Pulmonx Corporation Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150231353 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PASSIVE RESIDUAL LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION AND FUNCTIONAL LUNG VOLUME EXPANSION - 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. | 08-20-2015 |
20140315175 | SYSTEM FOR SIMULATING LUNG FUNCTION - A system for simulating a breathing lung is disclosed. The system comprises a lung model contained within an enclosure, wherein a main bronchus of the lung model is open to ambient air. In one embodiment, the system also comprises a vacuum pump connected to the enclosure, a first normally closed 2-way valve connected to the enclosure, a flow controller connected to both the vacuum pump and the enclosure, and a timer connected to the first normally closed 2-way valve. In alternative embodiments, the system comprises a first pump connected to the enclosure and a second pump connected to the enclosure, wherein the first and second pumps work independently of each other, and wherein the first pump is a vacuum pump, and the second pump is either a peristaltic pump or a piston pump. | 10-23-2014 |
20140180155 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FLUSHING AN ASSESSMENT CATHETER - Devices systems and methods are disclosed for removing secretions from the lumen of a functional assessment catheter for the lungs. The system comprises a flushing unit configured to deliver a clearing fluid to the lumen of the pulmonary catheter to remove debris, secretions, or moisture from the lumen or sensors. | 06-26-2014 |
20140142455 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE DETERMINATION OF COLLATERAL VENTILATION IN LUNGS - Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding airway of the target compartment. The feeding airway is occluded by the catheter and the opening and closing of a one-way valve coupled with the catheter is observed. If the valve ceases opening and closing over time, this may indicate that significant collateral ventilation into the target compartment is absent. If the valve continues to open and close over time, significant collateral ventilation into the compartment may be present. Based on the collateral ventilation assessment, a treatment plan may be generated. | 05-22-2014 |
20140107396 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING A THERAPEUTIC AGENT - Devices, systems, and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a treatment region in the body are disclosed. By determining a treatment region in the body, reducing the volume of the treatment region to create a target region by using one or more flow control elements and delivering at least one therapeutic agent to the target region, improved treatment may be achieved. | 04-17-2014 |
20140081308 | PULMONARY OCCLUSAL STENT DELIVERY CATHETER, LOADING SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - 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. | 03-20-2014 |
20140058433 | BRONCHIAL ISOLATION DEVICES FOR PLACEMENT IN SHORT LUMENS - 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. | 02-27-2014 |
20140018605 | SELECTIVE LUNG TISSUE ABLATION - Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue. | 01-16-2014 |
20130317293 | DEVICES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR DELIVERING IMPLANTS TO A LUNG REGION - Devices, methods, and systems for accessing a lung region are provided. The system includes a delivery catheter having a proximal section, a distal section, and a body disposed in-between, wherein the distal region comprises at least one curved section; and a bronchoscope having a proximal section, a distal section, and a body disposed in-between, wherein the bronchoscope is configured to receive the delivery catheter; wherein the delivery catheter is configured to affect a curvature of the distal section of the bronchoscope when the distal section of the delivery catheter is advanced at least partially through the distal end of the bronchoscope. | 11-28-2013 |
20130245484 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE DETERMINATION OF COLLATERAL VENTILATION IN LUNGS - Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for qualitatively and quantitatively assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding bronchus of the target compartment. The feeding bronchus is occluded by the catheter and a variety of measurements are taken with the use of the catheter in a manner which is of low risk to the patient. Examples of such measurements include but are not limited to flow rate, volume and pressure. These measurements are used to determine the presence of collateral ventilation and to quantify such collateral ventilation. | 09-19-2013 |
