Bronchial flow control devices and methods of use

Abstract

A flow control device includes a sealing component that can be positioned within a bronchial lumen. The sealing component can comprise two or more overlapping segments that are movable relative to one another such that the segments collectively form a seal that can expand and contract in size to fit within and seal bronchial lumens of various sizes.

1 . A flow control device for placement in a bronchial passageway comprising: 
 a frame configured to move between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, the frame comprising a plurality of struts, the struts being fixed at a distal hub and a proximal hub of the frame, wherein the struts are biased outward and self-expand when unimpeded, and wherein the struts of the frame form a tube shape when the frame is in the contracted configuration, and when in the expanded configuration the struts of the frame expand between the distal and proximal hubs to an outward diameter such that the diameter of the frame at the hubs is tapered compared to the diameter of the frame between the hubs thereby forming a seal with the bronchial passageway.    
   
   
       2 . The flow control device of  claim 1 , wherein a membrane is draped over the struts such that the membrane seals against the bronchial passageway when the frame is in the expanded configuration.  
   
   
       3 . The flow control device of  claim 1 , wherein expansion of the struts reaches an outwardmost diameter midway between the distal and proximal hubs.  
   
   
       4 . The flow control device of  claim 1 , further comprising a retainer element protruding laterally from the frame to prevent migration of the flow control device in the bronchial passageway.  
   
   
       5 . The flow control device of  claim 1 , wherein the struts are curved.  
   
   
       6 . A flow control device for placement in a bronchial passageway comprising: 
 a frame comprising a plurality of struts having distal ends coupled to a distal hub and proximal ends connected to a proximal hub, the struts being outwardly expanded therebetween, wherein the frame urges a membrane into engagement with a wall of the bronchial passageway to form a seal therewith.    
   
   
       7 . The flow control device of  claim 6 , wherein a membrane is draped over the struts such that the membrane seals against the wall of the bronchial passageway when the struts are outwardly expanded.  
   
   
       8 . The flow control device of  claim 6 , wherein expansion of the struts reaches an outwardmost diameter midway between the distal and proximal hubs.  
   
   
       9 . The flow control device of  claim 6 , further comprising a retainer element protruding laterally from the frame to prevent migration of the flow control device in the bronchial passageway.  
   
   
       10 . The flow control device of  claim 6 , wherein the struts are curved.