Extrapleural airway device and method
First Claim
1. A method for altering the gaseous flow pathways within a lung such that gas may pass directly from lung parenchyma to an airway that is located outside of a pleura surrounding the lung, said method comprising:
- advancing a device into a portion of said airway that is outside of the pleura;
creating an opening in said airway outside of the pleura with the device;
fluidly coupling said lung parenchyma to the airway through the pleura such that gas may pass directly from the lung parenchyma to the airway and outside of the body wherein the step of fluidly coupling comprises installing a conduit between said lung parenchyma and said airway, said conduit comprising a passageway for gas to flow through.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This is directed to improving the gaseous exchange in a lung of an individual and particularly, this is directed to improving the gaseous exchange in individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It generally includes fluidly connecting the lung to an extrapleural airway such as the trachea. In one variation, a conduit is deployed to place the lung and the trachea in fluid communication which allows trapped oxygen-reduced air to pass directly out of the lung and into the trachea. Removing nonfunctional air from the lung tends to improve the gaseous exchange of oxygen into the blood and decompress hyper-inflated lungs. Sealant and biocompatible adhesives may be provided on the exterior of the conduit to prevent side flow, leaks and to otherwise prevent air from entering spaces not intended to receive air such as the pleura space.
85 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for altering the gaseous flow pathways within a lung such that gas may pass directly from lung parenchyma to an airway that is located outside of a pleura surrounding the lung, said method comprising:
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advancing a device into a portion of said airway that is outside of the pleura; creating an opening in said airway outside of the pleura with the device; fluidly coupling said lung parenchyma to the airway through the pleura such that gas may pass directly from the lung parenchyma to the airway and outside of the body wherein the step of fluidly coupling comprises installing a conduit between said lung parenchyma and said airway, said conduit comprising a passageway for gas to flow through. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification