Method for treating an asthma attack

• US 7,921,855 B2
• Filed: 12/11/2006
• Issued: 04/12/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Asthmatx, Inc. (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Loomas, Bryan E., Keast, Thomas M., Laufer, Michael D., Danek, Christopher J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Farah; Ahmed M
• Application Number:
  US11/609,242
• Publication Number:
  US 20070083197A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,583 Days
• Field of Search: 607 88-104, 606/2, 606/13, 606/27, 606/28, 606/32, 606/41, 128/898
• US Class Current: 128/898
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/08 by means of electrically-heated probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1492 having a flexible, catheter-like structure, e.g. for heart ablation A61B18/1477 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/18 by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves radiation therapy A61N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00083 low, i.e. electrically insulating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00214 Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0022 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00267 having a basket shaped structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00541 Lung or bronchi
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00654 with individual control of each of a plurality of energy emitting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00666 using a threshold value
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00678 upper
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00761 Duration
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00797 measured by multiple temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00803 with temperature prediction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3614 using optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0096 being laterally outward extensions or tools, e.g. hooks or fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/1039 Lungs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0043 characterised by structural features
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 29/02 : Dilators made of swellable material balloon catheters for angioplasty A61M25/104
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/06 : for high-frequency therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/403 : for thermotherapy, e.g. hyperthermia
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/00 : Radiation therapy ultrasound therapy A61N7/00; devices or apparatus applicable to both therapy and diagnosis A61B6/00

Abstract

A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed.

Claims

1. A method for increasing a diameter of a temporary, reversible, and acutely constricted airway in a lung, the method comprising:

transferring a sufficient amount of energy to a wall of a temporary, reversible, and acutely constricted airway in a lung such that a diameter of the constricted airway increases.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy is performed when the airway is at least partially or wholly constricted.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises structurally changing the airway wall to debulk smooth muscle of the airway.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises reducing an inflammatory response of the airway.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises altering an ability of smooth muscle of the airway to contact.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises damaging nerve tissue of the airway.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises permanently or temporarily increasing the diameter of the airway.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises transferring energy such that a temperature of the airway is in an range between 55°

C. to 80°

C. for up to 20 seconds.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises transferring between 8 Watts to 30 Watts of power for up to 10 seconds.

10. A method for treating a patient undergoing a temporary, reversible asthma attack, the method comprising:

transferring a sufficient amount of energy to a wall of a constricted airway in a lung to alter the airway wall in such a manner that a resistance to airflow of the constricted airway is decreased.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy is performed when the airway is at least partially or wholly constricted.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises permanently or temporarily increasing a diameter of the airway.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises structurally changing the airway wall to debulk smooth muscle of the airway.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises reducing an inflammatory response of the airway.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises altering an ability of smooth muscle of the airway to contract.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises damaging nerve tissue of the airway.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises transferring energy such that a temperature of the airway wall is in an range between 55°

C. to 80°

C. for up to 20 seconds.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein transferring the sufficient amount of energy further comprises transferring between 8 Watts to 30 Watts of power for up to 10 seconds.