20120150057 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENDOBRONCHIAL DIAGNOSIS - A method of diagnosing an air leak in a lung compartment of a patient may include: advancing a diagnostic catheter into an airway leading to the lung compartment; inflating an occluding member on the catheter to form a seal with a wall of the airway and thus isolate the lung compartment; measuring air pressure within the lung compartment during multiple breaths, using the diagnostic catheter; displaying the measured air pressure as an air pressure value on a console coupled with the diagnostic catheter; and determining whether an air leak is present in the lung compartment based on the displayed air pressure value during the multiple breaths. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150027 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENDOBRONCHIAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT - A method of assessing a lung compartment of a patient may involve: advancing a diagnostic catheter into a lung airway leading to a first sub-compartment of the lung compartment; inflating an occluding member disposed on the diagnostic catheter to form a seal with a wall of the airway and thus isolate the first sub-compartment; introducing a diagnostic gas into the first sub-compartment; and recording a perfusion value of the diagnostic gas within the first sub-compartment. | 06-14-2012 |
20120149995 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENDOBRONCHIAL DIAGNOSTICS - Methods and systems for targeting, accessing and diagnosing diseased lung compartments are disclosed. The method comprises introducing a diagnostic catheter with an occluding member at its distal end into a lung segment via an assisted ventilation device; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and performing a diagnostic procedure with the catheter while the patient is ventilated. The proximal end of the diagnostic catheter is configured to be attached to a console. The method may also comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; inflating the occluding member to isolate the lung segment; and monitoring blood oxygen saturation. The method may further comprise introducing the diagnostic catheter into the lung segment; determining tidal flow volume in the lung segment; determining total lung capacity of the patient; and determining a flow rank value based on the tidal flow volume of the lung segment and the total lung capacity. | 06-14-2012 |
20120149978 | DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR LUNG TREATMENT - 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. | 06-14-2012 |
20110313307 | MEASURING LUNG FUNCTION AND LUNG DISEASE PROGRESSION AT A LOBAR/SEGMENTAL LEVEL - 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. | 12-22-2011 |
20110301483 | LOCAL LUNG MEASUREMENT AND TREATMENT - A method of determining potential treatment sites in a diseased lung is disclosed, in which an assessment catheter is introduced into a lung passageway. The catheter has a distal portion comprising an occluding member and a proximal portion configured to operatively mate with an external console. The catheter is used to identify one or more assessment sites within the airways of the lung. At each assessment site, at least one physiological, anatomical or biological characteristic is determined. A characteristic score for each assessment site is calculated based on a predetermined algorithm; and a treatment is determined based on the scores of the assessment sites. The algorithm takes into account several parameters including the disease characteristics as well as the number and proximity of each assessment site to at least one of the diseased regions. The method envisages treatment of emphysema, asthma or bronchopleural leak. | 12-08-2011 |
20110295141 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENDOBRONCHIAL DIAGNOSTICS - A method for assessing lung function in a patient is disclosed. The method comprises isolating a lung compartment. Thereafter, in one embodiment, an inhaled gas of known composition is introduced into the lung and compared to the composition of the exhaled gas. Alternatively, accumulated CO | 12-01-2011 |
20110270116 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE DETERMINATION OF COLLATERAL VENTILATION IN LUNGS - Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding airway of the target compartment. The feeding airway is occluded by the catheter and the opening and closing of a one-way valve coupled with the catheter is observed. If the valve ceases opening and closing over time, this may indicate that significant collateral ventilation into the target compartment is absent. If the valve continues to open and close over time, significant collateral ventilation into the compartment may be present. Based on the collateral ventilation assessment, a treatment plan may be generated. | 11-03-2011 |
20110251509 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INHIBITING SECRETION FLOW INTO A FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT CATHETER - Devices systems and methods are disclosed for preventing or inhibiting secretions from entering the lumen of a functional assessment catheter for the lungs, or removing collected secretions. The catheter comprises an expandable element, a cover, or an internal component configured to prevent or inhibit secretion flow into the lumen. The catheter alternatively or additionally comprises a distal end configured to facilitate air flow, absorb secretions or repel secretions away from the catheter tip. The catheter alternatively or additionally comprises an internal element such as a coilable wire, or an obturator configured to prevent secretions from being drawn into the lumen, or to actively remove the secretions. The catheter alternatively or additionally comprises an element to dry, aerate or aspirate the lung passageways. | 10-13-2011 |
20110226238 | IMPLANTED BRONCHIAL ISOLATION DEVICES AND METHODS - 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. | 09-22-2011 |
20110220104 | COLLATERAL PATHWAY TREATMENT USING AGENT ENTRAINED BY ASPIRATION FLOW CURRENT - A method and system for increasing the flow resistance of collateral pathways in the lung by employing aspiration to establish an artificial convective flow current between compartments in the lung in order to entrain and deliver a clogging agent preferentially to the collateral pathways. The method may sometimes be performed after lung has been assessed for the presence of collateral pathways. | 09-15-2011 |
20110152678 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PASSIVE RESIDUAL LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION AND FUNCTIONAL LUNG VOLUME EXPANSION - 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. | 06-23-2011 |
20110130834 | BRONCHIAL FLOW CONTROL DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - 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. | 06-02-2011 |
20110092767 | DELIVERY METHODS AND DEVICES FOR IMPLANTABLE BRONCHIAL ISOLATION DEVICES - Disclosed is a sizing device for sizing an inside diameter of a lung passageway. The device includes an elongate shaft configured for positioning in the lung passageway and a sizing element at the distal end of the shaft. The sizing element defines a range of transverse dimensions that correspond to a range of transverse dimensions suitable for use with a predetermined set of bronchial isolation devices. The device is used to determine the suitability of a bronchial isolation device for use in the lung passageway prior to using a separate delivery catheter to deliver the bronchial isolation device into the lung passageway. | 04-21-2011 |
20110087122 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE DETERMINATION OF COLLATERAL VENTILATION IN LUNGS - Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for qualitatively and quantitatively assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding bronchus of the target compartment. The feeding bronchus is occluded by the catheter and a variety of measurements are taken with the use of the catheter in a manner which is of low risk to the patient. Examples of such measurements include but are not limited to flow rate, volume and pressure. These measurements are used to determine the presence of collateral ventilation and to quantify such collateral ventilation. | 04-14-2011 |
20110017207 | BRONCHIAL FLOW CONTROL DEVICES WITH MEMBRANE SEAL - Disclosed is a flow control device for a bronchial passageway. The device can includes a valve member that regulates fluid flow through the flow control device, a frame coupled to the valve member, and a membrane attached to the frame. At least a portion of the flow control device forms a seal with the interior wall of the bronchial passageway when the flow control device is implanted in the bronchial passageway. The membrane forms a fluid pathway from the seal into the valve member to direct fluid flowing through the bronchial passageway into the valve member. | 01-27-2011 |
20110010910 | BRONCHIAL FLOW CONTROL DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - Disclosed is an assembly for loading a bronchial flow control device into a container, such as into a delivery catheter. The assembly includes a funnel housing and a puller housing that mate with one another. The funnel housing defines a funnel-shaped loading cavity that receives a flow control device and that gradually reduces in size moving in a first direction. The puller housing is removably attached to the funnel housing and is also removably attachable to a bronchial flow control device that can be positioned in the loading cavity. The puller housing pulls the bronchial flow control device in the first direction through the funnel housing to gradually contract the bronchial flow control device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to the expanded size. | 01-20-2011 |
20100280538 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND KITS FOR LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION - 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. | 11-04-2010 |
20100175693 | PULMONARY OCCLUSAL STENT DELIVERY CATHETER, LOADING SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - 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. | 07-15-2010 |
20100114157 | OCCLUSION DEVICE - An obturator for a bronchial tube or tubule of a human or animal lung comprises a blocking element ( | 05-06-2010 |
20100042089 | SELECTIVE LUNG TISSUE ABLATION - Medical methods and systems are provided for effecting lung volume reduction by selectively ablating segments of lung tissue. | 02-18-2010 |