Methods for treating asthma by damaging nerve tissue

• US 8,161,978 B2
• Filed: 03/18/2010
• Issued: 04/24/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. (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:
  US12/727,156
• Publication Number:
  US 20100185190A1
• Time in Patent Office: 768 Days
• Field of Search: 606/2, 606/13, 606/27, 606/28, 606/32, 606/41, 607/42, 607 96-105, 607/124, 128/898
• 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 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 treating a lung of a subject, comprising:

advancing an energy delivery apparatus into an airway of a lung; and

applying energy via the energy delivery apparatus to nerve tissue in an amount sufficient to damage nerve tissue such that a resistance to airflow of the airway is decreased.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein applying energy alters a structure of the airway wall to increase a diameter of the airway.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein applying energy comprises eliminating nerve tissue.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein applying energy is performed during an acute lung disease episode.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the acute lung disease episode is an asthma attack.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein applying energy comprises heating an electrode of the energy delivery apparatus to a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees C.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein applying energy comprises damaging the nerve tissue in a manner that reduces a resting tone of the airway.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying energy in an amount sufficient to alter an ability of airway smooth muscle to contract.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising manipulating a distal portion of the energy delivery apparatus to a first location along the airway before applying the energy.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising moving the distal portion from the first location and simultaneously applying energy while the distal portion moves along the airway.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising terminating energy delivery, moving the distal portion of the energy delivery apparatus in the airway to a second location, and applying energy to the airway at the second location.

12. The method of claim 9, wherin applying energy affects the release of catecholamines.

13. A method for decreasing resistance to airflow within a bronchial tree of a subject, the method comprising:

moving an energy delivery device along a lumen of an airway of a bronchial tree; and

at least partially denervating a portion of the bronchial tree using the energy delivery device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein denervating a portion of the bronchial tree comprises applying energy to the airway wall.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein denervating a portion of the bronchial tree comprises eliminating nerve tissue along the airway.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein denervating a portion of the bronchial tree comprises heating an electrode of the energy delivery device to a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees C.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein denervating a portion of the bronchial tree comprises damaging nerve tissue in a manner that reduces a resting tone of airway smooth muscle of the airway.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising manipulating a distal portion of the energy delivery device to a first location along the airway before denervating a portion of the bronchial tree.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising terminating energy delivery, moving the distal portion of the energy delivery device in the airway to a second location, and denervating a portion of the bronchial tree at the second location.

20. A method for treating a lung of a subject, comprising:

advancing an energy delivery apparatus into an airway of a lung; and

heating nerve tissue along the airway via the energy delivery apparatus to reduce the resting tone of airway smooth muscle.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein heating the nerve tissue comprises delivering RF energy via the energy delivery apparatus to the airway.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein heating the nerve tissue comprises denervating nerves along the airway.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein heating the nerve tissue comprises engaging an electrode of the energy delivery apparatus with the airway wall and heating the electrode to a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees C.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein heating the nerve tissue comprises contacting an electrode of the energy delivery apparatus with the airway wall and heating the electrode to a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees C.