Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for improving airflow within an airway. One example embodiment includes a method for treating a subject. The method includes (1) placing an expandable object into one or more airways of the bronchial tree of the subject, (2) expanding the expandable object within at least one of the one or more airways such that at least a portion of a wall of the one or more airways is expanded, and (3) placing a stent in the airway such that a portion of the stent is adjacent to the portion of the wall of the one or more expanded airways.

Abstract: An intercostal-pump based fluid management system, as described herein, comprises an intercostal pump that is, generally, a resiliently flexible bulb having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is attached to a first tube that extends from the intercostal pump to a first area of a patient's body, for example, the patient's pleural cavity. The outlet is connected to a second tube that extends from the intercostal pump to a second area of a patient's body, for example, the patient's peritoneal cavity. Upon operation of the intercostal pump, fluid is transferred from the first area of the patient's body to the second area. In use, the intercostal pump is placed between a first rib and a second rib in a patient. The intercostal pump operates by being successively compressed and decompressed between the first and second ribs as the patient breaths. As the patient inhales, the patient's rib cage expands and the intercostal pump is decompressed.

Abstract: The present invention is a tapered attachment for use with a pleural catheter that connects securely to the pleural catheter and has a hollow elongated member and a tapered distal portion. When the tapered attachment connected to the prior art catheter, the hollow elongated member opens the self-sealing valve of the prior art catheter allowing communication from the interior of the pleural catheter to the interior of the tapered attachment. The distal outer taper of the invention can connect to a variety of standard drainage systems to remove fluids or gases from the pleural cavity. The invention may also have a one way valve. With the invention in place and functioning, air does not enter the pleural space. Additionally, the variations in pleural pressure that normally occur during respiration can pump fluids or gases out of the pleural cavity through the invention.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and a method for preventing injury of the esophagus during thermal ablation of the left atrium. The device has an esophageal probe with a balloon tip for insertion into the esophagus of a patient. During usage, coolant passes into the esophageal probe and then fills its balloon. The coolant, when circulating through the balloon and an external cooling machine, protects the esophageal tissue in contact with the esophageal probe from thermal damage during ablation of the posterior wall of the left atrium of the heart, or other procedure.