Methods and devices for use in performing pulmonary procedures

• US 6,901,927 B2
• Filed: 11/22/2002
• Issued: 06/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Pulmonx Corp.
• Original Assignee: Emphasys Medical, Inc. (Pulmonx Corp.)
• Inventors: Gifford, Hanson S. III, Deem, Mark E., French, Ronald, Sutton, Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): Bennett, Henry
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dagostino, Sabrina
• Application Number:
  US10/303,240
• Publication Number:
  US 20030075169A1
• Time in Patent Office: 928 Days
• Field of Search: 604/96, 604/4, 604/97, 604/98, 604/99, 604/100, 604/101, 606/192, 128/200.24, 128/200.26, 128/201.18
• US Class Current: 128/200.24
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/12104 in an air passage
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/12172 having a pre-set deployed three-dimensional shape methods of manufacturing A61B2017/00526
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/221 Gripping devices in the form of loops or baskets for gripping calculi or similar types of obstructions surgical snare instruments A61B17/32056
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/1205 Introduction devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2215 having an open distal end
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/061 for measuring dimensions, e.g. length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2412 with soft flexible valve members, e.g. tissue valves shaped like natural valves check valves with flexible valve members in general F16K15/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2418 Scaffolds therefor, e.g. support stents
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2476 Valves implantable in the body not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/91 made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/043 Bronchi
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0008 Fixation appliances for connecting prostheses to the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0016 with sharp anchoring protrusions, e.g. barbs, pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0041 using additional screws, bolts, dowels or rivets, e.g. connecting screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/005 using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0058 soldered or brazed or welded
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/005 Rosette-shaped, e.g. star-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0067 conical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0091 helically-coiled or spirally-coiled, i.e. having a 2-D spiral cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/147 the closure elements having specially formed slits or being of an elongated easily collapsible form

Abstract

An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient'"'"'s lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

Claims

1. A method of treating the lung, comprising the steps of:

advancing a device through an intrapulmonary path to a blocking element, the blocking element being previously implanted in a patient'"'"'s lung for isolating a portion of a patient'"'"'s lung;

performing a procedure with the device on the isolated portion of the patient'"'"'s lung, the device extending through the previously implanted blocking element; and

removing the device after the performing step, wherein the blocking element prevents airflow in the inhalation direction after the device has been removed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the advancing, performing and removing steps are carried out with the blocking element preventing air flow in an inspiratory direction but permitting air flow in an expiratory direction.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the performing step is carried out by applying suction through a lumen in the device.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein:

the performing step is carried out to remove air from the isolated portion of the lung.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the performing step is carried out by delivering a therapeutic substance to the isolated portion of the lung through a lumen in the device.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of:

removing material from the isolated portion of the lung after the performing step.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:

expanding an expandable member to occlude a pulmonary location.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the advancing step is carried out with the blocking element sealing around the device when the device is positioned therein.

9. A method of treating the lung, comprising the steps of:

advancing a device through a bronchial passageway to a blocking element, the blocking element being previously implanted in the bronchial passageway to control fluid flow to and from an isolated portion of a patient'"'"'s lung;

performing a procedure with the device on the isolated portion of the patient'"'"'s lung, the device extending through the previously implanted blocking element; and

removing the device after performing the procedure, wherein the blocking element prevents air flow through the bronchial passageway in the inhalation direction after the device has been removed.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein:

the performing step is carried out by delivering a therapeutic substance to the isolated portion of the lung through a lumen in the device.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of:

removing material from the isolated portion of the lung after the performing step.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of:

expanding an expandable member to occlude a pulmonary location.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein:

the advancing step is carried out with the blocking element sealing around the device when the device is positioned therein.