Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for site selection and placement of extra-anatomic passages altering gaseous flow in a diseased lung.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an electronic tracking and locating system. More specifically, it discloses an electronic tracking and locating system, having a biocompatible housing such that it may be located within the body, either temporarily or for a longer duration.

Abstract: Devices and methods are directed to improving the gaseous exchange in a lung of an individual having, for instance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. More particularly, conduits may be deployed in the lung to maintain collateral openings (or channels) surgically created through airway walls. This tends to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and decompress hyper-inflated lungs.

Abstract: Devices and methods are directed to improving the gaseous exchange in a lung of an individual having, for instance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. More particularly, conduits may be deployed in the lung to maintain collateral openings (or channels) surgically created through airway walls. This tends to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The conduit includes a radially expandable center section having a first end, a second end, and a passageway extending from the first end to the second end. A control segment may be associated with the conduit to limit the degree of radial expansion. The conduit further includes a plurality of deflectable members extending from the ends of the center section. A tissue barrier may coaxially surround the conduit such that tissue ingrowth is prevented.

Abstract: Devices and methods are directed to improving the gaseous exchange in a lung of an individual having, for instance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. More particularly, conduits may be deployed in the lung to maintain collateral openings (or channels) surgically created through airway walls. This tends to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and decompress hyper-inflated lungs.

Abstract: Devices and methods are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. More particularly, methods and devices are disclosed that inhibit closure of channels surgically created through an airway wall such that air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. Devices, instruments, medicine, bioactive agents, or combinations thereof serve to maintain the patency of the surgically created channels. In one embodiment of the present invention, a conduit includes a bioactive coating that inhibits tissue overgrowth when the conduit is deployed in a surgically created channel. Still other methods and devices are described that serve to maintain surgically created channels.