Methods and devices for maintaining patency of surgically created channels in a body organ
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An implant for maintaining an artificial opening in a wall of a body organ, the implant comprising:
- a support member having a proximal portion, a mid portion, a distal portion, and an interior passage extending therethrough, where the proximal, and distal portions are all expandable and the proximal and distal portions are expandable to a greater size than the mid portion so that the support member forms a grommet shape;
a non-bioabsorbable polymer comprising a plurality of diffusion paths having at least one additive, where the additive is water soluble; and
an antiproliferative agent, where on implantation of the implant into the airway wall and upon dissolving of the additive, the plurality of diffusion paths allow for improved passage of the antiproliferative agent into the airway wall.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This is directed to methods and devices suited for maintaining an opening in a wall of a body organ for an extended period. More particularly devices and methods are directed maintaining patency of channels that alter gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
252 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An implant for maintaining an artificial opening in a wall of a body organ, the implant comprising:
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a support member having a proximal portion, a mid portion, a distal portion, and an interior passage extending therethrough, where the proximal, and distal portions are all expandable and the proximal and distal portions are expandable to a greater size than the mid portion so that the support member forms a grommet shape;
a non-bioabsorbable polymer comprising a plurality of diffusion paths having at least one additive, where the additive is water soluble; and
an antiproliferative agent, where on implantation of the implant into the airway wall and upon dissolving of the additive, the plurality of diffusion paths allow for improved passage of the antiproliferative agent into the airway wall. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification