Devices, treatments and methods to restore tissue elastic recoil

Abstract

Pulmonary treatment devices, systems and methods of use are provided which take into account the vast tissue damage of advanced COPD sufferers and provide treatments designed specifically to treat the particularly compromised lung tissues that are present in these patients. These treatments reduce trapped air volume, tension lung tissue and enhance lung elastic recoil. In particular, a variety of embodiments of pulmonary treatment devices are provided. The devices are comprised of a shape memory material wherein the devices are able to be expanded under tension, and then are able to recoil back toward an original relaxed or resting shape as the devices are deployed into the tissue. This action causes the pulmonary treatment devices to corkscrew into damaged tissue, becoming sufficiently entwined to allow pulling of the tissue by retraction of the device. This in turn re-tensions the lung causing lung volume reduction.