Pulmonx Corporation

Cytyc Corporation

Robert Kotmel

Peter P Soltesz

Rodney A Perkins

Anthony D Wondka

Rodney C Perkins

Russel Mahlon Sampson

Estela Hilario

Wally S Buch

Nadia Matov

J Brook Burley

Tony Wondka

Thomas Crowder

Michael P Reilly

Scott Dennis Taylor

Hiep L Nguyen

Jeffrey Lee

The present invention provides systems, methods, devices and kits for assessing the level of pulmonary disease in individual lung compartments. A lung compartment comprises a subportion of a lung, such as a lobe, a segment or a subsegment, for example. By measuring individual lung compartments, the level of disease of the pulmonary system may be more precisely defined by determining values of disease parameters reflective of individual subportions or compartments of a lung. Likewise, compartments may be separately imaged to provide further measurement information. Once individual compartments are characterized, they may be compared and ranked based on a number of variables reflecting, for example, level of disease or need for treatment. Such comparison may be aided by simultaneous display of such variables or images on a visual display. Further, the same tests may be performed on the lung as a whole or on both lungs and to determine the affect of the diseased lung compartments on the overall lung performance. In addition, the diseased lung compartments may be temporarily isolated and the measurement tests performed to determine the affect of the isolation on overall lung performance. As a result, the most beneficial treatment options may be selected.

Method and apparatus for endobronchial diagnosis

Methods, systems and devices are provided 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 and occluding various lung passageways with the use of occlusal stents. The occlusal stents are delivered with the use of an occlusal stent delivery system which is loaded with the occlusal stent with the use of an occlusal stent loading system.

Pulmonary occlusal stent delivery catheter, loading system and methods of use

A method for tissue ablation is described. An RF applicator including an electrode carrier with one or more bipolar electrodes thereon is positioned at a target tissue site for tissue ablation. A current at an initial current level is passed through the one or more bipolar electrodes to the target tissue site to apply an initial power density to destroy tissue for an initial time period. A vacuum source in fluid communication with the RF applicator is employed to remove moisture generated during ablation away from the target tissue site. After the initial time period, the power density is ramped up by increasing the current passed through the one or more bipolar electrodes to the target tissue site for a second time period.

Power ramping during RF ablation

A uterine cavity length measuring device includes a first elongate member including a lumen and a plurality of apertures extending between the lumen and an exterior surface of the first elongate member, and a second elongate member including a lumen, and at least one aperture located at a distal end extending from the lumen of the second elongate member to an exterior surface, where the second elongate member is positioned within and is configured to move within the lumen of the first elongate member and where the first elongate member and second elongate member provide a fluid path from a proximal end of the lumen in the second elongate member, through the lumen in the second elongate member to the at least one aperture located at the distal end of the second elongate member and to at least one of the plurality of apertures in the first elongate member.

Uterine cavity length measurement

Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.

Methods, systems, and kits for lung volume reduction

Method and apparatus for uterine cavity length measurement

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.

Methods and devices for obstructing and aspirating lung tissue segments

Methods systems and kits for lung volume reduction

Apparatus, methods, and kits, are provided for use in combination with a conventional bronchoscope or other lung viewing scope. In particular, sheaths having an inflatable cuff at their distal end are provided to receive a viewing scope through a lumen thereof. The sheaths thus provide an inflatable cuff on a viewing scope assembly so that the scope can be used in procedures which require selective isolation of regions of a patient's lungs. In particular embodiments, the sheaths may include stop elements for properly positioning a viewing scope therein, pressure transducers for providing accurate lung pressure information during procedures, and the like. Methods for using and forming sheaths having inflatable cuffs are also described.

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Burlingame, CA, United States of America

Robert Kotmel