Methods of 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.

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.