Methods and devices for obstructing and aspirating lung tissue segments

Abstract

The present invention provides improved methods, systems, devices and kits for performing lung volume reduction in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions where isolation of a lung segment or reduction of lung volume is desired. The methods are minimally invasive with instruments being introduced through the mouth (endotracheally) and rely on isolating the target lung tissue segment from other regions of the lung. 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 may be removed at any time.

1 . 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 to at least partially collapse the lung segment, wherein the obstructive device is removable.    
   
   
       2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the device is removable by collapsing the structure.  
   
   
       3 . A method as in  claim 1 , further comprising collapsing the obstructive device and removing the device.  
   
   
       4 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the device biodegrades in the lung over time.  
   
   
       5 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the obstructive device is coated.  
   
   
       6 . A method as in  claim 5 , wherein the obstructive device is coated with an antibiotic.  
   
   
       7 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the device is impregnated with an adhesive.  
   
   
       8 . 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.  
   
   
       9 . A method as in  claim 8 , 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.  
   
   
       10 . 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 to at least partially collapse the lung segment, wherein the obstructive device is biodegradable when left in place in the lung.    
   
   
       11 . A method as in  claim 10 , wherein the device is removable.  
   
   
       12 . A method as in  claim 10 , wherein the device is coated.  
   
   
       13 . A method as in  claim 12 , wherein the device is coated with an antibiotic.  
   
   
       14 . A method as in  claim 10 , wherein the device is impregnated with an adhesive.  
   
   
       15 . A method as in  claim 10 , wherein aspirating comprises coupling an aspiration catheter to the obstructive device and aspirating gas through the catheter from the segment.  
   
   
       16 . A method as in  claim 15 , 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.  
   
   
       17 . 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 to at least partially collapse the lung segment, wherein the obstructive device is coated and/or impregnated with a material.    
   
   
       18 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein the obstructive device is coated with an antibiotic.  
   
   
       19 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein the obstructive device is impregnated with an adhesive.  
   
   
       20 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein the device is removable by collapsing.  
   
   
       21 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein the device is biodegradable.  
   
   
       22 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein aspirating comprises coupling an aspiration catheter to the obstructive device and aspirating gas through the catheter from the segment.  
   
   
       23 . A method as in  claim 22 , 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.