Methods for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

The methods and devices disclosed altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of individuals having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

We claim as our invention:  
     
         1 . A method of improving gaseous flow within a lung having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease comprising placing an implant in an airway of the lung to allow expired air to pass out of the lung tissue.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising locating at least one region within a portion of a natural airway of the respiratory system for altering gaseous flow.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , comprising creating at least one channel at a site in the region.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , comprising locating a region for altering gaseous flow prior to the step of locating.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the locating step includes 
 examining the lung using an imaging method selected from radiography, computer tomography, ultrasound, Doppler, and acoustic imaging to determine a location to alter the gaseous flow.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising delivering drugs to the airway.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of delivering steroids to the lung.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the conduit is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of elastomers, polymers, metals, metal alloys, shape memory alloys, and shape memory polymers.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the conduit is removable from the body.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising creating at least one channel within the lung.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the conduit is adapted to maintain the patency of the natural airway during constriction of the airway.