region, comprising:
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identifying at least one collateral pathway that provides collateral fluid flow into the targeted lung region; and
performing an intervention within the lung to reduce the amount of collateral fluid flow provided to the targeted lung region through the collateral pathway. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A method of regulating fluid flow for a targeted lung region, comprising:
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reducing direct fluid flow in a direct pathway that provides direct fluid flow to the targeted lung region; and
reducing collateral fluid flow that flows through a collateral pathway to the targeted lung region. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification