Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for performing lung volume reduction in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions where isolation of a lung segment or reduction of lung volume is desired. The methods are minimally invasive with instruments being introduced through the mouth (endotracheally) and rely on isolating the target lung tissue segment from other regions of the lung and occluding various lung passageways with the use of occlusal stents. The occlusal stents are delivered with the use of an occlusal stent delivery system which is loaded with the occlusal stent with the use of an occlusal stent loading system.

Abstract: Improved methods, systems and devices for occluding body passageways, particularly lung passageways. Such occlusion is achieved with occlusal stents which are particularly suited for use in performing Endobronchial Volume Reduction (EVR) in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions where isolation of a lung segment or reduction of lung volume is desired. The present invention is likewise suitable for the treatment of bronchopleural fistula and potentially for other pulmonary diseases, such as hemoptysis and pneumothorax. The occlusal stents are delivered with the use of any suitable delivery system, particularly minimally invasive with instruments introduced through the mouth (endotracheally). A target lung tissue segment is isolated from other regions of the lung by deploying an occlusal stent into a target area of a lung passageway. A variety of different occlusal stent designs are provided to improve the performance and reliability of the delivered occlusal stent.

Abstract: Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for Endobronchial Ventilation using an endobronchially implanted ventilator for the purpose of treating COPD, emphysema and other lung diseases. Endobronchial drug delivery is also described using an endobronchially implanted drug pump, for therapeutic treatment of the lung or of other organs and tissues.

Abstract: A nasal ventilation interface including a pair of tubes configured to deliver a ventilation gas. The tubes are attachable at a first end to a ventilation gas supply hose and engageable at a second end with a person's nostril. A coupler is configured to align the pair of tubes with the person's nostrils, wherein each tube has an absence of pneumatic interconnection with the other tube.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for temporarily or permanently evacuating stagnating air from a diseased lung area, typically for the purpose of treating COPD. Evacuation is accomplished by displacing the stagnant CO2-rich air with a readily diffusible gas using a transluminal indwelling catheter specially configured to remain anchored in the targeted area for long term treatment without supervision. Appropriate elevated positive gas pressure in the targeted area is then regulated via the catheter and a pneumatic control unit to force under positive pressure effusion of the diffusible gas out of the area into neighboring areas while inhibiting infusion of other gases thus effecting a gradual gas volume decrease and deflation of the targeted area.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for new modes of ventilation in which specific lung areas are ventilated with an indwelling trans-tracheobronchial catheter for the purpose of improving ventilation and reducing hyperinflation in that specific lung area, and for redistributing inspired air to other healthier lung areas, for treating respiratory disorders such as COPD, ARDS, SARS, CF, and TB. Trans-Tracheobronchial Segmental Ventilation (TTSV) is performed on either a naturally breathing or a mechanical ventilated patient by placing a uniquely configured indwelling catheter into a bronchus of a poorly ventilated specific lung area and providing direct ventilation to that area. The catheter can be left in place for extended periods without clinician attendance or vigilance. Ventilation includes delivery of respiratory gases, therapuetic gases or agents and evacuation of stagnant gases, mixed gases or waste fluids.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for acquiring and analyzing an image data file to generate diagnostic information reflecting an individual lung compartment. A lung compartment could be an entire lobe, a segment or a subsegment and beyond, hereinafter subsegments and beyond will be referred to simply as segments. Such analysis is used to assess the level of disease of individual lung compartments, both for quantification of the disease state and for determining the most appropriate treatment plan. This analysis allows the imaging technology to be used as a functional diagnostic tool as well as an anatomical diagnostic tool. To this end, dynamic data or images may also be acquired at specific points throughout the breathing cycle. Since air movement in and out of a lung compartment during the breathing cycle is a direct indicator of lung function in some diseases like emphysema, analysis of images during the breathing cycle will indicate levels of disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, devices and kits for assessing the level of pulmonary disease in individual lung compartments. A lung compartment comprises a subportion of a lung, such as a lobe, a segment or a subsegment, for example. By measuring individual lung compartments, the level of disease of the pulmonary system may be more precisely defined by determining values of disease parameters reflective of individual subportions or compartments of a lung. Likewise, compartments may be separately imaged to provide further measurement information. Once individual compartments are characterized, they may be compared and ranked based on a number of variables reflecting, for example, level of disease or need for treatment. Such comparison may be aided by simultaneous display of such variables or images on a visual display. Further, the same tests may be performed on the lung as a whole or on both lungs and to determine the affect of the diseased lung compartments on the overall lung performance.