US6527761B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Methods and devices for obstructing and aspirating lung tissue segments
Assignee: Pulmonx Corp
•
Filing: 2000-10-27
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Granted: 2003-03-04
•
Expires: 2020-10-27
Abstract
Abstract Methods, systems, devices and kits for performing lung volume reduction in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions using and comprising minimally invasive instruments introduced through the mouth (endotracheally) to isolate a target lung tissue segment from other regions of the lung and reduce lung volume. Isolation is achieved by deploying an obstructive device in a lung passageway leading to the target lung tissue segment. Once the obstructive device is anchored in place, the segment can be aspirated through the device. This may be achieved by a number of methods, including coupling an aspiration catheter to an inlet port on the obstruction device and aspirating through the port. Or, providing the port with a valve which allows outflow of gas from the isolated lung tissue segment during expiration of the respiratory cycle but prevents inflow of air during inspiration. In addition, a number of other methods may be used. The obstructive device may remain as an implant, to maintain isolation and optionally allow subsequent aspiration, or the device maybe removed at any time.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter P. Soltesz
- 👤 Robert Kotmel
- 👤 Tony Wondka
- 👤 Michael P. Reilly
- 👤 Wally S. Buch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/12; A61B17/12022; A61B17/12131; A61B17/12168; A61B17/12172; A61B17/12099; A61B17/12104; A61B17/12136; A61B17/12159; A61B17/12181; A61B17/1219; A61B2017/1205; A61B17/22; A61B2017/22051; A61B2017/22065; A61B2017/22067; A61B2017/22068
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 76
Claim 1
Independent Claim
39 words
A method for lung volume reduction, said method comprising: deploying an obstructive device in a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment; and aspirating the segment through the deployed obstructive device to at least partially collapse the lung segment.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
39 words
A method for lung volume reduction, said method comprising: deploying an obstructive device in a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment; and aspirating the segment through the deployed obstructive device to at least partially collapse the lung segment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein aspirating comprises coupling an aspiration catheter to the obstructive device and aspirating gas through the catheter from the segment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 2 , wherein the obstructive device comprises an inlet port, the aspiration catheter comprises an access tube and coupling comprises passing an access tube through the inlet port.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 3 , wherein the inlet port comprises a self-sealing septum and coupling comprises piercing the access tube through the septum.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 4 , wherein the septum comprises a solid membrane or a pre-cut membrane.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 2 , wherein the obstructive device comprises a valve and coupling comprises engaging the aspiration catheter to the valve, wherein aspiration opens the valve.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein aspirating comprises: advancing an aspiration catheter into the lung passageway toward the obstructive device, wherein the aspiration catheter has an occlusion balloon near its distal end; inflating the occlusion balloon to substantially occlude the lung passageway proximal to the obstructive device; and aspirating gas through the obstructive device and the catheter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 7 , wherein the obstructive device comprises a valve and aspirating opens the valve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 8 , wherein the valve comprises a port and engaging comprises sliding a coupling member or the aspiration catheter over the port to form a seal.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
35 words
A method as in any of claims 1 , 3 or 6 , wherein the obstructive device comprises a structural support and deploying comprises expanding the structural support so that it anchors in the passageway.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as in claim 10 , wherein the structural support comprises a self-expanding support and expanding comprises releasing the self-expanding support from constraint so that it expands and thereby anchors in the passageway.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 11 , wherein deploying further comprises inflating a balloon which expands the structural support.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as in claim 1 , further comprising positioning an access catheter in the lung passageway prior to deployment of the obstruction device, said access catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending therethrough.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as in claim 13 , wherein the access catheter has an occlusion balloon near its distal end and aspirating comprises: inflating the occlusion balloon to substantially occlude the lung passageway proximal to the obstructive device; and aspirating gas through the obstructive device and the catheter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 14 , wherein the access catheter provides optical imaging.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 14 , wherein the access catheter is steerable.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 14 , wherein the access catheter is positioned with the use of a guidewire.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 17 , wherein the guidewire provides imaging capabilities.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 1 , further comprising introducing a gas or liquid to the segment prior to aspiration.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 19 , wherein the gas comprises 100% oxygen, a Helium-Oxygen mixture or a low molecular weight gas.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as in claim 19 , wherein the liquid comprises perfluorocarbon or a drug.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for lung volume reduction, said method comprising deploying a unidirectional valve within a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment, wherein the valve opens during expiration to allow outflow of gas from the lung segment and the valve closes during inspiration to prevent inflow of gas to the lung segment.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for lung volume reduction, said method comprising deploying a unidirectional valve within a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment, wherein the valve opens during expiration to allow outflow of gas from the lung segment and the valve closes during inspiration to prevent inflow of gas to the lung segment.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 22 , wherein the unidirectional valve comprises a port covered by a flexible layer which is attached to the port by at least one point of connection.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 23 , wherein at least a portion of the flexible layer moves away from the port during expiration to allow outflow of gas through the port and moves against the port during inspiration to prevent inflow of gas through the port.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 24 , wherein the flexible layer is solid and outflow of gas through the port during expiration flows between the points of connection and around the edges of the flexible layer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
77 words
A method as in claim 24 , wherein the flexible layer has holes and the port further comprises a partition having holes which are not aligned with the layer holes so that at least a portion of the flexible layer moves away from the partition during expiration to allow outflow of gas through the partition holes and the layer holes and the layer moves against the partition during inspiration to prevent inflow of gas through the holes.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as in claim 26 , further comprising positioning an access catheter in the lung passageway prior to deployment of the obstructive device, said access catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending therethrough.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 27 , wherein the access catheter provides optical imaging.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 27 , wherein the access catheter is steerable.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 27 , wherein the access catheter is positioned with the use of a guidewire.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 30 , wherein the guidewire provides imaging capabilities.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
26 words
A method for lung volume reduction, said method comprising: accessing a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment; and deploying a blockage device in the passageway.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
26 words
A method for lung volume reduction, said method comprising: accessing a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment; and deploying a blockage device in the passageway.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 32 , wherein the blockage device comprises a structural support and a sack.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 33 , wherein the structural support comprises a coil or mesh.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 33 , wherein the structural support is connected to the sack.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 33 , wherein the structural support is encased in the sack.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 32 , wherein the blockage device comprises an inflatable member and further comprising inflating the inflatable member.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as in claim 37 , wherein the inflatable member comprises a multi-layer balloon having an outer layer and an inner layer and inflation comprises injecting a first material within the inner layer.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 38 , further comprising injecting a second material in an area between the inner and outer layers.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as in claim 39 , wherein the outer layer has openings and injection of the second material provides flow of the second material through the openings.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 32 , wherein accessing a lung passageway comprises positioning a catheter in the lung passageway.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as in claim 41 , wherein the catheter is an access catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending therethrough.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 42 , wherein the access catheter provides optical imaging.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 41 , wherein the access catheter is steerable.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 41 , wherein the access catheter is positioned with the use of a guidewire.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as in claim 45 , wherein the guidewire provides imaging capabilities.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 32 , further comprising introducing 100% oxygen, Helium-Oxygen mixture or low molecular weight gas to the segment prior to deploying the blockage device in the passageway.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
46 words
A device for obstructing and bleeding gas from a lung tissue segment, said device comprising: an expandable structure which is deployable within a lung passageway; and means for the expandable structure for blocking airflow in one direction therethrough and permitting airflow in the other direction therethrough.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
46 words
A device for obstructing and bleeding gas from a lung tissue segment, said device comprising: an expandable structure which is deployable within a lung passageway; and means for the expandable structure for blocking airflow in one direction therethrough and permitting airflow in the other direction therethrough.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device as in claim 48 , wherein the blocking means comprises a valve.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device as in claim 49 , wherein the valve is biased to open in response to expiration and remain closed in response to inspiration.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device as in claim 49 , wherein the valve is biased to open in response to an aspiration vacuum applied by an aspiration catheter.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device as in claim 51 , further comprising a port for selectively coupling to an aspiration catheter.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device as in claim 48 , wherein the blocking means comprises a self-sealing septum, wherein a penetrating element on an aspiration catheter can be selectively penetrated through the septum to draw air therethrough.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device as in claim 48 , wherein the expandable structure comprises superelastic, shape-memory or spring tempered wire so that the expandable structure is self-expanding.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device as in claim 54 , wherein the expandable structure comprises a coil.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device as in claim 54 , wherein the expandable structure comprises radial segments which allow the device to expand and longitudinal segments which rest against the lung passageway.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
66 words
A system for obstructing a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment, said system comprising: an access catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending therethrough, and an obstruction device deployable within the lung passageway having an inlet port adapted for aspirating the lung tissue segment through the inlet port, wherein the obstruction device is introduceable by the access catheter.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
66 words
A system for obstructing a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment, said system comprising: an access catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending therethrough, and an obstruction device deployable within the lung passageway having an inlet port adapted for aspirating the lung tissue segment through the inlet port, wherein the obstruction device is introduceable by the access catheter.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as in claim 57 , wherein the obstruction device is houseable within a lumen of the access catheter for deployment out of its distal end.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as in claim 57 , wherein the obstruction device is mountable on the access catheter near its distal end.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
54 words
A kit comprising: an obstruction device deployable within a lung passageway; and instructions for use according to a method of lung volume reduction comprising: deploying an obstructive device in a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment; and aspirating the segment through the deployed obstructive device to at least partially collapse the lung segment.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
54 words
A kit comprising: an obstruction device deployable within a lung passageway; and instructions for use according to a method of lung volume reduction comprising: deploying an obstructive device in a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment; and aspirating the segment through the deployed obstructive device to at least partially collapse the lung segment.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
26 words
A kit as in claim 60 , further comprising an access catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending therethrough.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
A kit as in claim 61 , wherein the access catheter provides optical imaging.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
11 words
A kit as in claim 60 , further comprising a guidewire.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
13 words
A kit as in claim 63 , wherein the guidewire provides optical imaging.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
12 words
A kit as in claim 60 , further comprising an access tube.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
12 words
A kit as in claim 60 , further comprising an aspiration catheter.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
67 words
A kit comprising: an obstruction device deployable within the lung passageway; and instructions for use according to a method of lung volume reduction comprising deploying a unidirectional valve within a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment, wherein the valve opens during expiration to allow outflow of gas from the lung segment and the valve closes during inspiration to prevent inflow of gas to the lung segment.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
67 words
A kit comprising: an obstruction device deployable within the lung passageway; and instructions for use according to a method of lung volume reduction comprising deploying a unidirectional valve within a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment, wherein the valve opens during expiration to allow outflow of gas from the lung segment and the valve closes during inspiration to prevent inflow of gas to the lung segment.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
41 words
A kit comprising: an obstruction device deployable within the lung passageway; and instructions for use according to a method of lung volume reduction comprising: accessing a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment; and deploying a blockage device in the passageway.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
41 words
A kit comprising: an obstruction device deployable within the lung passageway; and instructions for use according to a method of lung volume reduction comprising: accessing a lung passageway to a lung tissue segment; and deploying a blockage device in the passageway.
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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) | 2006-03-03 | 2006-09-02 | 2007-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-03-03 | 2010-09-02 | 2011-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-03-03 | 2014-09-02 | 2015-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |