APPARATUS FOR TREATING AIRWAYS IN THE LUNG
First Claim
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1. An energy emitting device for treatment of a hyper-reactive airway in a human lung, the device comprising:
- an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a human lung; and
a source of energy for emitting energy from the elongate body at a wavelength and intensity which, when applied to a wall of a hyper-reactive airway causes a change in smooth muscle tissue so as to prevent the airway from contracting.
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Abstract
A device and method for treating bodily conduits involves the application of energy to the smooth muscle tissue of the conduit walls to reduce the bulk of smooth muscle tissue and mucus glands. The irradiation treatment of the smooth muscle tissue causes a reduction in the amount of smooth muscle tissue over time which increases the inner diameter of the body conduit for improved fluid flow and prevents smooth muscle spasms. The treatment is particularly useful in the lungs for treatment of asthma to prevent bronchospasms, increase the airway diameter for improved air exchange, and reduce mucus secretions in the lungs.
195 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An energy emitting device for treatment of a hyper-reactive airway in a human lung, the device comprising:
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an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a human lung; and
a source of energy for emitting energy from the elongate body at a wavelength and intensity which, when applied to a wall of a hyper-reactive airway causes a change in smooth muscle tissue so as to prevent the airway from contracting. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An asthma treatment system for emitting light to a wall of an airway in a human lung, the system comprising:
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an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a human lung; and
a laser source capable of emitting light from the distal end of the elongate body and at an intensity which, when applied to a wall of an airway reduces smooth muscle tissue so as to treat asthma. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An energy emitting device for treatment of an airway in a human lung, the device comprising:
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an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end configured to be inserted into a human lung; and
a source of energy for emitting energy from the elongate body at a wavelength and intensity which, when applied to a wall of an airway causes a change in smooth muscle tissue so as to prevent the smooth muscle tissue from replicating.
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Specification