Abstract: Security risks associated with scanning a computer are at least mitigated by performing the scanning off node. State data of a target node, or computer, can be acquired in various ways. The acquired state data can be subsequently employed to generate a virtual replica of the target computer or portion thereof on a second computer isolated from the target computer. The virtual replica of the target computer provides a scanner access to the data needed to perform a scan on the second computer without accessing or being able to impact the target computer.

Abstract: Security risks associated with scanning a computer are at least mitigated by performing the scanning off node. State data of a target node, or computer, can be acquired in various ways. The acquired state data can be subsequently employed to generate a virtual replica of the target computer or portion thereof on a second computer isolated from the target computer. The virtual replica of the target computer provides a scanner access to the data needed to perform a scan on the second computer without accessing or being able to impact the target computer.

Abstract: Methods and devices are adapted for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing collateral ventilation between regions of a lung includes the step of measuring at least one parameter associated with a target lung region while a catheter is positioned in the target lung region. A level of collateral fluid flow into the target lung region is detected based on the at least one parameter.

Abstract: Delivery system including endoscopes are described. In an embodiment, a delivery system includes a flexible, elongate endoscope extending along a longitudinal axis when the endoscope is straightened and a first lens located on the distal region. The first lens faces a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first lens permits the endoscope to provide an image of anatomical structures that offset from the axis of the endoscope.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for treating a patient's lung region. A catheter is deployed into the lung. The catheter is used to apply heat to a targeted lung region wherein the heat affects fluid flow within the targeted lung region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a delivery system for insertion into a lung. The delivery system includes an elongate endoscope having a proximal end and a distal end and defining an internal lumen. The endoscope is configured to articulate in one or more directions. The system further includes a catheter that includes an elongate shaft sized to be inserted through the internal lumen of the endoscope. The catheter has a shape that aids in the articulation of the distal end of the endoscope when the catheter is positioned inside the endoscope.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of regulating fluid flow for a targeted lung region. The method comprises injecting a therapeutic agent into the targeted lung region. The therapeutic agent induces a reaction in lung tissue of the targeted lung region or in a collateral pathway to the lung region to reduce collateral fluid flow into the targeted lung region. In one aspect, the method additionally comprises deploying a bronchial isolation device in the direct pathway to regulate fluid flow to the targeted lung region through the direct pathway. The therapeutic agent can comprise, for example, a sclerosing agent that induces a reaction that causes sclerosis in the lung tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are various disease indications and treatment methods that benefit from selective lung region isolation. A lung region is bronchially isolated by regulating the flow of fluid to and from the lung region, such as by implanting one or more bronchial isolation devices into one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the lung region. The bronchial isolation devices can comprise, for example, one-way valves, two-way valves, occluders or blockers, ligating clips, glues, sealants, and sclerosing agents.

Abstract: Methods and systems for lung volume reduction of a patient are described. The methods include implanting a flow control device in a bronchial passageway of the lung. The flow control device regulates fluid flow through the bronchial passageway and includes a valve protector that at least partially surrounds a valve member. The valve protector has sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the valve member against compression.

Abstract: Methods and systems for lung volume reduction of a patient are described. The methods include implanting a flow control device in a bronchial passageway of the lung. The flow control device regulates fluid flow through the bronchial passageway. A region of the lung is aspirated distal of the flow control device while the patient is inhaling.

Abstract: A desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region can be achieved by deploying various combinations of flow control devices and bronchial isolation devices in one or more bronchial passageways that communicate with the lung region. The flow control devices are implanted in channels that are formed in the walls of bronchial passageways of the lung. The flow control devices regulate fluid flow through the channels. The bronchial isolation devices are implanted in lumens of bronchial passageways that communicate with the lung region in order to regulate fluid flow to and from the lung region through the bronchial passageways.

Abstract: An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient's lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a treatment planning method that can be used to maximize the effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment on a patient. Pursuant to the treatment planning method, the presence of lung disease, such as emphysema, is first identified, followed by a determination of the distribution and extent of damage of the disease, followed by a determination of whether the patient is suitable for treatment, and a determination of the appropriate strategy for treatment for a suitable patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for removing bronchial isolation devices from a lung. According to one method, a flow control device is removed from a bronchial passageway of a patient. A removal device having an elongate shaft and a distal engaging element is provided. The removal device is inserted through the bronchial isolation device such that the distal engaging element is positioned within or distally of the bronchial isolation device in the bronchial passageway. The engaging element is then transitioned to have a radial size that is larger than the radial size of at least a portion of the bronchial isolation device. The bronchial isolation device is engaged with the distal engaging element to urge the bronchial isolation device in the proximal direction, thereby removing the bronchial isolation device out of the bronchial passageway. The bronchial isolation device can also be equipped with a handle that will collapse the bronchial isolation device when force is applied to the handle.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and devices for deploying a guidewire in a lung of a patient. The method comprises removably coupling a distal end of the guidewire to a distal end of a delivery device having an elongated shaft and a lumen extending therethrough. The distal end of the delivery device is delivered through the patient's trachea into a bronchial passageway of the lung so that the distal end of the guidewire is disposed in the bronchial passageway. The delivery device is then removed from the a bronchial passageway while the distal end of the guidewire remains in the bronchial passageway.

Abstract: A flow limiter mechanism for use with an infusion pump of the type operating upon a disposable cassette held by the infusion pump and having a flow tube connected to the cassette. The flow limiter includes a receiving channel located on the infusion pump adjacent to the disposable cassette held by the infusion pump. A tube pincher is operatively associated with the receiving channel to pinch the flow tube in a clamped position and mechanically retractable to an unclamped position to allow the flow tube to open. Electrical controls are connected for selectably operating the tube pincher from the clamped closed position to the unclamped opened position while the disposable cassette is held by the infusion pump. A flow clip is attached to the flow tube and is manually operable between opened and closed clipping positions prior to inserting the disposable cassette into the infusion pump.