Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221470 | RESPIRATORY SENSOR ADAPTERS FOR NASAL DEVICES - Described herein are nasal respiratory devices including an attachment site for a sensors and sensor adapters for securing at least a portion of a sensor to a nasal respiratory device. Sensor adapters typically have a body frame having at least two regions: an attachment region for securing the sensor adapter to the nasal respiratory device; and a sensor connector region for securing a sensor across from an outlet of the nasal respiratory device. | 09-11-2008 |
20090050144 | ADHESIVE NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES - Whole-nose nasal respiratory devices and methods of making and using whole-nose nasal respiratory devices are described and illustrated herein. These devices are typically configured to be adhesively secured to a subject so that they engage both of the subject's nostrils and allow airflow from both nostrils to communicate with an airflow resistor. The airflow resistor is configured so that it inhibits exhalation through the nostrils more than it inhibits inhalation through the nostrils. | 02-26-2009 |
20090112203 | MODIFICATION OF AIRWAYS BY APPLICATION OF MICROWAVE ENERGY - Methods of increasing gas exchange performed by the lung by damaging lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and/or destroying airway smooth muscle tone with an apparatus inserted into an airway of the lung. The damaging of lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and destroying airway smooth muscle tone with the apparatus may be any one of or combinations of the following: heating the airway; cooling the airway; delivering a liquid to the airway; delivering a gas to the airway; puncturing the airway; tearing the airway; cutting the airway; applying ultrasound to the airway; and applying ionizing radiation to the airway. | 04-30-2009 |
20090145441 | DELAYED RESISTANCE NASAL DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - Delayed resistance nasal devices include an airflow resistor that is configured to normally have a higher resistance to exhalation than inhalation, but the higher resistance to exhalation may be suspended, or delayed by activation of an airflow resistor bypass. Activation of an airflow resistor bypass bypasses or decreases the effect of the airflow resistor on nasal airflow through the nasal device, decreasing the resistance to exhalation. Methods of decreasing, suspending, or delaying the onset of the inhibition of the exhalation through such nasal respiratory devices are described. | 06-11-2009 |
20090145788 | PACKAGING AND DISPENSING NASAL DEVICES - Described herein are packaging systems for nasal devices, and methods of packaging and/or dispensing nasal devices. A packaging system may include one or a plurality of nasal devices removably secured to a support backing, and a dispenser. In some variations an applicator may also be included. Methods of using and methods of assembling packaging systems and dispensers are also described. | 06-11-2009 |
20090188493 | NASAL DEVICES - Described herein are adhesive nasal devices. In particular, the adhesive nasal respiratory devices described herein are configured to be worn in communication with a subject's nasal cavity and may include a rim body having a passageway therethrough, an airflow resistor in communication with the passageway of the rim body, and a flexible, adhesive holdfast layer extending outward from the periphery of the rim body. The rim body region may be formed from multiple parts (e.g., a first and a second rim body region), and the airflow resistor may be secured between the parts forming the rim body. Methods of manufacturing and assembling these adhesive nasal devices are also described. | 07-30-2009 |
20090318904 | Devices and methods for maintaining collateral channels in tissue - The devices and methods of placement of such devices disclosed herein are directed to altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. More particularly, these devices produce and maintain collateral openings or channels through the airway wall so that oxygen depleted/carbon dioxide rich air is able to pass directly out of the lung tissue to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or to decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The medical kits disclosed herein are also directed to produce and maintain collateral openings through airway walls. | 12-24-2009 |
20100185190 | METHODS FOR TREATING ASTHMA DAMAGING NERVE TISSUE - A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed. | 07-22-2010 |
20100204689 | METHOD FOR TREATING AN ASTHMA ATTACK - A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed. | 08-12-2010 |
20100326447 | NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES FOR POSITIVE END-EXPIRATORY PRESSURE - Described herein are nasal respiratory devices, in particular, nasal respiratory devices configured to achieve positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a subject wearing the device. PEEP devices may have a threshold pressure for opening during expiration. In some variations, these devices have a threshold pressure for closing during expiration. | 12-30-2010 |
20110067709 | NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES - Described herein are nasal respiratory devices and methods for treating a variety of medical diseases including snoring and steep apnea through the use of such devices. In general, these devices include an airflow resistor, such as a flap valve and a holdfast for securing the device in communication with the subject's nasal cavity. The devices may be configured to include leak paths to regulate the expiratory pressure when worn by a subject. Methods for using these devices may include securing a device over or at least partially within (or both of) a subject's nasal cavities. | 03-24-2011 |
20110079230 | METHOD FOR TREATING AN ASTHMA ATTACK - A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway wall prior to, during or after an asthma attack. The energy may be transferred in an amount sufficient to temporarily or permanently increase the diameter of the airway. The method may be performed while the airway is open, closed or partially closed. | 04-07-2011 |
20110218451 | NASAL DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Described herein are passive nasal device having a resistance to exhalation that is greater than the resistance to inhalation. Also described are devices, methods and systems for sensing and measuring intranasal pressure when a subject is wearing a passive nasal respiratory device that is configured to inhibit exhalation more than inhalation. Also described are adapters for nasal devices and methods of using a nasal device adapter. Adapters may be used so that a passive nasal device may be applied indirectly in communication with a subject's nose; in some variations this may allow the passive nasal device to be re-used. Also described herein are nasal devices having a billowing airflow resistor that is configured to have a greater resistance to exhalation than to inhalation. The billowing airflow resistor typically includes a first layer that is adjacent to a second layer; the first layer is flexible and billows opens during inhalation so that the first layer remains separated from the second layer, but remains substantially parallel to the second layer. During exhalation, the first layer collapses back down against the second layer. Additional passive nasal devices, systems and methods of using them are also described. | 09-08-2011 |
20110240038 | NASAL DEVICES - Described herein are adhesive nasal devices. In particular, the adhesive nasal respiratory devices described herein are configured to be worn in communication with a subject's nasal cavity and may include a rim body having a passageway therethrough, an airflow resistor in communication with the passageway of the rim body, and a flexible, adhesive holdfast layer extending outward from the periphery of the rim body. The rim body region may be formed from multiple parts (e.g., a first and a second rim body region), and the airflow resistor may be secured between the parts forming the rim body. Methods of manufacturing and assembling these adhesive nasal devices are also described. | 10-06-2011 |
20110251592 | DEVICES FOR MAINTAINING SURGICALLY CREATED OPENINGS - Devices and methods are directed to improving the gaseous exchange in a lung of an individual having, for instance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. More particularly, conduits may be deployed in the lung to maintain collateral openings (or channels) surgically created through airway walls. This tends to facilitate both the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and decompress hyper-inflated lungs. The conduit includes a radially expandable center section having a first end, a second end, and a passageway extending from the first end to the second end. A control segment may be associated with the conduit to limit the degree of radial expansion. The conduit further includes a plurality of deflectable members extending from the ends of the center section. A tissue barrier may coaxially surround the conduit such that tissue ingrowth is prevented. The conduits may also include hold-down members and bioactive coatings that serve to prevent ejection of the conduit as well as prevent narrowing of the passageway due to tissue ingrowth. | 10-13-2011 |
20110282229 | METHODS OF EVALUATING INDIVIDUALS HAVING REVERSIBLE OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE - This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung. | 11-17-2011 |
20120016280 | ABDOMINAL CIRCULATORY PUMP DEVICE - The abdominal circulatory pump uses expulsive manoeuvres performed by contraction of the diaphragm while stabilizing, contracting or compressing the abdominal wall to increase abdominal pressure and pump blood. At the same time, it can be used to lower pleural pressure around the surface of the lung to provide ventilation. In humans the blood in the splanchnic circulation; i.e., the blood in the abdominal contents, is a reservoir of about 20% to 25% of the whole body blood volume. The increase in abdominal pressure forces this blood to flow out of the abdomen and through the body. | 01-19-2012 |
20120031048 | PACKAGING AND DISPENSING NASAL DEVICES - Described herein are packaging systems for nasal devices, and methods of packaging and/or dispensing nasal devices. A packaging system may include one or a plurality of nasal devices removably secured to a support backing, and a dispenser. In some variations an applicator may also be included. Methods of using and methods of assembling packaging systems and dispensers are also described. | 02-09-2012 |
20120055488 | ADHESIVE NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES - Whole-nose nasal respiratory devices and methods of making and using whole-nose nasal respiratory devices are described and illustrated herein. These devices are typically configured to be adhesively secured to a subject so that they engage both of the subject's nostrils and allow airflow from both nostrils to communicate with an airflow resistor. The airflow resistor is configured so that it inhibits exhalation through the nostrils more than it inhibits inhalation through the nostrils. | 03-08-2012 |
20120209259 | METHODS FOR TREATING AIRWAYS - This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung. | 08-16-2012 |
20120323235 | METHOD FOR TREATING AN ASTHMA ATTACK - Methods of increasing gas exchange performed by the lung by damaging lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and/or destroying airway smooth muscle tone with an apparatus inserted into an airway of the lung are disclosed. The damaging of lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and/or destroying smooth muscle tone with the apparatus may be accomplished via any one of or combinations of the following: heating the airway; cooling the airway; delivering a liquid to the airway; delivering a gas to the airway; puncturing the airway; tearing the airway; cutting the airway; applying ultrasound to the airway; and applying ionizing radiation to the airway. | 12-20-2012 |
20130023968 | MODIFICATION OF AIRWAYS BY APPLICATION OF ENERGY - Methods and devices for treating reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are disclosed, which include a device for delivering energy to a wall of an airway in a human lung. The device includes a flexible elongate body with a proximal portion, a distal portion, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The device also includes a deployment member having an electrically conducting wire extending from the proximal portion of the elongate body and extending through the lumen and terminating at a distal tip distal to the distal end of the elongate body. The device further includes an expandable basket having a plurality of curved electrode legs and a temperature sensing element coupled to the expandable basket. | 01-24-2013 |
20130218158 | METHODS OF REDUCING MUCUS IN AIRWAYS - This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung. | 08-22-2013 |
20130253623 | MODIFICATION OF AIRWAYS BY APPLICATION OF ENERGY - This relates to treating reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more particularly, to exchanging energy with airway tissue such as that found in human lungs. This exchange of energy reduces the ability of the airways to constrict, reduces the resistance within the airway to the flow of air through the airway, reduces mucus plugging of the airways, and/or increases the airway diameter. This energy exchange also may reduce the ability of the lung to produce at least one of the symptoms of reversible obstructive pulmonary disease. | 09-26-2013 |