US6514290B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lung elastic recoil restoring or tissue compressing device and method
Assignee: Ekos LLC
•
Filing: 2000-10-06
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Granted: 2003-02-04
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Expires: 2020-10-06
Abstract
Abstract This relates to restoring recoil or maintaining compression of an emphysematous or otherwise unhealthy lung and includes elastic members which contract or compress the lung tissue. The elastic member is secured to tissue of the lung either inside or outside of the lung to supplement the natural elasticity of the lung or maintain the tissue in a compressed state. The elastic member may include elastic patches, elastic bands, coil springs, covers or a combination of these elements.
Inventors
- 👤 Bryan Loomas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:35
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/0063; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2002/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for restoring lung recoil ability in a lung, the apparatus comprising: a bio-compatible elastic member having an elasticity which is capable of compressing lung tissue when applied to an exterior surface of a lung and which is capable of being stretched by the lung tissue during inhalation; and at least one anchor attached to the elastic member, the anchor being adapted to affix to lung tissue with the elastic member in a stretched condition to improve the elasticity of the lung.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for restoring lung recoil ability in a lung, the apparatus comprising: a bio-compatible elastic member having an elasticity which is capable of compressing lung tissue when applied to an exterior surface of a lung and which is capable of being stretched by the lung tissue during inhalation; and at least one anchor attached to the elastic member, the anchor being adapted to affix to lung tissue with the elastic member in a stretched condition to improve the elasticity of the lung.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the anchor is configured to be inserted into lung tissue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein: the elastic member includes a first end and a second end; and the at least one anchor includes a bio-compatible adhesive for adhering the first end and the second end of the elastic member to the lung tissue.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elastic member includes a plurality of elastic bands.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the elastic bands are continuous loops.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elastic member includes a patch of elastic material adhered to an exterior surface of the lung.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elastic member includes a coil spring.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein: the elastic member includes a first end and a second end; and the at least one anchor includes a first anchor secured to the first end and a second anchor secured to the second end of the elastic member, the anchors configured to be inserted into lung tissue and attach the coil spring to the lung issue.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
91 words
An apparatus for compressing lung tissue, the apparatus comprising: a bio-compatible elastic member having at least a first end and a second end, the elastic member having an elasticity which is capable of compressing at least a portion of lung tissue and maintaining the lung tissue in the compressed state during inhalation; and anchors located on the first end and the second end of the elastic member and being adapted to attach the elastic member to an exterior surface of the lung tissue with the elastic member in a stretched condition.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
91 words
An apparatus for compressing lung tissue, the apparatus comprising: a bio-compatible elastic member having at least a first end and a second end, the elastic member having an elasticity which is capable of compressing at least a portion of lung tissue and maintaining the lung tissue in the compressed state during inhalation; and anchors located on the first end and the second end of the elastic member and being adapted to attach the elastic member to an exterior surface of the lung tissue with the elastic member in a stretched condition.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the means for fixing includes at least one anchor configured to be inserted into lung tissue.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the means for fixing includes a bio-compatible adhesive for adhering the first end and the second end of the elastic member to the lung tissue.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the elastic member includes a patch of elastic material adhered to the exterior surface of the lung.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
93 words
An apparatus for restoring lung recoil ability in a lung, the apparatus comprising: a bio-compatible elastic member, the elastic member comprising a plurality of elastic bands formed as continuous loops and having an elasticity which is capable of compressing lung tissue when applied to a lung and which is capable of being stretched by the lung tissue during inhalation; and at least one anchor attached to the elastic member, the anchor being adapted to affix to lung tissue with the elastic member in a stretched condition to improve the elasticity of the lung.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
93 words
An apparatus for restoring lung recoil ability in a lung, the apparatus comprising: a bio-compatible elastic member, the elastic member comprising a plurality of elastic bands formed as continuous loops and having an elasticity which is capable of compressing lung tissue when applied to a lung and which is capable of being stretched by the lung tissue during inhalation; and at least one anchor attached to the elastic member, the anchor being adapted to affix to lung tissue with the elastic member in a stretched condition to improve the elasticity of the lung.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-02-03 | 2006-08-05 | 2007-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-02-03 | 2010-08-05 | 2011-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-02-03 | 2014-08-05 | 2015-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |