Bronchial flow control devices and methods of use

Abstract

Methods and systems for lung volume reduction of a patient are described. The methods include implanting a flow control device in a bronchial passageway of the lung. The flow control device regulates fluid flow through the bronchial passageway and includes a valve protector that at least partially surrounds a valve member. The valve protector has sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the valve member against compression.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for deploying a flow control device in a bronchial passageway to regulate airflow to a targeted lung region, the method comprising:
 identifying the targeted lung region;   determining a target location for deploying the flow control device in a bronchial passageway leading to the targeted lung region;   approximating an inner diameter of the bronchial passageway at the target location;   selecting an appropriately sized flow control device for deploying in the bronchial passageway, based on the approximated inner diameter;   loading the selected flow control device into a delivery catheter;   advancing the delivery catheter into the bronchial passageway to position the flow control device at the target location;   deploying the flow control device out of the delivery catheter at the target location, wherein upon deployment the flow control device expands to form a seal with an inner wall of the bronchial passageway; and   removing the delivery catheter.   
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein the identifying and determining steps are performed by evaluating a CT scan. 
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein approximating the inner diameter is performed using a bronchial passageway measurement device. 
     
     
         5 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein approximating the inner diameter comprises evaluating a CT scan including the bronchial passageway. 
     
     
         6 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein approximating the inner diameter comprises viewing the bronchial passageway using a bronchoscope. 
     
     
         7 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein advancing the delivery catheter comprises advancing the catheter through a bronchoscope. 
     
     
         8 . A method as in  claim 2 , further comprising repeating at least some of the steps to deploy at least one additional flow control device in at least one additional bronchial passageway. 
     
     
         9 . A method as in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one additional bronchial passageway leads to the targeted lung region. 
     
     
         10 . A method as in  claim 8 , wherein the at least one additional bronchial passageway leads to an additional targeted lung region. 
     
     
         11 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein the targeted lung region comprises a lobe of a lung. 
     
     
         12 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein the targeted lung region comprises a segment of a lung.