Patents Assigned to Broncus Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5972026
    Abstract: A device and method for treating collapsed bronchial tubes found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are provided. The device delivers energy so that the tissue is inductively heated by directing electromagnetic energy into the tissue. The device includes electrodes having adjustable diameters to enable the electrodes to contact the wall of the bronchial tubes. The method includes heating the bronchial tube to cause at least a portion of the cross links of the collagen in the wall to unlink/open and subsequently form new cross links after the collagen fibers have realigned. The procedure effectively reinforces the structural integrity of the wall and thereby prevents the lumen from collapsing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Broncus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Laufer, Keith M. Burger, Bryan E. Loomas, Donald A. Tanaka