Abstract: This relates to treating a lung having at least one symptom of reversible obstructive pulmonary disease, and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device to at least reduce the ability of the lung to produce at least one of the symptoms of reversible obstructive pulmonary disease. This also includes additional steps that reduce the ability of the lung to produce at least one of the symptoms of reversible obstructive pulmonary disease and to reduce the resistance to the flow of air through a lung.

Abstract: The devices and methods disclosed herein 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, these devices and methods produce and to maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that expired 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. The devices and methods also disclose locating and selecting a site for creation of a collateral opening.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for reducing the volume of a lung. A plurality of anchors are anchored at different positions in the lung. A cord is attached to each of the anchors. The anchors are drawn towards one another via the cords to cause the lung to collapse, thus compressing the tissue in the lung and establishing a reduction in lung volume.

Abstract: This relates to restoring recoil or maintaining compression of an emphysematous or otherwise unhealthy lung and includes elastic members which contract or compress the lung tissue. The elastic member is secured to tissue of the lung either inside or outside of the lung to supplement the natural elasticity of the lung or maintain the tissue in a compressed state. The elastic member may include elastic patches, elastic bands, coil springs, covers or a combination of these elements.

Abstract: Methods of increasing gas exchange performed by the lung by damaging lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and/or destroying airway smooth muscle tone with an apparatus inserted into an airway of the lung. The damaging of lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and destroying airway smooth muscle tone with the apparatus may be any one of or combinations of the following: heating the airway; cooling the airway; delivering a liquid to the airway; delivering a gas to the airway; puncturing the airway; tearing the airway; cutting the airway; applying ultrasound to the airway; and applying ionizing radiation to the airway.

Abstract: The devices disclosed herein 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, these devices produce collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that oxygen depleted/carbon dioxide rich 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.

Abstract: The devices and methods of placement of such devices disclosed herein 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, these devices produce and maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that oxygen depleted/carbon dioxide rich 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. The medical kits disclosed herein are also directed to produce and maintain collateral openings through airway walls.

Abstract: The devices disclosed herein 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, these devices produce collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that oxygen depleted/carbon dioxide rich 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.

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 method provides a longer duration and/or more effective treatment for lung diseases than currently used drug treatments, and obviate patient compliance issues.

Abstract: A device and method for treating collapsed bronchial tubes found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are provided. The device includes an elongated member having a heating element that comprises one or more energy delivery members. 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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for treating collapsed bronchial tubes found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as asthma. The apparatus delivers energy to inductively heat the tissue of the bronchial tube by directing electromagnetic energy into the tissue. The apparatus includes expandable electrodes that come into contact with the walls of the bronchial tubes. The expandable electrodes may be conical-shaped electrodes, loop-shaped electrodes, plate-shaped electrodes, or other shapes. The method includes heating the bronchial tube to cause tissue in the wall of the bronchial tube to undergo a structural transformation effective to render the wall capable of supporting a non-collapsed lumen. The procedure effectively reinforces the structural integrity of the bronchial tube wall and thereby prevents the lumen from collapsing.

Abstract: A device and method for treating collapsed bronchial tubes found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are provided. The device includes an elongated member having a heating element that includes one or more energy delivery members. 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.

Abstract: A device and method for treating collapsed bronchial tubes found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are provided. The device includes an elongated member having a heating element that includes one or more energy delivery members. The method includes heating the bronchial tube to cause the wall of the tube to undergo a structural transformation similar to scarring whereby new connective tissue is formed. The procedure effectively reinforces the structural integrity of the wall and thereby prevents the lumen from collapsing.

Abstract: A method and assembly for reducing the volume of a lung. A plurality of anchors are anchored at different positions in the lung. A cord is attached to each of the anchors. The anchors are drawn towards one another via the cords to cause the lung to collapse, thus compressing the tissue in the lung and establishing a reduction in lung volume.

Abstract: A device and method for treating collapsed bronchial tubes found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma are provided. The device which has a balloon at a distal end delivers energy so that the tissue is indirectly, i.e., conductively, heated by contact with a heated surface of the balloon which has been in turn heated by a heated fluid. 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.

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.