System and method for pulmonary treatment

Abstract

Devices and methods for treating one or more pulmonary diseases while avoiding or minimizing injury to the esophagus and branches of the vagus nerve that run along the outside of the esophagus. The device includes at least one energy delivery element disposed on an elongate member and a means for protecting the esophagus and surrounding tissues, such as esophageal branches of the vagus nerve, during treatment. The energy delivery element is positionable to target at least one nerve in or around the tracheal wall when the elongate member is positioned in the trachea. Energy from the energy delivery element is delivered to the at least one nerve to treat pulmonary symptoms, conditions, and/or diseases, such as asthma, COPD, obstructive lung diseases, or other pulmonary diseases, while the protection means protects the esophagus and surrounding tissues from permanent damage.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating one or more pulmonary diseases while minimizing or preventing damage to an esophagus and esophageal branches of the vagus nerve of a patient, the method comprising:
 inserting an elongate member through at least a portion of a trachea;   positioning an energy delivery element coupled to the elongate member proximate a treatment site in or along an airway;   delivering energy from an active portion of the energy delivery element to the treatment site while protecting the esophagus and esophageal branches of the vagus nerve with minimal or no permanent damage to the esophagus and/or surrounding tissue.