Methods and devices for inducing collapse in lung regions fed by collateral pathways

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and devices for treating a patient's lung region. A catheter is deployed into the lung. The catheter is used to apply heat to a targeted lung region wherein the heat affects fluid flow within the targeted lung region.

1 . A method of treating a patient's lung region, comprising: 
 deploying a catheter into a lung;    using the catheter to apply heat to a targeted lung region wherein the heat affects fluid flow within the targeted lung region.    
   
   
       2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the heat reduces or terminates fluid flow within the targeted lung region.  
   
   
       3 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the heat generates a reaction in tissue of the targeted lung region that results in a reduction or prevention of fluid flow within the targeted lung region.  
   
   
       4 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the heat seals portions of the lung together.  
   
   
       5 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the heat scleroses lung tissue within the targeted lung region  
   
   
       6 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the heat promotes fibrosis in or around the targeted lung region  
   
   
       7 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the heat creates an inflammatory response in the targeted lung region.  
   
   
       8 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the heat affects fluid flow by reducing or preventing collateral fluid flow into the targeted lung region.  
   
   
       9 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein deploying a catheter into a lung comprises deploying a catheter through a bronchial tree into the targeted lung region such that a distal end of the catheter is positioned near the targeted lung region.  
   
   
       10 . A method as in  claim 9 , wherein the heat is applied via the distal end of the delivery catheter.