Method for treating an asthma attack

• US 8,584,681 B2
• Filed: 04/22/2010
• Issued: 11/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1998
• 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:
  US12/765,704
• Publication Number:
  US 20100204689A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,307 Days
• Field of Search: 607/1, 607/2, 607/42, 607/96, 607/101, 607/102, 607/113, 606/27, 606/28, 606/32, 606 41- 52, 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 treating lung disease, the method comprising:

advancing an energy delivery device into a lung airway, wherein the energy delivery device includes a thermocouple disposed thereon; and

applying energy from the energy delivery device to smooth muscle of a lung airway to reduce a volume of or debulk the smooth muscle surrounding the lung airway in an amount to improve airflow in the airway.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of energy is configured to permanently or temporarily increase a diameter of the airway.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of energy is configured to damage nerve tissue and reduce a resting tone of the smooth muscle.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of energy is configured to alter an ability of the smooth muscle to contract the airway.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein applying energy from the energy delivery device further comprises transferring energy such that a temperature of the airway wall is in a range between 55°

C. to 80°

C. for up to 20 seconds.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein applying energy from the energy delivery device further comprises transferring between 8 Watts to 30 Watts of power for up to 10 seconds.

7. A method for treating lung disease, the method comprising:

advancing an energy delivery device into a lung airway, wherein the energy delivery device includes an expandable portion having an electrode including a sensor disposed thereon; and

applying energy from the energy delivery device to smooth muscle of a lung airway to reduce a volume of or debulk the smooth muscle surrounding the lung airway in an amount to improve airflow in the airway.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein a portion of at least one of the legs is covered with insulation.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the expandable portion includes a basket having at least one leg configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration different from the first configuration.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one leg includes a plurality of legs.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the sensor includes a temperature sensor.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the temperature sensor includes a thermocouple.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the thermocouple includes a plurality of wires secured to an inner surface of the at least one leg.

14. The method of claim 7, wherein applying energy from the energy delivery device further comprises transferring energy such that a temperature of a wall of the airway is in a range between 55°

C. to 80°

C. for up to 20 seconds.

15. The method of claim 7, wherein applying energy from the energy delivery device further comprises transferring between 8 Watts to 30 Watts of power for up to 10 seconds.

16. A method for treating lung disease, the method comprising:

advancing an energy delivery device into an airway of the lung, wherein the energy delivery device includes an expandable basket having a plurality of legs, wherein at least one of the plurality of legs includes a portion configured to deliver energy to the airway, wherein the portion includes a thermocouple disposed thereon, the thermocouple including a plurality of wires secured to the portion of the at least one of the plurality of legs; and

applying energy from the energy delivery device to smooth muscle of a lung airway to reduce a volume of or debulk the smooth muscle surrounding the lung airway in an amount to improve airflow in the airway.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the portion configured to delivery energy includes an electrode.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein applying energy from the energy delivery device further comprises transferring energy such that a temperature of a wall of the airway is in a range between 55°

C. to 80°

C. for up to 20 seconds.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein applying energy from the energy delivery device further comprises transferring between 8 Watts to 30 Watts of power for up to 10 seconds.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the plurality of wires are secured to an inner surface of the at least one of the plurality of legs.