Method of treating airways in the lung

Abstract

A device and method for treating bodily conduits involves the application of energy to the smooth muscle tissue of the conduit walls to reduce the bulk of smooth muscle tissue and mucus glands. The irradiation treatment of the smooth muscle tissue causes a reduction in the amount of smooth muscle tissue over time which increases the inner diameter of the body conduit for improved fluid flow and prevents smooth muscle spasms. The treatment is particularly useful in the lungs for treatment of asthma to prevent bronchospasms, increase the airway diameter for improved air exchange, and reduce mucus secretions in the lungs.

1 . A method of treating asthma, comprising: 
 selecting an airway for treatment;    irradiating a length of the airway with a light source having a wavelength and intensity which causes a change in cells of the airway.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , where the change in cells occurs in smooth muscle cells.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , where the change in cells occurs in mucus gland cells.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , where the wavelength of the light source is about 240 nm to about 280 nm.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , where the wavelength of the light source is in the red visible range.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , where the light source is selected from the group consisting of a infrared source, a visible source, and an ultraviolet source.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising moving the light source along the airway.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , where irradiating the length of the airway with the light source prevents bronchospasms.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , where the change in cells comprises preventing the cells from replicating.  
   
   
       10 . A method of controlling mucus within a lung, comprising: 
 selecting an airway for treatment;    irradiating a length of the airway with a light source having a wavelength and intensity which causes a change in cells of the airway.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , where the change in cells occurs in mucus gland cells.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , where the wavelength of the light source is about 240 nm to about 280 nm.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , where the wavelength of the light source is in the red visible range.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 10 , where the light source is selected from the group consisting of a infrared source, a visible source, and an ultraviolet source.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising moving the light source along the airway.