Modification of airways by application of cryo energy

• US 7,938,123 B2
• Filed: 12/01/2008
• Issued: 05/10/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Asthmatx, Inc. (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Danek, Christopher J., Loomas, Bryan E., Keast, Thomas M., Laufer, Michael D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Farah; Ahmed M
• Application Number:
  US12/325,985
• Publication Number:
  US 20090143776A1
• Time in Patent Office: 890 Days
• Field of Search: 606 20- 26, 607/96, 607/104, 607/105, 607/898
• US Class Current: 128/898
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/02 by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques devices for cooling specific reflex points of the body within cell-life limits A61H39/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/04 by heating by applying electromagnetic radiation A61B18/18; hyperthermia using electric or magnetic fields, radiation or ultrasound A61N
• 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 2018/00434 Neural system
• 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 2018/0212 using an instrument inserted into a body lumen, e.g. catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3614 : using optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0018 : Trunk or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0059 : with an open fluid circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/126 : for invasive application, e.g. for introducing into blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/123 : using a flexible balloon containing the thermal element
• 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 29/00 : Dilators with or without means for introducing media, e.g. remedies instruments for performing visual medical inspections of cavities or tubes of the body A61B1/00
• 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 decreasing responsiveness or decreasing resistance to airflow of airways involves the transfer of energy to or from the airway walls to prevent or reduce airway constriction and other symptoms of lung diseases. The treatment reduces the ability of the airways to contract during an acute narrowing of the airways, reduces mucus plugging of the airways, and/or increases the airway diameter. The methods according to the present invention provide a longer duration and/or more effective treatment for lung diseases than currently used drug treatments, and obviate patient compliance issues.

Claims

1. A method of treating an airway in an asthmatic lung of a patient, comprising:

inserting an elongated shaft into the airway, wherein the elongated shaft has a distal end, and wherein an energy transfer device is at the distal end of the elongated shaft;

removing heat from tissue structures of an airway wall at a treatment site via the energy transfer device, whereby removing heat from the tissue structures causes the airway to undergo a transformation effective to reduce asthma symptoms, wherein the transformation of the airway caused by removing heat from the tissue structures of the airway wall reduces airway smooth muscle tissue surrounding the airway and thereby reduces narrowing of the airway.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the energy transfer device is a cryoprobe.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein removing heat from the tissue structures of the airway wall comprises contacting the cryoprobe with the airway wall.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein removing heat from the tissue structures of the airway wall debulks enlarged smooth muscle tissue and thereby improves airflow.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein removing heat from the tissue structures of the airway wall renders smooth muscle tissue incapable of replicating.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein removing heat from the tissue structures of the airway wall reduces excess mucus production.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein removing heat from the tissue structures of the airway wall reduces (a) airway smooth muscle tissue surrounding the airway and (b) reduces excess mucus production.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the energy transfer device comprises cooling means capable of transferring energy from the tissue structures of the airway wall.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the energy transfer device comprises a cryogenic tip.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein removing heat from the tissue structures of the airway wall comprises contacting the tip with the airway wall.