Methods and devices for use in performing pulmonary procedures

Abstract

An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient's lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for controlling air flow in a pulmonary passageway, comprising: 
 a body;    a one-way valve coupled to the body, the valve configured to prevent air from entering an isolated portion of the patient's lung but permitting expiratory air to pass through the valve, wherein the valve opens upon a pressure differential of no more than 10 inch water.    
     
     
         2 . A device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the valve opens upon a pressure differential of no more than 5 inch water.  
     
     
         3 . A device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the valve opens upon a pressure differential of no more than 1 inch water.  
     
     
         4 . A device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the body has a sealing portion which seals against the wall of the pulmonary passageway.  
     
     
         5 . A device as defined in  claim 4 , wherein the sealing portion is deflectable to permit the passage of air in an expiratory direction.  
     
     
         6 . A device as defined in  claim 4 , wherein the sealing portion is a ring.  
     
     
         7 . A device as defined in  claim 4 , wherein the sealing portion is made of a resilient material.  
     
     
         8 . A device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the body includes an expandable support structure.  
     
     
         9 . A device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the body is made of an elastomeric material.  
     
     
         10 . A device as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the body covers only part of the expandable support structure.  
     
     
         11 . A device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the valve is integrally formed with the body.  
     
     
         12 . A device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the valve has a first lip and a second lip, the first and second lips engaging one another when the valve is in a closed position, and wherein the first and second lips form a duckbill valve.  
     
     
         13 . A device for controlling air flow in a pulmonary passageway, comprising: 
 a body;    a one-way valve coupled to the body, the valve configured to prevent air from entering an isolated portion of the patient's lung but permitting expiratory air to pass through the valve, wherein a pressure differential of 10 inch water or less opens the valve.    
     
     
         14 . A device as defined in  claim 13 , wherein a pressure differential of 5 inch water or less opens the valve.  
     
     
         15 . A device as defined in  claim 13 , wherein a pressure differential of 1 inch water or less opens the valve.  
     
     
         16 . A device as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the body has a sealing portion which seals against the wall of the pulmonary passageway.  
     
     
         17 . A device as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the sealing portion is deflectable to permit the passage of air in an expiratory direction.  
     
     
         18 . A device as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the sealing portion is a ring.  
     
     
         19 . A device as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the sealing portion is made of a resilient material.  
     
     
         20 . A device as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the body includes an expandable support structure.  
     
     
         21 . A device as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the body is made of an elastomeric material.  
     
     
         22 . A device as defined in  claim 20 , wherein the body covers only part of the expandable support structure.  
     
     
         23 . A device as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the valve is integrally formed with the body.  
     
     
         24 . A device as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the valve has a first lip and a second lip, the first and second lips engaging one another when the valve is in a closed position, and wherein the first and second lips form a duckbill valve.