Occlusion device

Abstract

An obturator for a bronchial tube or tubule of a human or animal lung comprises a blocking element ( 92 ) and a securing element ( 90 ). The blocking element serves to seal the tube or tubule against the passage of fluid past the obturator when the obturator is disposed in a bronchial tube or tubule. The securing element serves to retain the blocking element in position. The blocking element comprises a substantially cylindrical plug of biocompatible, resiliently deformable closed-cell foamed plastics material, such as PVC. The securing element comprises a stent having barbs ( 98 ) to engage and retain the blocking element. The stent also has anchors ( 100 ) to retain the stent in a bronchial tube or tubule. A method of treatment of emphysema or other lung conditions or diseases in human or animal patients comprises placing an obturator in a bronchial tube or tubule of the patient so as to seal the tube or tubule against the passage of fluid past the obturator.

1 . A method of treating a lung, comprising: 
 providing a flow control device, the flow control device comprising a frame adapted to self-expand from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration, the frame coupled to a membrane;    inserting the flow control device in a bronchial passageway such that the frame self-expands within the bronchial passageway and the membrane seals with a wall of the bronchial passageway so that the flow control element prohibits air from flowing past the flow control element in an inhalation direction within the bronchial passageway and also prohibits air from flowing past the flow control element in an exhalation direction within the bronchial passageway.    
   
   
       2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the flow control device has a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein a transverse dimension of the flow control device is greatest at a location in between the proximal end and the distal end.  
   
   
       3 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the flow control device has a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein a diameter of the flow control device at a location between the proximal and distal ends is greater than the diameters at the proximal end and at the distal end.  
   
   
       4 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the flow control device has a largest diameter at a location between proximal and distal ends of the flow control device.  
   
   
       5 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the flow control device undergoes an increase moving from a distal end of the flow control device toward a proximal end of the flow control device, and wherein the diameter also undergoes a decrease moving from the distal end toward the proximal end.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the membrane forms an air tight seal with a wall of the bronchial passageway.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flow control device self-expands in a manner such the flow control device has an enlarged diameter at a location between proximal and distal ends of the flow control device.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes at least one anchor and wherein the at least one anchor attaches to the wall of the bronchial passageway.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 inserting a delivery tube into the bronchial passageway, the delivery tube loaded with the flow control device; and    guiding the delivery tube to a location within the bronchial passageway prior to releasing the flow control element.