A lung volume reduction elastic implant (500) and a lung volume reduction instrument are provided. The lung volume reduction elastic implant (500) has an elastic deformation part (51), and a flexible guide (53, 53a) connected to the distal end of the elastic deformation part (51). The flexible guide (53, 53a) is provided with a first flexible part (531). The first flexible part (531) has an insert part (5312) and a distal part (5311). The insert part (5312) is connected to the distal end of the elastic deformation part (51). The distal end of the distal part (5311) of the first flexible part (531) is the distal end of the lung volume reduction elastic implant (500). The first flexible part (531) is internally provided with a radiograph component (56). The lung volume reduction elastic implant (500) and the lung volume reduction instrument use the implant (500) to provide a sufficient bending force while maintaining better flexibility, reducing the risk of bronchus contusion when the implant (500) is bent after the implant (500) is implanted into a bronchial tube, and enhancing the safety of lung volume reduction surgery.

The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices, including airway stents, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) processes for producing the same. Using certain materials and novel printing techniques, the present systems and methods can directly print nearly any size or shape medical device in a few hours. For example, in certain embodiments, the present systems and methods leverage fused deposition modeling (FDM) and polycarbonate urethane (PCU) to produce custom medical devices, including airway stents.

Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the diameter of an airway in a human or animal subject are disclosed. The device comprises a flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. Flexible sizing elements are disposed along and extend approximately orthogonally from the catheter body. The sizing elements have different heights from one another and are configured to fit through the working channel of a bronchoscope. Devices, systems, and methods for redirecting airflow through a lung airway are also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into the airway a catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an airway closing mechanism, and wherein the proximal end comprises an actuator to actuate the airway closing mechanism; and actuating the airway closing mechanism to at least partially close the airway.

Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region. An exemplary flow control device is configured to block fluid flow in the inspiratory direction and the expiratory direction at normal breathing pressures and allow fluid flow in the expiratory direction at higher than normal breathing pressures.

Embodiments relate to stents for supporting an airway or other duct or plenum. The stents can be rapidly customized and inserted into the airway, obviating the need for subsequent intubation or for invasive procedures.

An implantable artificial bronchus (IAB) is provided that is used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as pulmonary emphysema. The implantable artificial bronchus can be made with silicone or nitinol, and has a tapered cylindrical shape. Additional embodiments of this apparatus may be further associated with a one-way valve, on the nozzle of the IAB.

A stent assembly for insertion into an airway of a patient includes a stent defining an interior pathway along a length of the stent. The stent assembly includes a removal instrument for removal of the stent from the airway of the patient. The removal instrument is configured to cause a helical motion of the stent to remove the stent from the airway of the patient.

Devices, systems, and methods for improving airflow within an airway. One example embodiment includes a method for treating a subject. The method includes (1) placing an expandable object into one or more airways of the bronchial tree of the subject, (2) expanding the expandable object within at least one of the one or more airways such that at least a portion of a wall of the one or more airways is expanded, and (3) placing a stent in the airway such that a portion of the stent is adjacent to the portion of the wall of the one or more expanded airways.

Devices, methods, and systems are provided for occluding a collateral flow channel between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A video-assisted thoracoscopic device is inserted into a thoracic cavity of a patient and positioned at a fissure between a target lung compartment and an adjacent lung compartment. A collateral flow channel between the target lung compartment and the adjacent lung compartment is then identified using the video-assisted thoracoscopic device and an agent is injected into the collateral flow channel, thereby reducing the collateral flow channel.

Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region. An exemplary flow control device is configured to block fluid flow in the inspiratory direction and the expiratory direction at normal breathing pressures and allow fluid flow in the expiratory direction at coughing pressures.