Lung assist apparatus and methods for use
First Claim
1. An apparatus for implantation at a branch in a lung for assisting exhalation from a region of the lung to be isolated, the branch comprising a main passage, said main passage bifurcating into a first branch communicating with a healthy region of the lung and a second branch communicating with an unhealthy region of the lung to be isolated, the apparatus comprising:
- a tubular support structure implantable within the branch, the support structure comprising a first end, a second end, and a lateral opening in the wall of the support structure between said first and second ends;
a tubular member comprising an inlet end, an outlet end defining an inner lumen at least partially within the support structure, such that the tubular member being carried by the support structure such that the inlet end is disposed proximate the first end, and the outlet end is disposed proximate the lateral opening, the tubular member defining an outer lumen between its outer surface and the support structure; and
a first valve disposed across the outer lumen, the first valve configured for permitting flow through the outer lumen towards the inlet end of the tubular member, the first valve also configured for limiting flow through the outer lumen towards the outlet end of the tubular member air passing through the inner lumen from the inlet end to the outlet end, will generate a vacuum in the lateral opening.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A lung-assist apparatus includes a tubular housing, a tubular nozzle therein, and a first valve disposed between the housing and nozzle. The housing is implanted across a bifurcation such that the nozzle extends from a first branch communicating with a healthy region of a lung towards a main passage, and terminates proximate a lateral opening in the housing that is disposed within a second branch communicating with a damaged region of the lung. During inhalation, the first valve opens to allow air flow into the first branch, and closes during exhalation to force air through the nozzle, thereby inducing a vacuum for drawing air from the damaged region. A second valve in the second branch opens during exhalation to draw air from the diseased region, and closes during inhalation to prevent air from being drawn into the damaged region.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus for implantation at a branch in a lung for assisting exhalation from a region of the lung to be isolated, the branch comprising a main passage, said main passage bifurcating into a first branch communicating with a healthy region of the lung and a second branch communicating with an unhealthy region of the lung to be isolated, the apparatus comprising:
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a tubular support structure implantable within the branch, the support structure comprising a first end, a second end, and a lateral opening in the wall of the support structure between said first and second ends;
a tubular member comprising an inlet end, an outlet end defining an inner lumen at least partially within the support structure, such that the tubular member being carried by the support structure such that the inlet end is disposed proximate the first end, and the outlet end is disposed proximate the lateral opening, the tubular member defining an outer lumen between its outer surface and the support structure; and
a first valve disposed across the outer lumen, the first valve configured for permitting flow through the outer lumen towards the inlet end of the tubular member, the first valve also configured for limiting flow through the outer lumen towards the outlet end of the tubular member air passing through the inner lumen from the inlet end to the outlet end, will generate a vacuum in the lateral opening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A lung assist device comprising:
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a tubular support structure, said support structure having an opening in the wall thereof, a tubular element housed in said support structure, a first valve located in the space between said support structure and said tubular element;
a second valve located in said opening, said device being adapted to be located in the passageway of a lung. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A lung assist device comprising:
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a tubular support structure having an opening in the wall thereof, a venturi tube housed in said support structure, said venturi tube having an aperture in the wall thereof which aperture is proximate said opening, and a valve controlling the flow through said opening, said valve being configured to permit flow in one direction, but to block flow in the opposite direction. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification