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. An exemplary flow control device is configured to block fluid flow in the inspiratory direction and the expiratory direction at normal breathing pressures and allow fluid flow in the expiratory direction at coughing pressures.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the diameter of an airway in a human or animal subject are disclosed. The device comprises a flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. Flexible sizing elements are disposed along and extend approximately orthogonally from the catheter body. The sizing elements have different heights from one another and are configured to fit through the working channel of a bronchoscope. Devices, systems, and methods for redirecting airflow through a lung airway are also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into the airway a catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an airway closing mechanism, and wherein the proximal end comprises an actuator to actuate the airway closing mechanism; and actuating the airway closing mechanism to at least partially close the airway.

Abstract: A method for determining lung function in a patient is disclosed, in which a multi-lumen catheter with an expandable occluding element at its end is used to isolate a targeted lung compartment, and respiratory characteristics at the targeted lung compartment are measured over multiple respiratory cycles. The relation between various characteristics of the respiratory cycle is used to determine compliance of lung tissue within the targeted lung compartment.

Abstract: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment. The invention further discloses a catheter with a transparent occlusion element at its tip that enables examination of the lung passageway through a viewing scope.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for loading an implantable device into a container. One aspect of the loading system contains a loader element with a loading tunnel that is configured to gradually contract an implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for occluding a collateral flow channel between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A video-assisted thoracoscopic device is inserted into a thoracic cavity of a patient and positioned at a fissure between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A collateral flow channel between the target lung compartment and the adjacent lung compartment is then identified using the video-assisted thoracoscopic device and an agent is injected into the collateral flow channel, thereby reducing the collateral flow channel.

Abstract: A catheter for performing a procedure at a treatment site in the lumen of a blood vessel. The catheter includes an elongate tubular shaft having a proximal bend, a distal bend and a hinge element. A distal portion of the shaft includes a window extending through the sidewall of the shaft between the hinge element and the distal end of the elongate tubular shaft. A working element is disposed within the lumen of the elongate tubular shaft and is configured for performing the procedure through the window at the treatment site. The bends and hinge element are configured to urge the window against a wall of the vessel at the treatment site.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for sealing a lung region. The target lung compartment is accessed and isolated via an isolation catheter. Fluid is delivered into the target lung compartment such that the target compartment is pressurized and the fluid flows through the collateral flow channel. A sealing agent is injected into the isolated lung compartment such that the agent is carried by the fluid to the collateral flow channel, thereby sealing the collateral flow channel. Variables of air flow may be measured or analyzed prior to injection of the sealing agent, or the sealing agent may be introduced into the region after a suitable time has elapsed.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for occluding a collateral flow channel between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A video-assisted thoracoscopic device is inserted into a thoracic cavity of a patient and positioned at a fissure between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A collateral flow channel between the target lung compartment and the adjacent lung compartment is then identified using the video-assisted thoracoscopic device and an agent is injected into the collateral flow channel, thereby reducing the collateral flow channel.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for loading an implantable device into a container. One aspect of the loading system contains a loader element with a loading tunnel that is configured to gradually contract an implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel.

Abstract: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment. The invention further discloses a catheter with a transparent occlusion element at its tip that enables examination of the lung passageway through a viewing scope.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for loading an implantable device into a container. One aspect of the loading system contains a loader element with a loading tunnel that is configured to gradually contract an implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel.

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. An exemplary flow control device is configured to block fluid flow in the inspiratory direction and the expiratory direction at normal breathing pressures and allow fluid flow in the expiratory direction at coughing pressures.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for loading an implantable device into a container. One aspect of the loading system contains a loader element with a loading tunnel that is configured to gradually contract an implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for analyzing lung imaging data. A server computing device receives imaging data of a lung over a network from a client computing device and analyzes the imaging data to identify lung, airways, and blood vessels, segment the lung into lobes, subtract airways, calculate volumes, calculate emphysema scores, identify fissure locations, calculate fissure completeness scores. A reconstruction of the fissures indicating locations where the fissures are incomplete and a report comprising fissure scores, volumes, and emphysema scores are created.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the diameter of an airway in a human or animal subject are disclosed. The device comprises a flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. Flexible sizing elements are disposed along and extend approximately orthogonally from the catheter body. The sizing elements have different heights from one another and are configured to fit through the working channel of a bronchoscope. Devices, systems, and methods for redirecting airflow through a lung airway are also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into the airway a catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an airway closing mechanism, and wherein the proximal end comprises an actuator to actuate the airway closing mechanism; and actuating the airway closing mechanism to at least partially close the airway.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the diameter of an airway in a human or animal subject are disclosed. The device comprises a flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. Flexible sizing elements are disposed along and extend approximately orthogonally from the catheter body. The sizing elements have different heights from one another and are configured to fit through the working channel of a bronchoscope. Devices, systems, and methods for redirecting airflow through a lung airway are also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into the airway a catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an airway closing mechanism, and wherein the proximal end comprises an actuator to actuate the airway closing mechanism; and actuating the airway closing mechanism to at least partially close the airway.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for occluding a collateral flow channel between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A video-assisted thoracoscopic device is inserted into a thoracic cavity of a patient and positioned at a fissure between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A collateral flow channel between the target lung compartment and the adjacent lung compartment is then identified using the video-assisted thoracoscopic device and an agent is injected into the collateral flow channel, thereby reducing the collateral flow channel.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for sealing a lung region. The target lung compartment is accessed and isolated via an isolation catheter. Fluid is delivered into the target lung compartment such that the target compartment is pressurized and the fluid flows through the collateral flow channel. A sealing agent is injected into the isolated lung compartment such that the agent is carried by the fluid to the collateral flow channel, thereby sealing the collateral flow channel. Variables of air flow may be measured or analyzed prior to injection of the sealing agent, or the sealing agent may be introduced into the region after a suitable time has elapsed.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for loading an implantable device into a container. One aspect of the loading system contains a loader element with a loading tunnel that is configured to gradually contract an implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel.