Method for treating an asthma attack

• US 20050187579A1
• Filed: 04/29/2005
• Published: 08/25/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Asthmatx, Inc. (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Laufer, Michael D., Loomas, Bryan, Danek, Christopher J., Keast, Thomas
• Granted Patent: US 7,740,017 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/02 by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques devices for cooling specific reflex points of the body within cell-life limits A61H39/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/04 by heating by applying electromagnetic radiation A61B18/18; hyperthermia using electric or magnetic fields, radiation or ultrasound A61N
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/08 by means of electrically-heated probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1492 having a flexible, catheter-like structure, e.g. for heart ablation A61B18/1477 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/18 by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves radiation therapy A61N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00083 low, i.e. electrically insulating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00214 Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0022 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00267 having a basket shaped structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00434 Neural system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00541 Lung or bronchi
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00654 with individual control of each of a plurality of energy emitting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00666 using a threshold value
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00678 upper
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00761 Duration
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00797 measured by multiple temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00803 with temperature prediction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0212 using an instrument inserted into a body lumen, e.g. catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3614 : using optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0018 : Trunk or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0059 : with an open fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/126 : for invasive application, e.g. for introducing into blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/123 : using a flexible balloon containing the thermal element
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0096 : being laterally outward extensions or tools, e.g. hooks or fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/1039 : Lungs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0043 : characterised by structural features
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 29/00 : Dilators with or without means for introducing media, e.g. remedies instruments for performing visual medical inspections of cavities or tubes of the body A61B1/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 29/02 : Dilators made of swellable material balloon catheters for angioplasty A61M25/104
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/06 : for high-frequency therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/403 : for thermotherapy, e.g. hyperthermia
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/00 : Radiation therapy ultrasound therapy A61N7/00; devices or apparatus applicable to both therapy and diagnosis A61B6/00

Abstract

A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.

Claims

1-14. -14. (canceled)

15. A method for treating lung disease comprising:

applying energy to an airway wall to alter the airway wall in such a manner that a resistance to airflow of the airway is decreased.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said applying energy alters a structure of the airway wall to increase a diameter of the airway.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the structure of the airway wall is altered by decreasing a thickness of the airway wall.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein applying energy is performed during an acute lung disease episode.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said acute lung disease episode is an asthma attack.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein said applying energy comprises applying energy up to 10 seconds at a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees C.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein said applying energy applies energy in an amount sufficient to damage nerve tissue and reduce the resting tone.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein said applying energy applies energy in an amount sufficient to alter the ability of the airway smooth muscle to contract.

23. The method of claim 15 comprising manipulating a distal portion of an energy delivery apparatus to a first location along said airway prior to applying said energy.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising moving said distal portion from said first location and simultaneously applying energy while said distal portion is being moved in said airway.

25. The method of claim 23 comprising terminating energy delivery, moving said distal portion of said energy delivery apparatus in said airway to a second location, and applying energy to said airway at said second location.

26. The method of claim 23 wherein energy is applied to said airway while said distal portion of said energy delivery apparatus is moving and, at another time, applying energy while said distal portion is stationary.

27. The method of claim 23 wherein said apparatus includes a tip sufficiently flexible such that when said tip encounters a closed or partially closed airway, trauma to said airway is minimized.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein said tip is rounded.

29. The method of claim 23 wherein said apparatus includes a rounded tip such that when said tip encounters a closed or partially closed airway, trauma to said airway is minimized.

30-31. -31. (canceled)

32. A method for treating lung disease comprising:

applying energy to or from an airway wall to alter the airway wall in such a manner that a resistance to airflow of the airway is decreased.