Extrapleural airway device and method
First Claim
1. A method for treating a lung comprising:
- fluidly connecting the lung with an extrapleural airway such that air may pass directly from the lung to the extrapleural airway.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This is directed to improving the gaseous exchange in a lung of an individual and particularly, this is directed to improving the gaseous exchange in individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It generally includes fluidly connecting the lung to an extrapleural airway such as the trachea. In one variation, a conduit is deployed to place the lung and the trachea in fluid communication which allows trapped oxygen-reduced air to pass directly out of the lung and into the trachea. Removing nonfunctional air from the lung tends to improve the gaseous exchange of oxygen into the blood and decompress hyper-inflated lungs. Sealant and biocompatible adhesives may be provided on the exterior of the conduit to prevent side flow, leaks and to otherwise prevent air from entering spaces not intended to receive air such as the pleura space.
145 Citations
43 Claims
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1. A method for treating a lung comprising:
fluidly connecting the lung with an extrapleural airway such that air may pass directly from the lung to the extrapleural airway. - 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)
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24. A method for improving gaseous exchange in a lung comprising:
fluidly connecting an extrapleural airway with a tissue structure within the lung such that air may directly pass from the tissue structure within the lung to the extrapleural airway. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A method for altering gaseous flow in a lung having a pleural membrane comprising:
creating a channel through an extrapleural airway wall and the pleural membrane such that air may pass directly from the lung into the extrapleural airway. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A conduit for fluidly connecting an extrapleural airway with the lung comprising:
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a body having ends and a passageway extending therethrough; and
an invertible end portion extending from each end of said body, said end portion configured such that when the conduit is in a first state the end portions extend away from one another and when said conduit is in a second state said end portions extend towards one another, wherein said conduit is sized to fluidly connect said extrapleural airway and said lung. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42, 43)
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Specification