A ZEOLITE USED IN PLEURODESIS

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of a zeolite as a chemical agent with additional cytotoxic effects used in pleurodesis in the cases of liquid accumulation (pleural effusion) or air accumulation (pneumothorax) in the pleural cavity of lungs.

Claims

1. A method of performing pleurodesis procedures performed in cases of pneumothorax and/or pleural effusion, comprising utilizing a type of zeolite as a chemical agent.

2. A method of performing pleurodesis procedures in pleural effusions and/or pneumothorax secondary to lung cancer, comprising utilizing a type of zeolite as a pleurodesis chemical agent and a cytotoxic agent, wherein the zeolite is in a form of hydrated aluminum silicate.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising introducing the type of zeolite into a pleural cavity using a catheter, wherein the type of zeolite is in suspension form.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising introducing the type of zeolite into a pleural cavity using aerosol tubes, wherein the type of zeolite is in powdered form.

5. The method of claim 2, further comprising introducing the type of zeolite into a pleural cavity using a catheter, wherein the type of zeolite is in suspension form.

6. The method of claim 2, further comprising introducing the type of zeolite into a pleural cavity using aerosol tubes, wherein the type of zeolite is in powdered form.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The present invention relates to the use of a zeolite as a chemical agent in pleurodesis procedures performed in pneumothorax and/or pleural effusions. In order to realize the aim of the present invention, synthetic zeolite (zeolite X and zeolite Y) and/or natural zeolite (clinoptilite) may be used.

[0009] Due to its cytotoxic effect, zeolite also kills cancer cells in the site of administration in lung cancer cases. Thus, it has a dual effect as both a pleurodesis chemical agent and cytotoxic agent in the treatment of pleural effusions and/or pneumothorax secondary to lung cancer, as well as in the treatment of lung cancer itself. The chemical composition of the relevant zeolite, which is of mineral origin, is hydrated aluminum silicate.

[0010] The preferred embodiment of the invention is to introduce the powdered zeolite suspension into the pleural cavity through a catheter. Most preferably, the diameter of a powdered zeolite particle is approximately 20 micrometers.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the powdered zeolite material is sprayed into the pleural cavity through aerosol tubes during pleurodesis.