METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND KITS FOR LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION
First Claim
1. A method for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a patient, the method comprising:
- puncturing into a target lung segment from outside the patient using a puncturing device; and
allowing air to flow through the puncturing device out of the patient to at least partially collapse the target lung segment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a patient, the method comprising:
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puncturing into a target lung segment from outside the patient using a puncturing device; and allowing air to flow through the puncturing device out of the patient to at least partially collapse the target lung segment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a patient, the method comprising:
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introducing a probe through a chest wall of the patient to a location outside of a target lung segment of the patient; and pushing against the target lung segment with the probe to at least partially collapse the segment. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification