Abstract: A flow control device (300, 324, 330) for a bronchial passageway including: a flow control valve (307, 335); a braided wire structural frame (303) expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, in the collapsed configuration the frame is an extended tube and in the collapsed configuration the frame includes a wall contact section (310), a middle support section (312) within the wall contact section, and a fold (311) between and connecting the wall contact section and the middle support section; and a sealing membrane (305) mounted to at least a distal portion of the structural frame, wherein the sealing membrane forms an enclosed wall defining at least a portion of an airflow passage through the flow control device, and the flow control valve is included in the airflow passage and extending inward from the enclosed wall and at least partially within the wall contact section.

Abstract: A robotic system is described for determining whether a flexible instrument has buckled. The robotic system comprises a medical instrument comprising an elongate body, and further comprises a first sensor placed in a first portion of the elongate body, and a controller. A command is directed to the elongate body. The first sensor generates sensor data providing information regarding a first measured status of the portion of the elongate body. The controller receives sensor data generated from the first sensor, and compare the first measured status with a first expected status expected to be caused by the command; and responsive to the first measured status deviating from the first expected status one of more or less than a first associated threshold, determine that the elongate body has buckled.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to biopsy apparatuses, systems and techniques for biopsy using a biopsy pattern. Some aspects relate to moving a distal portion of a medical instrument to one or more sample locations of the biopsy pattern and guiding the instrument to obtain tissue samples from the sample locations within the biopsy pattern. Some aspects relate to obtaining the biopsy pattern and adjusting the sample locations within the biopsy pattern based on various factors such as anatomical features.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to biopsy apparatuses, systems and techniques for biopsy using a biopsy pattern. Some aspects relate to moving a distal portion of a medical instrument to one or more sample locations of the biopsy pattern and guiding the instrument to obtain tissue samples from the sample locations within the biopsy pattern. Some aspects relate to obtaining the biopsy pattern and adjusting the sample locations within the biopsy pattern based on various factors such as anatomical features.

Abstract: A flow control device for a lobar bronchial passageway including: a one-way valve; a braided wire structural frame, wherein the structural frame is expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration; and a sealing membrane mounted to at least a distal portion of the structural frame, wherein the sealing membrane forms an enclosed wall defining at least a portion of an airflow passage through the flow control device, and the one-way valve is included in the airflow passage.

Abstract: Endobronchial methods, devices and systems for treating emphysema by creating an airway bypass in a patient's airway including a longitudinal fenestration held open by an airway expander.

Abstract: A flow control device (241, 260, 300, 350, 450, 480, 500) for a bronchial passageway including: a one-way valve (273, 313, 360, 478, 511); a hollow structural frame (242, 302, 352, 453, 468, 509) housing the one-way valve, wherein the structural frame is expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration; and a sealing membrane (316, 470, 512) mounted to at least a distal portion of the structural frame, wherein the sealing membrane forms an enclosed wall defining at least a portion of an airflow passage through the flow control device, and the one-way valve is included in the airflow passage.

Abstract: A robotic system is described for determining whether a flexible instrument has buckled. The robotic system comprises a medical instrument comprising an elongate body, and further comprises a first sensor placed in a first portion of the elongate body, and a controller. A command is directed to the elongate body. The first sensor generates sensor data providing information regarding a first measured status of the portion of the elongate body. The controller receives sensor data generated from the first sensor, and compare the first measured status with a first expected status expected to be caused by the command; and responsive to the first measured status deviating from the first expected status one of more or less than a first associated threshold, determine that the elongate body has buckled.

Abstract: Methods of treating COPD, including bronchoscopically positioning a lung anchor in lung tissue, positioning an outer implant member in pleural space proximate the lung anchor, and coupling the lung anchor to the outer implant member and thereby compressing lung tissue.

Abstract: A robotic system is described for determining whether a flexible instrument has buckled. The robotic system comprises a medical instrument comprising an elongate body, and further comprises a first sensor placed in a first portion of the elongate body, and a controller. A command is directed to the elongate body. The first sensor generates sensor data providing information regarding a first measured status of the portion of the elongate body. The controller receives sensor data generated from the first sensor, and compare the first measured status with a first expected status expected to be caused by the command; and responsive to the first measured status deviating from the first expected status one of more or less than a first associated threshold, determine that the elongate body has buckled.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to biopsy apparatuses, systems and techniques for biopsy using a biopsy pattern. Some aspects relate to moving a distal portion of a medical instrument to one or more sample locations of the biopsy pattern and guiding the instrument to obtain tissue samples from the sample locations within the biopsy pattern. Some aspects relate to obtaining the biopsy pattern and adjusting the sample locations within the biopsy pattern based on various factors such as anatomical features.

Abstract: A robotic system is described for determining whether a flexible instrument has buckled. The robotic system comprises a medical instrument comprising an elongate body, and further comprises a first sensor placed in a first portion of the elongate body, and a controller. A command is directed to the elongate body. The first sensor generates sensor data providing information regarding a first measured status of the portion of the elongate body. The controller receives sensor data generated from the first sensor, and compare the first measured status with a first expected status expected to be caused by the command; and responsive to the first measured status deviating from the first expected status one of more or less than a first associated threshold, determine that the elongate body has buckled.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for mechanically reducing the volume of the lung. Some embodiments include endobronchially positioning an anchoring device within a lung, the anchoring device comprising at least a distal anchor, expanding at least a portion of the distal anchor to anchor the distal anchor against lung lumen tissue, and tensioning at least a portion of the device to reduce the volume of the lung.

Abstract: A device for mechanically reducing the volume of a lung, comprising a distal anchor, a proximal anchor, and a tether extending between the distal and proximal anchors, the device configured so that the distance between the anchors measured along the tether can be increased or decreased and maintained after release of a delivery device. Some embodiments are a method of endobronchially deploying an anchoring device within the lung to reduce the lung volume, the anchoring device comprising a distal anchor, a proximal anchor, and a tether extending between the distal and proximal anchors, the device configured such that the distance between the distal and proximal anchors measured along the tether can be increased or decreased and then maintained after release of the anchoring device from a delivery device, reducing the volume of the lung by decreasing the distance between the distal and proximal anchors, and maintaining the decreased distance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing matter from within a conduit. The apparatus generally comprises a separation edge attached to a wire at its proximal end, a frame attached to the distal end of the separation edge, and a membrane attached to the wire and disposed over the frame enclosing its interior. The membrane generally comprises a net constructed from a vaporized metal deposited on a mandrel. Alternatively, the membrane may comprise a braided tube constructed from wire. The apparatus may be employed as a filter or as a means for actively dislodging matter from the wall of a conduit. When employed as a filter, the apparatus is positioned downstream of the matter where it ensures that matter does not escape downstream as it is being removed. When employed to actively remover matter from a conduit, the apparatus is positioned downstream of the matter.

Abstract: A minimally invasive lung reduction device which overcomes the disadvantages associated with treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by utilizing the phenomenon of collateral ventilation to increase the expiratory flow from a diseased lung. The device also provides a means for assisting in or facilitating pulmonary decompression to compress the diseased area or area of the lung or lungs to a smaller volume.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and techniques are provided for creating a pneumostoma through the chest wall into the lung of a patient. The pneumostomy instruments and techniques may be used to create a pneumostoma which allows gases to escape from the lung through the chest wall and thereby treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: A two-phase surgical procedure is disclosed for creating a pneumostoma to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease The first phase is a procedure to induce creation of a localized pleurodesis and is preferably performed as an outpatient procedure. The second phase is a procedure to introduce a surgical instrument into the lung via the pleurodesis to create the pneumostoma. An interval of about one of more days between the first and second phases allows the formation of a stable pleurodesis to prevent pneumothorax during the procedure.

Abstract: A single-phase surgical procedure is disclosed for creating a pneumostoma to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In a single-phase technique the pleurodesis is formed at the same time as the pneumostoma and does not require a separate step. The thoracic cavity is accessed to visualize the lung, the pneumostomy catheter is inserted into the lung and then the lung is secured to the channel through the chest wall creating a sealed anastomosis which matures into a pleurodesis after the procedure.

Abstract: A pneumostoma assessment and treatment system includes methods and devices for aftercare of a pneumostoma. In particular, methods and devices are provided for standardized monitoring and assessment of pneumostoma patency thereby facilitating the establishment of standards-based protocols for pneumostoma management. Methods of standardized pneumostoma patency assessment includes the use of devices for raising alveolar pressure to a controlled repeatable pressure above ambient while analyzing gas flow through the pneumostoma. In response to an assessment the functionality of the pneumostoma, the tissues of the pneumostoma may be treated with a treatment device utilizing one or more different modalities to preserve or enhance the health and function of the pneumostoma.